Need feedback on the Janome 350E Embroidery Machine
 

Went to a local quilt show today and drooled over the Janome 350E. I think she quoted me a good price, normally $2000. She quoted me $1400 and she would throw in the cd hard drive, which is normally $350.00. Can anyone tell me how much you like or dislike this machine. Do you feel this is a good price?? Is software and threads expensive. I would love to have one for making quilt labels and block quilting. My dear dad passed in May and left me a little cash and DH says I should treat myself. I have till Sunday morning to make my decision. Help!!!

I love the machine, but in my experience that is not a good price. I believe the MSRP on it is $1499, so you can usually pick it up for less or at the least get some goodies thrown in. My dealer gave me Customizer (software) as well as a starter package of threads and a full assortment of stabilizers, plus a class on how to use it all. As far as the CD hard drive, I'm not even sure what that is. The 350E has a flash drive which comes with it for transferring designs from your computer to the machine, so unless you don't own a computer you wouldn't need the CD drive.

The machine is great; it stitches beautifully and I've never had a problem with mine. I did purchase a jumbo hoop which is nice to have. Designs can be pricey but there are also lots available for free on the internet. If you're mainly doing quilt labels and text you'll be okay with the built in designs. I've never had to purchase any others.

As far as block quilting goes, you will be limited by the size of the hoops that come with it, so you may want the jumbo hoop as well. I haven't tried block quilting.

I'm sorry to hear about your dad's passing; I also lost my dad in June. I've treated myself to a few things and I know he would be pleased. I'm sure your dad would be too. My condolences!

I agree with LyndaOH regarding the price. I think that is high. I have the Janome 300E that came out before the 350E. I have had a lot of bobbin trouble with my machine and when I researched it, I found that a lot of Janomes have bobbin trouble. But, many people love their Janome. I will not purchase another one. I purchased a small Brother that sews and embroideries and I really like it.

I have had my 350e since they came out. I use it all the time and am very happy with the embroidery it produces. I have used it for everything from quilt labels, baby items, but my favorite is appliqué blocks for quilts. There are a lot of great sites to purchase designs at reasonable prices. When my husband purchased the machine, the didn't tell him I would need computer software to transfer the designs to the machine. After purchasing several different software programs, I found one I am really happy with and that is simple to use and not made for a specific brand of machine. I love my machine and have not even considered trading up. I like that it is an embroidery only machine.