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Sewing machine overload

Sewing machine overload

Old 07-19-2012, 04:16 AM
  #31  
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Check with local repair shops (some dealers also repair) ask what used machines they have. If you buy from a shop instead of an individual you will get a warranty. Decide how much you can comfortably afford and stick to it. I have 4 machines, two Pfaffs that I bought from a Bernina dealer for $200 and $400 and got a years warranty and a free service at the end of the year. I bought a Singer Featheweight 75 from HSN for $212 (coupon, sale and free shipping) for different stitches (making clothes) and just bought from HSN a Singer heavy weight for $349 with lots of extras. You will find that you may need or want more machines for different things. You will at least want a back up for when you main machine is in the shop. If you decide to take classes you will want a light weight machine for that. Machines are like fabric- addictive! You did the right thing to walk away and clear your head. I always want a new machine just like anything else there is always something bigger and badder than what I have.
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Old 07-19-2012, 04:52 AM
  #32  
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If I were going to buy a new machine, I'd go to a place where you can try them out. And I would try to just stick with what I needed, not a bunch of stuff I'd never use. I've been sewing on my old kenmore given to me from my mom, and I love it. All depends on what you want to be able to do with it.
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Old 07-19-2012, 05:09 AM
  #33  
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Just try the different machines that you are attracted to and make your decision on what works for you.

I have a Brother Laura Ashley and LOVE it. I feel challenged by it to learn new skills and use the many stitches it offers. It's been great for me so far. I knew when I tried it at the shop that we were meant for each other. I know it's not everyone's machine though and love to see when someone feels about their machine the way I do about mine.

Try them all, where ever you go. You will find your machine.
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Old 07-19-2012, 05:24 AM
  #34  
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I have a Janome 6500. I bought the floor model and it came with a full warranty. I would try getting a floor model or a machine that was a trade-in if you want a more expensive machine. Janome also has machines that are lower in price that don't have as many bells and whistles and they do a good job.
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Old 07-19-2012, 06:08 AM
  #35  
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here is the deal...the more a machine has, the less you will use!
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Old 07-19-2012, 06:20 AM
  #36  
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I have two 6600...one for home one for cabin....It is known as the quilting machine from Janome.....the 7700 is the newest and greatest, but I would not trade up from my 6600. Make a list of the features you would like, larger throat plate, auto thread cutter....this feature is the number one thing on my list....a must have for piecing. I purchased a 3160 QC Janome for classes because it was light weight and had the auto thread cutter. Your needs are personal, so make that list and compare. I have purchased numerous machines from Brubakerssewing.com and love their service and honestly in dealing with customers. They are across the country from where I live, but would not purchase from one of my local dealers on a bet. Give them a call, tell them what features you would like on a good quilting machine, tell them your budget. They will honestly let you know the best machine for you. They also have slightly used machines at great prices too. (I have no connection with them...just a very satisfied customer) They have other lines besides Janomes.
It is nerve racking going to dealers to look and try machines. The high end machines are so enticing...but, in most cases, not required to make beautiful quilts. Take a quilt sandwich to the store with you and try out several machines, check your features list and see what the best buy is. Remember, if you order online, whether Brubakers or not....there is no sales tax and usually no shipping. You can research features on machines online too. Just google the brand and model and you can see the list. Best of luck in your quest. D in TX
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Old 07-19-2012, 06:21 AM
  #37  
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Happiness is having a good quality machine that does what you want and doesn't make you feel guilty about spending the money. In the 70s and 80s I went through several high priced machines that weren't worth the money I spent on them (top of the line Kenmore and Montgomery Ward). Then I found a true sewing machine shop where I bought a Pfaff. I fell in love with sewing again. I now own several machines just because I love them. I have both low cost machines and pricey machines. I have learned that my requirements are (1) heavy enough not to move around when I fmq; (2) holds tension without constant adjusting; (3) feeds the fabric straight; (4) decent space in the harp. Anything else is luxury.

Test them all. Buy what feels right to you that is within your budget. There are both old and new machines that can do that.
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Old 07-19-2012, 06:27 AM
  #38  
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I have a Janome 6500. I bought the floor model and it came with a full warranty. I would try getting a floor model or a machine that was a trade-in if you want a more expensive machine. Janome also has machines that are lower in price that don't have as many bells and whistles and they do a good job.
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Old 07-19-2012, 06:36 AM
  #39  
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I bought a Baby Lock Symphony -it is way more machine than I need but I love it. I purchased this machine as my BFF has a Baby Lock and loved it as well.

I started out on a Singer - my DGM's and it worked like a dream-I also have a Singer that I bought at Costco for $89 and it has a lot of bells and whistles.

Look around and DON'T buy more machine than you can afford or will ever use. Spend it on fabric instead!!
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Old 07-19-2012, 06:43 AM
  #40  
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I wait for a good deal. It is worth it. Since I don't embroider and don't ever want to, I bought a Viking Platinum several years ago at the end of its model run, and I love it - that's for regular sewing. Then I fell in love with free motion quilting. I wanted a longer harp, and a knee lift. I don't need a lot of glitz, so I finally waited until I came across a very good deal on a Janome 6300. Wonderful machine, get's not much notice because of its glitzy sibling, the 6600, and even the 6500 has more stitches, etc. I bought the 6300 knowing it hasn't got mirroring or a stop/start button, but those I have on the Viking, plus all the stitches. The Janome 6300 is a terrific machine - easy to use and very strong. Sews at 1000 stitches per minute if you want to do that, and yet has the speed control setting as well, which I use because otherwise I *WILL* got too fast. Take a look at this machine _ bought mine online because dealers usually prefer to sell you more expensive machines, or they have basic machines, and not much in the middle. You needn't spend much to do quilting - a basic mechanical machine will do it as well as an expensive machine, but you do have to always work with tension and when you have the settings right - write it down! Include the thread type, the tension settings and foot pressure setting if you have that feature. Good luck.
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