NEW Elna Lotus 2012
 

Does anyone have one of these?

I test drove one today, and while $1200 seems steep to me (none of my other machines is younger than 40, let alone computerized), I really loved the way it sewed. So, I did some due diligence and searched online for reviews.

I found a lot of people who didn't like it, but only one of those had ever actually used one. Dislike of those who hadn't used it based on reported features and looks. I did find two who had it and liked it, but as this is a really new machine with a new design, and because I have learned so much from everyone on QB, I thought I would ask the question here.

Anyone have any experience with this machine?

I would love to try the new Elna Lotus machine. I say go for it.

Be sure you try the new Brother Lauren Ashley 2000, the new Janome Horizon, etc. Then you can compare them to the Elna Lotus, especially since you don't regularly sew on a computerized machine.

There may be some additional reviews at http://www.patternreview.com you could check out.

In general, I am not a big Elna fan and, in general, I don't like to get the latest model of anything (such as a car) as it seems there are often bugs that need to be worked out.

I've not tried the machine but I did look it up. I can see some pro's and con's. I do like the needle being centered but at the same time it cuts tremendous into the throat space.

I have no idea why they moved the needle over and made the throat space smaller. Sorry, but that was just DUMB. We want larger throat areas, not smaller. I suspect this model will not do well.

Ditto what Candace said. I have an original Lotus I would never give up but I am not attracted to this one (even tho my favorite color is blue!). Bear in mind that Elna is not the same Swiss built machine. I think they are owned by Janome so I would expect some similarities.

Interestingly, one of the reviewers (who likes it) has an Original and a New Lotus. She reports that the throat space on the New is actually a hair larger than on the Original! The New is bigger, and the head is enlarged to the left for the recessed spool holder.

I would be doing piecing and general sewing on this, and taking it to class. I don,t need all the bells and whistles, and am looking at my first computerized machine. This has a limited number of built it stitches, and no option to add more. They seem sufficient to me now, but would I want more as my skill level with this type of machine builds?

I looked on line at other machines as suggested by Kathleen, and the ones suggested are way ouside of what I can afford. I am very taken with the new Lotus, but don't want to end up frustrated by the limitations or quirks of a cute-but-maybe-impractical machine!

Trene, as a piecing only machine it may get you by. But I would not want to have it as my main machine for quilting or free motion work, that's for sure! I own 5 vintage Elnas and although this machine is cute, it wouldn't fit my quilting needs.

I do have to agree I would not want this machine as a free motion machine because of the throat space. As you get more experienced with quilting you will find you will NOT use the decorative stitches as much as you think. For one, they take time to stitch out and most quilters don't want to use their time for decorative stitching. Also, they use up A TON of thread, i.e. you will go thru bobbins like water.
As far as a "computerized machine" goes, IMO, the more mechanical machine the better! If you need to "fudge" a bit on those last two stitches in the seam to really HIT THE MARK, a mechanical machine is much more forgiving. Also, if you happen to come to a really thick seam, some of the computerized machines can get out of time trying to sew them. Most mechanical machines have a much stronger motor as well.
I do have the Janome 6600P that has some computerized functions but is forgiving like a mechanical. Here is a list of features I find important for a machine:
Strong, durable motor, knee lift, thread cutter, separate bobbin winding motor, adjustable presser foot pressure, good lighting, ease of use, common bobbin size. What I really DO NOT LIKE about my 6600 is the bobbin. I cannot find bobbins at JoAnn's or Walmart and am forced to buy genuine Janome bobbins.

This is just MY OPINION.

Thank you everyone for your input! I do have four mechanical machines (2 singers: 221 and 99k, elna supermatic and a fleetwood deluxe heavy duty) that actually meet my current quilting needs. I was eyeing an original Lotus when I spotted the new one, and had to try it out. It seems that it is new enough that few people have actual experience with it. I think I will stick with my fab four for now, and perhaps save up for a known computerized at some point.

Hi Tene
this might be a bit late but, I just bought this machine. My intentions are to use this new lotus as my piecing and portable class machine, and when I have saved up enough to buy a long arm I will be doing that....I have a fairly new Elna 7200pro (which is apparently the same as the Janome 6600, thats where I do all my free motion now as it has an 11" throat. If you are looking for an all in one machine you should go with one that has the larger throat as this little elna could handle anything too big (also there is no extension table for it)
hope that helps

I have a mechanical high end Elna and a Quilter's Dream, I love both of them, but use mainly the Dream because of the throat space, I wouldn't buy this Lotus, simply because of the lack of throat space. If you can do whatever you want on your older machines and are satisfied, then I would just stick with them.

I have one and just love it...they have made the throat wider in the lotus and the needle bar is adjustable to set your needle where you want it rather than having to line up the fabric...I havent used all the stitches yet nor have I quilted with it but then I havent quilted on my old machine either but thats why I bought it...it comes with the evenfeed and quilt guide and the 1/4 inch foot are just a few of the accessories....I did not pay $1200. for it either...sales are everywhere even online...I paid half for it...that included shipping and handling...will keep you posted on the quilting part when I finish this quilt!!

They are not the same since Janome started making them, the Swiss made ones were great.

Where did you find the Elna Lotus online? The cheapest I can find here in town (Albuquerque) is $900

I bought one in 2012 for my granddaughter to use when she comes to my house. It's a great little machine. Makes beeeeeeauuuuutiful stitches.

The harp space is bigger than you may realize... it looks a little goofy because of the spool holder being in the head - but that also gives a little more space to the *left* of the needle for you to have stability with your hands if you are doing any FMQ.

All of that said, I'm thinking of putting ours up on SewItsForSale - because I have about 50 feet for my Babylock and I'd like to get my granddaughter a machine so she can use all of my feet - especially ones for embellishing, etc.

I think Elna's are made by Janome (someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). You may want to look at the Janome 6600P. I got mine from my local dealer for $1199. It has a 9 inch throat space and sews everything like a gem!!

Oops- I just realized that this is an older thread that got bumped up to the top...

CasaChavez brought it back to the top with questions... I think that made it fair game to respond. :)

But ... *good eye* for catching that! :)

LOL! :D I'm a nurse and used to work in GI assisting with Colonoscopies. One fo the Doctors used to call me "Eagle Eye" because I could find so many of the polyps- and some real tiny ones.

Elna machines have never been as good since Janome started making them. The Swiss made were better JMOI