Do I buy a new machine? Help please
 

I have a Janome 4800, about 7 or 8 years old, which has always been problematic. Some of you may have seen my earlier posts re thread jamming in the tension discs and the dealer saying I shouldn't use quilting threads. I haven't been able to resolve the latest jamming problem, so it needs yet another trip to the shop. At this point I have to stop and ask whether I should cut my losses and buy a new machine, as I keep handing over 50 or 60 pounds for servicing and repairs only to have it go wrong again. The main issues have been the current one of thread easily jamming in the tension discs (and finer ones, not just quilting threads) and the near-impossibility of finding a combination of tension, thread, needle etc etc that will produce FMQ with correct tension. For piecing it's wonderful - a great stitch, sews smoothly and quietly.

This machine has done so much to undermine my never strong confidence. As I've struggled with FMQ, the dealer and others have suggested that the problems are my incompetence, not the machine. Yet a friend who is an experienced quilter and the teacher in a class I went to also found it difficult. I feel that my development as a quilter has been really held back by all the issues I've had with it, all the times it's been in for repair, all the times I've just stopped sewing for ages because I was so sick of the battles with it. It's the reason that I have lots of UFOs, because the quilting was so difficult to do.

I'm retired, and the outlay on a new machine would be very significant for me - definitely a once-only purchase. I would have to be certain that I needed it and that it would be a successful purchase - ie a machine that would be reliable for both piecing and quilting and would last me a long time. My experiences with my current machine have left me quite frightened of making the decision - when I bought this one, it looked like a good buy. And I guess that at the back of my mind is the question as to whether the people who've said it's me not the machine that has the problem may be right and I'll just continue to have these struggles.

Finding a dealer is another issue. The local Janome dealer is the one who just insists that the machines can't be at fault. And when I asked him today about coming in to try a 6600, he said I wouldn't be able to spend a long time on it! This is a 1000 pound machine, so I'm hardly likely to buy it without putting it to the test! The next nearest dealer hasn't got the 6600 in stock.

I feel rather depressed and overwhelmed this evening, that I'm back to the usual problems, and not knowing what to do next.

I should say that I've also tried vintage machines. I have a Featherweight that I love dearly for piecing, and recently bought a 201 that I was hoping might do FMQ, but I'm not having a lot of joy with that so far. I believe the 301 is the best, but it wasn't sold in Europe.

Sorry, this has become a long post - I just needed to set out where I am with all this, as I feel so discouraged and confused.

I would probably look at another brand that has good service near you. Your dealer now isn't any help. I would be frustrated too. A good machine sews well and and is reliable. I use a Baby Lock and it is a great machine. Where you live the choices may be different. In the old days I had a couple of machines like yours and my confidence as a sewer really plumetted. I avoided sewing for years. I hope that you find a machine that you love.

Hi,

I too am in the UK and there are a lot of dealers out there that will welcome your business so stay away from your original dealer.

I have a few machines and one of them is the Janome 4900 which is the next version to yours. What I would suggest is talking to Janome or taking your machine to a different repair/Service place. Whilst I agree that Janome's can be a tad temperamental with regards to threads, once threaded correctly they work like a dream. Always ensure that the two green lights on the front of the machine are lit before threading the machine as this indicates that the machine is in the optimum position for threading. Try asking other people where they get their machines serviced..... Word of mouth is always the best form of recommendation.

I hope this helps..... If you want to chat some more about this, please feel free to PM me.

I understand your pain.

With regard to the dealer that insists the problem is you ... have these people actually shown you themselves that FMQ can be done on YOUR machine, or are they just telling you that it can be? If they have not shown you, I would start there and tell them that if they can do it properly while you watch you'll believe that you are the culprit.

With regard to you ... have you been able to FMQ successfully on a different machine? If not, you need to try. Wheter it is a friends machine, or a machine at a dealer (bring your own sandwich to quilt), you need to try it to make sure that YOU can do it. Since your clearly not experienced at it for lack of a good machine that allows you to practice a lot - don't expect it to be perfect, but you should be able to do it to some extent.

IF the dealer cannot duplicate FMQ on YOUR machine, and IF YOU can duplicate FMQ on another machine - then yes, the new machine might just be the ticket.

I honestly don't understand your dealers statement that you might not be able to have much time on the machine, that's pretty weird and counteproductive to selling a machine. So what I would do is take all the time you can on the machine, even it's in multiple sessions, then if you decide you like it - order it from the other dealer (who I'm sure will be happy to stock it if he knows he has a sale!!). Again, don't discount used machines either.

But before I laid out money I would be sure that the machine is what I needed. So you need an experienced quilter to try your machine, and you need to try others. Perhaps there is a guild or an LQS that hosts sew-ins and you can try other machines.

Good luck.

Thanks Caroline. I've talked to Janome several times - their customer service people in Stockport are very helpful. Their suggestions re FMQ focus on choice of thread - and I don't always want to use embroidery thread! (Though it does tend to be more successful than some of the others). I could actually take the machine to them to be serviced, as they're not far from here, but they charge a lot (over 100 pounds minimum), so it's back to the question of whether I should invest any further in this machine.
I wish I could find a good dealer! I don't know enough quilters in my part of England to get any recommendations - though I've heard some negatives about more than one of them. I'd certainly be prepared to travel if I could find the right place. I also need to look beyond Janome, I think - there's a nearby Husqvarna/Pfaff dealership which does get good recommendations. I don't know of anywhere else other than the dealer's where I could get the machine serviced in this area. My only other contact is in Northumberland, which is a bit far at this time of the year!

Thanks. Yes, I've done successful FMQ on other machines - in fact one time when I did, I started to cry, because I'd been so sure I was hopeless at it. And yes, the dealer did manage to produce a bit of reasonable FMQ on my machine, which is one reason I've persevered. But he was using a fine thread, which always works better, and it was only a small sample. And when I took the machine to an FMQ class last year, the teacher struggled.

Unbelievable, isn't it, that he'd expect me to hand over 1000 pounds after only a short session on the machine. Like buying a car without driving it or having it checked. I gather that his concern is that people try them out at length in the shop, then go and buy online. Though as UK prices appear to be totally fixed, wherever you buy from, I can't see why that's a problem.

You're right - I need to try some other machines. I don't know many quilters in this area, and those I do know are lucky enough to have Berninas, which are right out of my price range.

I can only add that I agree with the great advice the others have given you...and that I especially don't understand why a dealer would presume to even suggest, let alone say that the fmq problems are ALL user related...pardon my english (lol)..but, "How rude". I hope you won't let that hamper you, and please know that I for one have been working on my fmq technique for a while now, and I still have days where I think, I actually have got this down...then the next day, BAM! Right back to a big mess!!!
Good luck to you,
Kif

I have never used quilting thread but on my Janome 7700 I have used upholstery thread and never had a problem. I think that is thicker thread.

I am so sorry that you are having a problem. I think it is a dealer problem. I have a Janome 4800, and have had no problems with it at all. I have had it for quite awhile, and have only had a couple of repairs--one totally my fault. I forgot that the needle threader was down and broke it. The shop where I bought it fixed it for free. The other problem I had was the bobbin winder quit working and that was fixed when I took it in for routine service. That didn't cost anything either. I am wondering if your inexperience sewing is contributing to your problems. Again, I am so sorry that you are having a problem and wish I was near enough to help you with the machine. If there is anything I can do to advise you, send me a pm and I will try.
Sue

I agree with most others who have posted...you need a new DEALER and MAYBE a new machine. I'd start with the dealer! I'm not trying to be ugly, but I have more sewing machine experience than most dealers do...and if I tell one of them that it IS the machine, I expect them to take it from there. There are too many other good brands out there to be so frustrated with the one you have. And by the way, try looking at some "gently used" machines...I've a Viking-Husqvarna I bought used and it's not given me a minute's trouble. There are good ones out there...you just have to look. Good luck!

I am sorry that you are having a hard time with your Janome dealer, and your Janome. I love my 10 year 10000, it has never been serviced (cringe cringe), dh vacuums it out and it runs like a charm. bought a husky 875Q and it is in being serviced already, somethings is wrong with it, oh well. I don't know much about fmq, so I can't give you guidance. do you have a quilting guild where you can maybe test drive (fmq) a machine that a member wants to sell? Or try the classifieds for a good used machine. Or post a Wanted classified in your local paper, and see what turns up. I believe in recycle, reuse, repurpose, regift, being frugal comes with my age.

Before you do anything borrow someone else's machine and see if it's you or the machine. (or maybe this machine is just not the one for you) Then have someone you know familar with sewing machines use yours. Now you'll know where your money should go machine or lessons. lol

Well, Maybe it is time for a new machine! Sell yours on ebay and put any money you make towards a new one!

I bought my Bernina from Frank Nutt Sewing Machine. They are fantastic. I live in Suffolk and I think they are in the midlands somewhere.... but they spoke to me on numerous occasiona and gave me loads of time to play when I visited their stand at the NEC.

Give them a call... they may be able to help with your Janome... or they may do a trade in. They will also probably be able to recommend a good dealer near you that would give you time on some machines to see which you like.

If you were nearer to me we could have got together and you could have tried my 4900QC or Horizon... both which I love and find really easy to use.... but I think I love my Bernina more.... oh.. I love my brother 4000D too... but I only use that as an embroidery machine.

Good Luck!

Hugs

Caroline

I bought a Husqvarna Rose in 1999 and I love it. They're all metal and heavy so they hold up. Sounds like you take it to be cleaned on a regular basis so you won't have any problems with one of these. My sister swears by her Berninas; she had two. You won't be sorry with either one of these brands.

I have a Janome 6500 and have never had a problem with it. But that's not to say that someone else hasn't. I also have a Gammill and I never have tension problems, but my friend has a more expensive Gammill and constantly has problems. She is a very good longarmer, so I don't think it's her. I think it's the machine. I have another friend that has a Janome 6500 and she prefers her Baby Lock. Another friend has a Janome 6500 and bought a new Husqvana/Viking about a year ago. She prefers the 6500. So as you can see, it's all across the board. I definitely do not think it's you. It's like cars, I think. Sometimes you just get a lemon. If you're really unhappy, I would first try to find a new Janome dealer. If that doesn't solve your problems, then I think you should start researching other machines. Life is too short to be frustrated with your hobby.

Obviously, I can't help you because of location, but am wondering if there are any other board members who might live close and be willing to help? Maybe get together and see if they can figure out a solution?

Well I would for the mere fact that you are not happy with the machine, and i would test drive several before settling on a machine, but if you don't want tension issues too much I will tell you that you are probably looking at a high end machine, My babylock espire cost me 1800, but does not give me tension issues, however don't expect perfection right off the bat because it does take practice no matter what machine you have, but if you are looking for more consistent stitches and you are not getting them even with dealer and expert help than i would get the best machine you can afford. i think you can even find the janome 6600 for 1200 I know people love those even though since the one you have is giving you problems you might be thinking of switching brands.

I purchased my Janome at the only Janome dealer in my town. I took my 5 yo Singer in and they wouldn't take it as a trade. Ok, not a big deal. I wasn't buying a high dollar Janome anyway. All they wanted was to make a sale. I got NO lessons, unless you count the 15 minutes the sales person spent with me comparing the machine I was going to purchase and the other machine that cost $1000 more. They have no customer service skills to speak of. They are usually standing around gabbing with each other and you have to interrupt them to get fabric cut. I have only been back into that shop once since I took 1/2 of a free class they were offering. I am bad, my machine has never been serviced and I have had it for 5 years. I travel frequently and anything dealer within 2 hours from me gets a look see. I would be willing to travel the 2 hours both ways than give the local dealer another penny! When I am ready for an upgrade, I will purchase from an out of town dealer.

If I were you, I would be willing to travel a bit to get a better, more personable dealer and give them your business. I wouldn't give your current dealer anymore of your time or money.

Thankyou so much for all the responses. Much appreciated - I reached a real low last night. I've not had time today to spend time considering all that's been said, but will get back with some comments tomorrow. Again - thankyou. I really needed the encouagement and affirmation.

I got a new Pfaff a while ago (because I always got Pfaffs and this one had some "cool" features) and when I got her home she turned out to be a picky, persnickety, nasty piece of work. It was beyond "quirky" and I was extremely frustrated. Boy did I regret that purchase - although the price was OK, it was still high. My husband finally begged me to get a different machine because he was afraid that I would toss it out the window. (Yes, I was getting THAT upset).

Less than a year after my original purchase I went online and did a lot of research. My list of "must haves" and "would be nice to have" was well developed. Fortunately, we have quite a few dealers in the area so I went to test drive all sorts of machines. In the end, I decided on a Baby Lock who incidentally did not have my top "must have" feature (built-in walking foot). BUT she had so many other wonderful features I LOVE HER. In my classes everyone else had trouble with tension and thread types. I just sewed and quilted like a happy camper.

I think you are doing yourself and your craft a disservice by wrangling with your current beast. There are some very nice and reliable machines on the market that don't necessarily break the bank. You owe it to yourself to go find what works for you. Dealers who tell you that "it" is your fault, and dealers who don't give you ample access to test drive are not where I would shop. Good luck finding your happy match. Make an adventure out of it - not a chore.

Well, I've had lots of helpful replies - thankyou - and have been thinking things through. The latest problem with my current machine - thread sticking in the tension discs - is obviously not my fault, and is one of several problems that keep recurring. I think it's time to admit defeat and go for a new machine, definitely from a different dealer. I don't actually think I'm as incompetent as he implies - I do pretty well on other machines - and on mine when it deigns to behave itself. I've emailed a couple of dealers that are some distance away but which I know have a good reputation, and one of them has left a very positive-sounding phone message, so I'm going to talk to them tomorrow. I'm probably looking at the Janome 6600 or 7700 - the latter has always been out of my price range, but at the moment some dealers have a good offer on it, so it's probably a "now or never" decision, as I understand that Janome's prices will be going up soon. The frustrating thing is that neither dealer currently has a 6600 in stock, and I really want to try both in the same session. I may also go and see the local Pfaff/Husqvarna dealer, just to see what they have to offer. The priority is a machine that's reliable for free motion quilting, and will take a range of threads, unlike my picky current machine: my vintage ones can handle the piecing.
I'm going to post another thread for comments on that.
Thanks again to all who responded: I really needed the encouragement and hugs when I started this thread.