Should I upgrade my machine?
07-31-2011, 05:49 AM
#31
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,144
I wouldn't buy a new machine to gain 1.5". I did, however, buy a longarm to gain a couple feet. :)
I learned to quilt in sections on my DSM, and that technique saved my sanity. I used Marti Michell's book, Machine Quilting in Sections - http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Quilti...2120076&sr=8-4
I learned to quilt in sections on my DSM, and that technique saved my sanity. I used Marti Michell's book, Machine Quilting in Sections - http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Quilti...2120076&sr=8-4
07-31-2011, 05:59 AM
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kentucky live in WV
Posts: 8,482
Good tip.
Change your bobbin thread to something finer... you will go much further.. Try Superior threads "bottom line" thread.
Originally Posted by Lori S
Originally Posted by Jerseyrayne
Can you tell me how far or how long can you quilt with l bobbin? My machine has a concave bobbin and it only holds enough thread to do a 12 x 14 practice quilt. I went to a class on fmq and there were 2 other woman there, I had to change bobbins 5 times to their one bobbin. It was a real pain. That is one of the main reasons I am thinking of upgrading, otherwise I have never had a problem with my machine. Viking definitely screw up with the bobbin on the #1+.
07-31-2011, 06:36 AM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Mena, Arkansas
Posts: 1,351
Originally Posted by Essiescott
Well ya'll aren't gonna believe this---but a few years ago, before I knew better---I did a stitch in the ditch king size quilt on a Featherweight. Y'all know how much throat space is on those.
Sibyl
Sibyl
07-31-2011, 07:49 AM
#34
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Eastern Iowa
Posts: 100
I have the Janome Horizon with an 11" bed. It comes with built in even feed feature. Has free motion foot and many other useful feet. Thread cutter; up & down needle position; 1 step button-hole maker; scads of stitches; presser foot lift; the list goes on and on.
It was VERY easy to learn. I've had it just under a year and I've enjoyed every quilt making / sewing experience I've had with it. I especially like free motion quilting on it.
Yes, it's an expensive machine. I went to Dralle Brothers Sewing in Waterloo Iowa (319-291-6776). Remember, this machine had just been released. It's a $3000 machine. I traded in three old Singers. I got the machine for $2500 and the owner threw in a travel case, sewing mat (machine sits on the mat and doesn't slip around), acrylic extension table, scissors, 200 extra bobbins, spool stand, machine cover, and gift certificates. The dealer even paid my sales tax!
I was so impressed that I took my Mother to the store and she purchased a smaller Janome. Dealer also treated her well.
Mother is 86 and she learned her new machine easily, too.
Sounds like a commercial for the dealer, doesn't it? Sorry!
But I LOVE this machine!
Lori
It was VERY easy to learn. I've had it just under a year and I've enjoyed every quilt making / sewing experience I've had with it. I especially like free motion quilting on it.
Yes, it's an expensive machine. I went to Dralle Brothers Sewing in Waterloo Iowa (319-291-6776). Remember, this machine had just been released. It's a $3000 machine. I traded in three old Singers. I got the machine for $2500 and the owner threw in a travel case, sewing mat (machine sits on the mat and doesn't slip around), acrylic extension table, scissors, 200 extra bobbins, spool stand, machine cover, and gift certificates. The dealer even paid my sales tax!
I was so impressed that I took my Mother to the store and she purchased a smaller Janome. Dealer also treated her well.
Mother is 86 and she learned her new machine easily, too.
Sounds like a commercial for the dealer, doesn't it? Sorry!
But I LOVE this machine!
Lori
Janome Horizon
[ATTACH=CONFIG]234165[/ATTACH]
Built in even feed behind foot; comes with a special foot that is also attached.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]234166[/ATTACH]
11 bed
[ATTACH=CONFIG]234167[/ATTACH]
Extra storage & free arm; note foot lifter on lower right of machine.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]234173[/ATTACH]
07-31-2011, 09:21 AM
#37
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
If there isn't any thing wrong with your machine, keep it. Just pick up an old singer or other machine with approx. 9" throat space. Also the new Janome has an 11" throat space . But, if you don't need to give up your machine to buy a new one, keep it they don't make them like that anymore.
Good Luck
Suzy
Good Luck
Suzy
07-31-2011, 10:00 AM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: So. Fla now, Va orig
Posts: 1,565
Before I got my new brother 1500, I was using a Singer 201, which I also love. I do mostly SID and the Singer had an underarm of about 8inches, and the Brother has 9, but the arm is a little higher, I really dont see that much difference trying to muscle a king size quilt through the arm. I do however piece and quilt in units anywhere from 20 x 20 up to 30 x 95, and that makes it so much easier, you just have to plan for the seams on the back and it takes a little more fabric. When I get the time I will post the 20x20 which was done on the 201, and the other qayg which I gave to my son, so I will have to go there to photo as I forgot to take a pix before giving.:)
07-31-2011, 10:02 AM
#39
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: So. Fla now, Va orig
Posts: 1,565
Originally Posted by Jerseyrayne
I have my tables set up to fmq with a clear vinyl on top with the Sew Slip and have quilted a couple of lap size quilts. My biggest problem is the bobbin doesn't hold much for thread so I am constantly having to stop and change the bobbin which is not easily done with this machine in my setup. The bobbins my machine takes are plastic concave bobbins, to my knowledge it is the only machine ever made with these small bobbins.
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