Somerset Val

A Janome every time - the best you can afford!

Dodee

I really love my Janomes. Also, they are lighter in weight, I believe. Comes in handy if you belong to any working quilt clubs. I would still like to get the smallest one for our monthly meetings tho'.
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katieranch

I have a bernina and 2 janomes. I love my Janomes, they are awesome and if I have to get another machine it will be a Janome, definitely

vickig626

not familiar with Bernina machines other than knowing they are well-made machines. Someone mentioned not to get the Bernette so take advice from the experts on this site.

I, personally, have a mechanical, low-end Janome, that's a great little machine. I don't think they still make it though but I know Janome makes good machines.

I also have a Babylock high-end computerized machine and one of the high-end sergers. I upgraded from their Quilter's Choice which is a great machine (price around $900). But they do make less expensive machines which is also well made.

I would suggest you visit different shops and try out different machines. Write down what you plan to do with this machine - sewing clothing and quilting. The shop staff can help you pick out the best machine for the price. If they keep pushing more expensive machines, they don't have your choice in mind. Take someone with you who knows machines to help guide you.

Good luck in your new machine and happy birthday (whenever that is).

NYquilter52

I have 2 Janomes and my daughter has my first one. I have had the Magnolia 7330 for 3 years and have made many quilts on it. My daughter purchased me a more expensive one which I use at home only, The Magnolia goes to all classes with me.
I agree with others. Visit your local dealers and try out any machine which they will let you.

IdahoSandy

I vote for the Janome, but check them out at your dealers and get one for quilting , not just sewing.

Teri D

Good advice from the members here. The "secret" is the dealer -- if you find a good dealer and let him/her know what your situation is, I bet they will advise you well and let you "test drive" the machines. They might also be on the lookout for a really nice used machine for you once you get to know them. If you get a good solid basic machine, you will keep it forever even though you might get something "fancy" later on.

cawsings

I was looking at the same price range a little over a year ago. There's a Viking dealer 30 minutes away and a Janome dealer 45 minutes away. I had shopped and taken a couple of classes from the Viking dealer and didn't care for the shop owner (she seemed rude and unhelpful to the customers)...so I decided I did not want to give her my business for the machine...and have to deal with her any time I needed something with regards to the machine. I did research before contacting the Janome dealer and knew pretty much what I wanted. I was really interested in one machine from the Magnolia line (I think it was the most expensive one...don't remember the model number). She didnt carry the Magnolia line at the time and steered me in the direction of the DC2010 which was on sale because the newer DC2011 was coming out (same machine...different color and a couple more accessories). I believe the DC2012 is also the same. I LOVE my DC2010 and would upgrade in a minute to anothr Janomeif I had more time and money but for me (a kindergarten-5th grade music teacher) this machine is perfect. If I were you and you have the transportation and time I would also look for a dealer that offers classes. Mine offers free classes for as long as you own your Janome (classes on how to use it...specific quilt classes are extra). I found these very helpful to figure out just what the machine is capable of.

Good luck on your search!

junebug987

Welcome newbie! It is so nice to hear that you enjoy sewing so much. I would recomend the Janome computerized Magnolia. It is a great little machine with some decorative stitched, needle up/down, auto cutter, and self theader. All great features for a young sewist. Price range $399.00 so with in budget. Additional presser feet are not that expensive and it does come with a variety of feet also. I am not associated with Janome but do own their horizon and looked at the magnolia as a class machine and really liked it. Good luck with your new machine.

quiltlady37

Do not get a Bernette. I had one and I hated it. I have a Janome and I love it.