back to square one with machine purchase
 

Went to Janome dealer this am and test-drove the 6600. It was ok. Has a lot of bells and whistles that I will most likely not use. And the dealer wouldn't budge from the 1600 price. I need to replace my Bernina 930. May go back to the Bernina dealer to explore other options. My budget is $1000.....fancy stitches are not required. Any advice on where to start??? I didn't really care for the Bernina dealer when I stopped by a few months ago-she just pushed the $4000 QE, and I made it perfectly clear it was out of my budget. Unfortunately,only one dealer in this area.............sigh.

Do you have a Brother dealer? I found they had some excellent machines, and they seemed more affordable than Janome and Bernina.

Hey....Unless you're really concerned about service under the warranty, you can order a machine online. Then if you DO need service, you will have to take it to, or ship it to, a dealer. But...most of the time, if you follow the cleaning/oiling schedule, few modern machines have to go in for problems. Hope this helps a little...

I've had my Viking Rose since 1999 and it's still a great machine. All metal, heavy, it'll stay with you stitch after stitch. Walking foot works great. Bobbin drops in without taking the project out. Check one out.

If you don't need a fancy machine how about a vintage Singer like the 301 or a 15-91? These old girls are still around because they are made like tanks and will sew through anything. I have had several through my lifetime as family members have left them to me. Both models have the ability to do drop the feed dogs so you can do FMQ and they can be found for right around $100.00 more or less if you get lucky. The great part is they can be serviced by the owner with little effort. Then you have money left for other things. I wouldn't give you a nickel for any Singer built from about 1968 up to the present but the older ones are still workhorses. Ann in TN

I have a great Brother PC420 Project Runway-got it on-line at Amazon for $450.00 last year (NO sales tax and NO shipping!). It has optional knee-lift, needle up/down option, auto thread cutter option, comes with several extra feet that other machines make you pay extra for, and a bit larger than normal throat. Granted, it has tons of stitches I will never use, but all the important ones I wanted are there, and she runs perfectly. For the money, I think it is a GREAT machine!! My previous machine was a Brother as well, though not so fancy, and I never had any trouble with her. I only sold her because it was 240 V (I lived over seas and bought it in Australia), and now live in the U.S. so had to replace her. Look into them, for the money, you can't go wrong.

I miht add also, I bought the extension table for it, and the knee-lift lever stores under it! I also found it arrived quickly and in tact-YEA Amazon!

Last Nov. I puchased a Juki TL2010Q. It is awesome! It is a high speed straight-stitch only machine. I made out 10 rag quilts and 2 twin sized quilts for Christmas. There is no way I could have done that, in such a short amount of time, without this machine. Alot of my research I did on this message board to help me make my decision to purchase the Juki. I did not want a computerized machine with hundreds of stitches that I would never use. I bought it for $899. I would highly recommend it!

I had been researching the same thing. I wasn't overly impressed with the 6600, did have a Viking Sapphire turn my head - but I already have a machine that has over 200 decorative stitches that I never use. I really considered what it was I was needing. For me the answer was a larger harp space and great straight stitch. Juki and Brother owners seem to love their straight stitch machines, by and large. I am going to go with the Brother PQ1500s. I was able to test drive one at a local dealer. However, their price is at least $300 above, depending on if they are running a sale or not, than what I can find online (both Amazon and AllBrands sell this same machine). I have searched the threads and the vast majority of people who have bought from AllBrands are very happy with their purchases and service. I like Amazon, but last I checked, their price was a little higher than AllBrands as well. I am also happy that the machine will be so straight forward, there really isn't a lot to go wrong with it. I anticipate it serving me well for many years! Price online from AllBrands - $599 plus free shipping, no tax.

Good luck in your search!

Have you considered a pfaff? There are some close to your budget and the IDT foot is great.

The Bernina 330, 350, and 380 might be possibilities.

I do agree with ncredbird about the older machines, but if you HAVE to have a new machine, I would check out some dealers, that might have higher end trade-ins that normally would be over your budget. I paid $ 990 for my big Elna, I absolutely love it, It has l knee-lift, needle up/down option, auto thread cutter option, comes with several extra feet that other machines make you pay extra for, and a larger than normal throat.

What is wrong with the bernina you have? Is it a computer machine or a mechanical?

I love my 15-91.... i am glad that has already been mentioned. If i had to buy new or higher end used a mechanical bernina would be my choice. I am sorry the dealer annoyed you. Can you just call them and ask about the availibillity of a new/used mechanical bernina? Over the phone, the dealer will have much less info to work with an no "captive audience". I doubt the upsell would be atempted, but if it is you just repeat your question.

Last year I bought a Janome 6300. It's similar to the 6600 but without the built in walking foot and the push button sewing. It has the wide throat and is a nice running machine. It was right around $1,000

Love my Vikings, I have two and a serger. No problems with either of them for 20+ yrs. All price ranges and you can get a very nice one for under 1000.

If you have a Bernina then you may not be happy with any other brand of sewing machine. This is just my opinion. I have a Bernina. Also have a Janome, a Pfaff, a Juki, a Brother and a White. Bernina is hard to beat.

I have an old Bernina I picked up cheap at a garage sale. Hardly used. I also have an old Memory Craft 4000 which is a low end Janome which I love. Honestly I believe the Bernina is the better machine but I am used to my MC 4000 and have all the feet. Bernina feet can make you go broke! My advice (since you already have all the feet) is to find a used Bernina and then pay to have it tuned up immediately. Most people forget to service their machines and it will likely service you for a long time.

Today, our Quilt Guild had a sewing day. One of the members there showed me her new machine she just got. It was a Babylock Elizabeth. I asked her if that was a new one in the Babylock line--as I hadn't heard of that one. She said it was a lower priced machine of Babylock and she likes it because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles and she didn't want to spend alot. She said she really likes it. I know she is very economical so I'm sure she did not pay any where close to $1000 for it--but I do not know what she paid for it. Might be worth checking in to the Babylock machines. My sister in law has one and loves it.

My Sapphire is a keeper. It has every thing I need and more. It has a 10 in throat and needle down, both are necessities for me. I love the auto foot lift especialy when using needle down since it pops us just a little so you can turn your fabric.
I also have a Baby Lock Jane on a frame for quilting. Dont like this primitive machine but had to have a strait stitch in order to get a stitch regulator. Am saving up for a long arm since this machine is just not easy to use on a frame. It is the same as a Brother 1500.
If this is to be your first machine I would recommend a cheap Brother with needle down function and as big of a throat as you can afford. Later you can upgrade but always have this machine as a backup.

Why not a different Janome. They're built well for the money. You don't need to buy the most expensive.

I have the Janome 6600 and LOVE it. That being said, have you checked out the Juki? They are good machines and real workhorses. The price of them is quite reasonable as well.

I went out yesterday intent on buying the Brother PQ1500s after reading recommendations on it here. I ended up falling in love with the Janome Memory Craft 6600 P. It was more machine with more capabilities than I needed, but one thing I hadn't taken into consideration is that the Brother machine does not have the drop in bobbin. I also liked the additional capabilities of the 6600 with memory that you can combine stitches, program in the automatic lock stitches and thread cutting; the markings on the throat plate that help you to correctly place the fabric when piecing to make sure that corners of pieces will be able to be pressed flat, Accufeed system and the holder for cone thread. It did cost me about twice what I was thinking of spending and got it for a little over $1700 which included three optional feet, 1/4 inch Seam Foot And Straight Stitch Plate For AcuFeed (MC6600P), FMQ foot and the Ditch Quilting Foot. They are also offering the one year no interest payment option which I did. When I make the first monthly payment I will send the amount of what I had saved for a machine, about $700, and will then be able to pay off the rest before the end of the year's time. I'm excited. Good luck on the decision and your new purchase. There are really so many machines out there to choose from and so many differing opinions as to what's the best. It's a very hard decision. I hope my new machine turns out to be as wonderful as I think it will be!

Just adding to my first thoughts... If you think you want a straight-stitch only machine, then I would say your top 3 choices would be between the Juki TL2010Q, Janome 1600p, and the Brother PQ1500S. I am sure they are all comparable to each other as far as being great high-speed-straight-stitch machines. They all have similar features.

I was able to purchase mine from a dealer about 1 1/2 hours from me. So, I tried out the Janome 1600p and the Juki 2010q. They were both great, but I liked the Juki better...plus I like the look of it better also (metal as opposed to plastic..silly I know).

Good luck with your search. Let us know what yo finally get.

Put an Ad on Craig's list, under the "wanted" or "searching for" section, and spell out exactly what you want. Most people don't know that there are lots of great sewing machines out there, but they aren't being advertised because the people who own them aren't "Craig's list savvy". But there is a "wanted" section, and it works. Lot's of times, it's a family member, like a child, who will see the ad and prod the parent into answering it. I just picked up a beautiful 3-year-old Janome MC 9700 with just 3 hours of use on it, so essentially brand new, for $800, and that included the cabinet. Had it serviced, and all it needed was lubrication because the air is so dry here in the desert. It sews like a dream! So try it. You might be amazed at the quality of machine you can get for the cost of an ad.

Thanks for all ! I did some stitching today on my old Bernina, and I just love the machine! Even tho she doesn't stop sewing when I let up on the foot pedal, and the decorative stitches no longer work......and a few other "minor" problems. I am going to search for a used Bernina. I already have a ton of feet, including a walking foot...so I hope I can use them on a newer machine. I am used to sewing on this machine, and the Janome 6600 seemed so complicated when the staff member was showing me how to change feet, change bobbins for FMQ, etc. I have posted a wanted ad on CL for a few weeks.....no luck so far, but I will keep renewing the ad. Perhaps the dealer has some used machines that were traded in during the holidays...........will keep you posted! :-)

First timer on any kind of chat room situation, but a problem has arisen and here I am. I have a 7 year old Bernina Patchwork edition. Nine months ago, it crashed - the motherboard died - and it was in the shop for THREE MONTHS. I am working on a new quilt today, and lo and behold, the foot control doesn't stop when I take my foot off, I need to make a skimpy 1/4" seam, and the needle won't move, and finally, as if that wasn't/isn't enough, it is now only doing a zig zag stitch when it it set for straight sewing. It's back to the dealer again tomorrow morning, and I am angry. I bought a Kenmore machine in 1968 that I've had cleaned TWICE in 45 years, it runs like a trooper. What's up with these way expensive machines that don't work after 7 years? HELP! Has anybody else had an issue like this? Maybe it's just me???? And then, searching tonight before finding/registering on this site, I found a "fix it yourself" site which I'm inclined to peruse, but my husband, sitting next to me, says no, don't go there.
What to do?????

You can't go wrong with a Babylock.

Check out ebay too :)

Purchased my Viking Lily used and I love it. It's a very user friendly computerized machine and on the used market, the price is around $500. You should check them out.

Do some research on the Janome 6300.. I believe it is the same as the 6600 but with fewer bells and whistles..Less the a $1000 too. I went to my Janome dealer looking for a new machine and also couldn't afford the price on the 6600, the dealer here Never, mentioned or suggested the 6300 as a alternative. After much research I purchased the 6300 on Ebay and am very happy with it.

You need to find another Janome dealer! I bought mine 2 years ago for $1300, including the extra accufeed feet. I did not get the table. They should be less than that, now that the 7700's are out.

Look into used or floor models. There have been alot of new machines come out recently which would mean you should get a great deal on the floor models. And of course folks are trading in their old machines for the newer models. Normally there is nothing wrong with either type of machine, just newer models taking their place. Good luck in your search.

Sorry about that Janome dealer. If there are any other ones close, try them because most of them have the ability to adjust their own pricing. Just a thought.
Charlie

I would stay with the Bernina. After having a Bernina I don't think you would be satisfied with anything else.
Check out the Bernina dealers online. There maybe someone that carries Bernina you were not aware of.
You can always buy a used Bernina, more affordable. Also older models have less bells and whistles.

I replaced my Pfaff with a Brother. I am very happy with the machine.Why not give the Brother machines a look?

I have had Brother machine and still do have 2. I have very little problem with them, one I am taking in for service as it hasn't been in 5 years so it will need some cleaning. I just found a Riccar that I had and not sure why I switched to Brother after the Riccar, but glad I did. I had a kenmore for 20 years, and that was the very good machine, next to the Brother machines. I like the Brother reliability for sure ..

Wow, after reading the blog on pet peaves and noticing the number one complaint is running out of bobbin thread and not knowing it, Im glad I have a drop in bobbin.
I can see when my bobbin thread is low.

Are you planning on FMQ on your machine? If not, the Janome Jem Platinum 760 is a great little machine -- price last time I checked is less than $600. -- It's too small for quilting anything other than a lap quilt though. I've had mine for over 5 yrs and it's a real workhorse - never given me problems.

Just purchased floor model Brother 950D. Lots of stitches and even has 4x4 Embroidery Hoop. Floor model was 549, New in Box would be 799. This is my second Brother and Love, absolutely Love my Brother.

Let me ditto this post.
 

[QUOTE=DawnFurlong;4897449]I had been researching the same thing. I wasn't overly impressed with the 6600, did have a Viking Sapphire turn my head - but I already have a machine that has over 200 decorative stitches that I never use. I really considered what it was I was needing. For me the answer was a larger harp space and great straight stitch. Juki and Brother owners seem to love their straight stitch machines, by and large. I am going to go with the Brother PQ1500s. I was able to test drive one at a local dealer. However, their price is at least $300 above, depending on if they are running a sale or not, than what I can find online (both Amazon and AllBrands sell this same machine). I have searched the threads and the vast majority of people who have bought from AllBrands are very happy with their purchases and service. I like Amazon, but last I checked, their price was a little higher than AllBrands as well. I am also happy that the machine will be so straight forward, there really isn't a lot to go wrong with it. I anticipate it serving me well for many years! Price online from AllBrands - $599 plus free shipping, no tax.


I too bought this machine from AllBrands. I am very pleased with it. I have a Bernina440 which I love to sew on but wanted a machine with a larger harp to do quilting. It is amazing how much easier those few inches make things. I like the larger harp, the auto thread cutter, and the strong motor. My only issue was the walking foot that came with the machine does not have a place in the back to put a quilt guide. I solved that by getting a Janome high shank walking foot. I even used the Brother to paper piece a spider web quilt. The auto thread cutter saved me lots of time and effort not to mention thread. So if you have a high end machine or don't want one this is a great buy. If I had to do over however I would have spent the extra one-hundred dollars to get the needle adjustment feature. But it is not a big deal. I like the pin feed feature and am planning on using it with some faux leather handbags.