New member who desperately needs help!
06-07-2012, 06:01 AM
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,904
Hi everyone, I'm a new member to this forum, dutch by nationality but living in Italy where quilting is not very widespread as a hobby (therapy?) and so it's very hard to come across reliable info. I am a beginner (so far I made 8 quilts, mostly handquilting them as my singer cannot deal with bulk) about to buy a new machine and I also do some garment sewing for my one year old from time to time. I was evaluating the Janome 4120 QDC and the MC 5200. Although the latter is no longer being distributed in Italy and I can't seem to find out why. They did tell me however that they could find one for me if needed. I cannot test the machines as we have exactly 1 dealer where I live, who can order me a Janome but does not have them in store :-( They did mention the Pfaff quilt expression 4.0, but again, no way to test it. Did anyone ever test these machines or own one or more of them? Any help to point me in the right direction is welcome!!
06-07-2012, 06:06 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: South Central Missouri
Posts: 333
Welcome from Missouri, USA. Pfaff's for sewing garments and piecing are wonderful machines. I've been using the 7550 for the last 20 years. I hear the newer Pfaff's are not as well made as the older models. If you buy a computerized machines will you be able to get service where you live? I am looking at the Juki TL2012QI to try my hand at FMQ. I don't want to ruin my Pfaff trying to do a lot of quilting on it. The Juki's have a larger harp to handle doing large quilts. But they are straight stitch only machines. The Juki's are highly recommended by some of the books I am studying on FMQ. They are mechanical all medal machines but I've not been able to see one in person yet. One dealer in Springfield, MO will be handling them but don't have any in stock right now. Personally I would consider one machine for your garment sewing and one for quilting. Also a hint passed on by Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville is to use 3M repositional restickable strips to create a 1/4 in sewing guide for piecing. She says they don't leave a residue and will not harm computerized machines. Good luck with whatever you decide.
06-07-2012, 06:07 AM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
Posts: 1,329
I absolutely love my Quilt Expression! I've never sewn on a Janome so can't talk about it, but the Quilt Expression is the best investment I ever made. Actually it's the second one - the second Pfaff that is. I went through a lot of cheap machines before I invested in Pfaff, and I tried most of the others before I bought the Quilt Expression. This is one place where you definitely get what you pay for. Great quality in addition to great features. I have a Brother machine which has many of the same features, but isn't anywhere near the quality of the Pfaff. I only use the Brother for quick mending jobs when the Pfaff is tied up on a project.
06-07-2012, 06:30 AM
#34
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
I would buy the Pfaff in a heartbeat. Have used them for years and they are workhorses that go over multiple seams without a pause. First company to have the built-in top feeddogs. This is a gizmo that slips into the back of most of the feet that keeps the top fabric layer feeding at the same speed as the bottom. Makes a huge difference. And best of all, you're not aware it is in place so it doesn't interfere with visibility.
SandyQuilter
SandyQuilter
06-07-2012, 06:39 AM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
I have owned a Janome 10000 for over 10 years, and I love it, I have never tried the 4120 QDC. Overall, I think the Janome's are quiet and have less vibration then most of the others, but I think that you need to test drive the machine you buy, and also test drive the new machine in the store where you purchase it before you bring it home.
I want to welcome you to QB, you will find that all stages of quilters are open to share their ideas, suggestions and humor. Welcome to QB.
I want to welcome you to QB, you will find that all stages of quilters are open to share their ideas, suggestions and humor. Welcome to QB.
06-07-2012, 07:00 AM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,410
My machines are BERNINA 1630 and SINGER 301A, which I love.....so cannot advise on other sewing machines but as someone else mentioned you are really going to need the additional throat plate (one hole rather than zig-zag/embroidery slot) if you are sewing clothing for your daughter....and then there are bound to be doll clothes to sew also.....so much fun........you have a great time ahead of you, so glad you are on this quilting board...give a hug to your little girl from all of us.........she will someday soon want to sew also
06-07-2012, 07:33 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 432
i bought my Pfaff Quilt Expression 4 in Germany 4 years ago. i love it. The harp ( space between needle and the body of the machine is big enough to do machine quilting on. i did a double bed size quilt on it without a lot of trouble. For me, the deciding factor was that, at that time, the Quilt 4's sold in Europe were still manufactured in Europe. i don't have problems with the quilting foot. Has plenty of nice stitches on it for decorative work on garments which is fun when doing small child clothes. button hole settings are ample and work nicely once you figure out the instructions.
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