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Thank you all so much for the advice. My heads whirring from all the Internet searching and review reading I've done. It's great to hear from people who work with the machines.

I just purchased the 12,000 janome and love love love it. But I did go in and do a test drive. For these high dollar machines I highly recommend you find a way to test drive. Have fun!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheilz (Post 6652291)

I've been planning on buying one of these for some time but can't for the love of me decide which to go for. Have spent hours trawling the net reading reviews looking for best deals etc but just when I think I'm going to bite the bullet and chose I start dithering and wonder if the choice would be the best for me. Basically I've got the HV DD deluxe, Janome 12000 or Bernina 830 in mind. It's such a huge investment to make I'm aghast that I end up with the wrong machine. There are no outlets nearby that I know of where I could try out the machines which is a bit of a pain so need to make a decision based on information and reviews. I'd really appreciate any advice/recommendations from those who are already using any of these machines, the good and the bad. Thank you any suggestions really appreciated.

If you were buying a car you would go to a dealer and test drive I am certain --- you need to do the same when you are investing in this level of a machine. Try them all out and talk to the tech support people (the guys and gals who fix our pilot errors and the mechanical snafoos) You might also consider the Bernina 880. I am told it is a dream machine --me, I can't afford to buy the "car" at the moment. I do know I would not spend that much money without trying the machine on everything I can think of first. How far is your Aberdeen from the nearest UK Distributers of the various machines??

Scratchie, I agree with you totally, you've hit the nail on the head. The higher range of machines which have come out in the last 10 yrs or so aren't reliable like mum's old treadlie, and I know several who've bought lemons, and the most expensive machines. I've had 3 Brothers, sold the oldest and still have a 3000 and 4000, which I got nearly halfprice. One preloved, and one sellout because of new models coming out. I find they are so user-friendly compared to other brands, and still use the same format for embroidery designs [pes] whereas other brands change theirs. I've had no problems with any of them, but do get one that uses larger hoops. If you love embroidery a 4x4" hoop will quickly wear thin.

Good luck

Tomorrow I'm picking up a Janome 1200, that is of course if I like it or more accurately, if it likes me! The machine is being sold by a sewing centre in Morayshire. It was owned by a lady in her 70s who had upgraded from the 1100(?) but felt overwhelmed by the technology in the 1200 ie searching back and fore through folders for different designs - she had done one pattern on it and returned it to the shop to buy another of the 1100. The upshot is I've reserved the 1200. Soo excited at not only getting a fabulous machine, but for a thousand pounds less than other outlets. The chap who own the centre is also doing me a deal on the software. I won't be able to sleep tonight for the excitement!

I owned Pfaffs exclusively for over 40 years; they were wonderful machines. I still have a Pfaff, but purchased the Babylock Ellisimo when I was ready for a new machine. IMHO, the Babylock is so much more user friendly, the feature are outstanding, and the dealer is great.

I've owned Brothers for about 18 years. Just recently upgraded to a Brothers Quattro. I love live this machine. It's so much easier than the Bernina's. I haven't had any problems with it in three years and I use this machine almost every day. My friend bought a Bernina a few months ago and it's been in the shop more than she's had it. She also finds it more complicated to use. Try each machine out before you buy and see which one is easiest to use and what features you can't live without. For me the scan feature sold me. I use it all the time. Good luck!

Just be sure what ever you choose can do very large projects. You don't want to get stuck with a 5x7" and find out there are so many things that you can't embroider. My sister got the Janome 9900 and wants to do "in the hoop" bags. My Baby Lock Unity can do them no problem!!!

check patternreview.com for reviews on different machines but test drive before making a purchase.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheilz (Post 6652340)

This makes sense. Unfortunately the north east of Scotland appears to be quite poorly served in terms of dealers. There are plenty outlets selling fairly basic models but a shortage of specialist outlets for specific brands though I've maybe just missed them!

The chap in Keith has a few different models, so you could give him a phone. Also, David Drummond in Edinburgh will collect/deliver machines free of charge for servicing. The only other dealer is Seattle in Berryden - you would only have the choice of the Pfaff Creatives, but you would have dealer backup.

* Just noticed your post above.