lberna

My 30 year old g’daughter is going to learn to sew. She is starting out with doll clothes and stuff animal clothes. I gave her all my quilting stash because I’m no longer able to make quilts. She needs a simple light weight sewing machine. I have a Janome Jem Gold that I’ve had for about 30 years and I love it. But, I knocked it over and broke it. Are the newer Janome Jems the same as those made years ago? Does anyone have a better suggestion? TIA

bearisgray

Those items are actually compared hard to make.

How about pillow cases and simple tote bags for starters?

b.zang

You can't go wrong with a Janome. They are well built and the company provides excellent support. I have the Gem Gold but also a few other Janomes and they are all quality. Janome has a nice beginner machine that will be good for all-purpose sewing and will serve your granddaughter well for years. Find a local dealer and build a relationship.

LGJARN52

You can't go wrong with a Janome machine. I have 3 different ones from that brand and love each one. The oldest is over 30 years old and was sold under a Sears brand and still runs beautifully. I also have the 6500MC and the 1600P, plus a BabyLoc Jazz that I hate using unless I really have to because it's so loud compared to the Janome machines. Goodgle Janome and see what you can find that both you and your daughter like.

Synnove

I have a Janome Gem Platinum that I got new ten years ago. Of my three sewing machines it's my favorite. Absolutely love it, and I would get another one in a heartbeat. If you need to know if the machines of today are like the Janome Gem Gold of 30 years ago, perhaps a dealer would know. But as for quality, I'm sold on this brand.

Austinite

I have a Janome HD3000 that's fantastic and also a Janome 2222, both are great!

I recommend the 2222 over some of the lower model Janomes cause you get a one step buttonhole and it's a great beginner machine with a nice big throat on it. you can get one on Amazon for $230. there's a Janome 2212 but it is $218 usually and you have a 4 step buttonhole with it and fewer stitches so the extra few bucks is well worth it.

I love my HD3000, it's what I use to make bags, it has a one step buttonhole too but what I love is that the foot can be pulled up extra high, I've made so many bags with my HD3000, however it's $530 now and you can buy a lot of sewing supplies with that $300 difference!

Onebyone

The first machine I bought brand new was the Janome Jem when it was first in the stores as the new Featherweight. LOL It stills sews fine and has never been serviced. After using the newer machines I have though, using the Jem seems clunky and no features I'm use to now. But it sews fine. My niece uses it and loves it. Go to a Janome dealer and try out the basic models. They are great machines.

lberna

Thank you all. I sent her your glowing recommendations and she is going to buy a Janome Jem Gold. I’ve had mine about 30 years and I love it. Too bad I knocked it over and broke it. I’m excited for her.