Inexpensive Janome for family member
 

I want to buy my daughter an inexpensive Janome sewing machine. I have been researching on line, and find too many to pick from. What experience have you had with The Jem Gold and Jem Platium, Magnolia 7318, the DC-1018 and DC1050. They seem to run from $250.00 to $300.00. Any advise will be appreciated. She is not a quilter or sewer, but needs one for that occasional seam or tear, etc.

I have a little Janome 2139N..that I got at Hancock Fabrics a couple of years ago...I have pieced over thirty tops on it...from throws to Queen size and I have not had one problem with the machine...it is a little workhorse...any kind of thread works...bobbins from Walmart are fine...several fancy stitches..I hem my quilts on it when I get them quilted... and the price was around $150...never have to oil it..couldn't ask for a better machine for just everyday sewing...Hope you look into one like this...I see them at Hancocks on sale lots of times...

I have the Jem Platinum. Love it. It is a little work horse, has a fair number of stitches. I think it would be a great machine.

I'd look into what your local dealers have available in a used machine, because you can get alot more machine for your money with a used machine. I would recommend always buying a machine with upper feed dogs as well as lower feed dogs, anytime it is possible, and some Janomes have dual feed dogs. Many dealers offer warranties with their refurbished used machines, will ship and have great customer service reputations--Brubakers near Lancaster, PA. comes to mind. I've never bought from them---but almost did once. I just know them by reputation. Have fun shopping!

oh the janome jem you cannot go wrong i love mine

I just recently bought Janome Gem to take to quilt club. It is great. I have a sturdy tote bag it fits in and is so easy to take and does all the things I want it to do.

I'm going to follow this thread because my 10 year-old grandson has been sewing with me and I want to get him his own machine. I have a Janome 6600P - so I'm looking at something smaller for him that has needle up/down and some speciality stitches.

I know many people who have them and rave about them. I purchased a used Janome Gem to take to workshops and its a great little machine. I have had it for about a year now and have only used it about 4 times but have had no problems with it. Good luck.

Are you looking for something to just straight stitch or zig zag also?

I have two older Janome Jems. They are over 10 years old and still sew like new. Not one problem with them and they are the ones I take when my guild has classes for kids. Every knob and button has been pushed, pulled, jerked, and rotated as humanly possible.

The platinum Jem cost me $500.00 The other Jem models are cheaper.

Try Overstock.com - they sell refurbished Janome's. That website is the only one allowed to sell the refurbished Janome's. I had contacted Janome direct and they told me that the company they use to refurbish their machines only sell them on that website. I bought one to take with me to classes and retreat about 4 years ago and I paid $64 plus a 1 year warrantee and the bill total was $81.00. I absolutely love it and it has never given me a day of difficulty. Also, I bought a computerized Brother on Costco's website for $149.00 and I love that one too.

I have a $500 Janome Jem Platinum. Great little machine. I love it.

I, too, have the platinum.........I can't even count how many tote bags and quilts I've made, but let me tell you, this is the best little workhorse I've EVER had! Can't go wrong with it! But beware, there are a few different Platinums! My fellow-quilter has a Platinum and hers is different than mine!!!! She doesn't have the needle down feature, etc.....so check for what you WANT on the machine.

You have a decent budget. I guess that I am in the minority. Buy "new". From a dealer. Get the most machine for the $$. Love my Janomes.
Sandy

Looking for straight and zig zag stitching. I have the Janome 8200 Horizon which I really like. My daughter needs the basics. She lives in another state and when we visit soon I will be going to a dealer there to purchase it. I want her to be able to get lessons and answers to any questions she may have. I am anxious to get my research done before we go.

I've mentioned it a couple times on this board before but I have a Magnolia 7318 and it's the only machine I've ever owned. I'm a new sewist and bought it at the beginning of last year not knowing how to sew or quilt (or thread a machine), but really wanting to learn to quilt. It has a 4.5in throat, can lower feed dogs, free arm, and just about everything I thought I needed to learn. It's not picky about thread and FMQ has been easy for me to pick up. In short - I love it! I've FMQ'd a queen size quilt on it and I didn't hate it :) Easy to thread, seems pretty sturdy, stitches straight, weighs roughly 15lbs?