Replies

1. 
   Dianna | Nov 10, 2006 01:51am | #1

   I just purchased a Janome 6600 and would highly recommend it.  Its IDF feature puts it above anything else.  I tried the Pfaffs and the Berninas.  My previous machine (with a 26 year stint) was a Viking, but I was turned off by the attitude of the folks who would be servicing my machine.  I am happy with both the new machine and the selling/service support. 

   My second favorite manufactureer is Singer.

   So my recommnedation would be to look at Janome and Singer as part of your search.

    

2. 
   Dianna | Nov 10, 2006 02:11am | #2

   Part 2 of my response...sorry I hit the post button too early.

   I found the Janome through the machine comparison done 2 years ago by Threads (though they didn't list the 6600 in that comparison).  

   Reconditioned machines (like used cars) can be a great bargin if you know what to look for.  I would remind you that your 'sewer' should really decide what features she considers important and what they might be worth.   For people looking for a starter machine I always recommend a basic Singer...and 35 years ago purchased an old cast iron Singer instead of a brand new Kenmore.  That Singer was still sewing proudly for my daughter when we traded in in for her current Singer 2 years ago.

   Sorry this came out as 2 posts...Hope this info helps,

   Dianna

3. 
   MaryinColorado | Nov 10, 2006 09:36am | #3

   Pfaff is a good brand.  I have owned Necchi, Singer, and Viking.  Now I own three Huskvarna/Vikings as they are my favorite.  If this is not a surprise for her, I recommend you take her to several sewing machine dealers in your area.  They should allow her to "test drive" several machines and make recommendations depending on what type of sewing she does and would like to do.  Many offer free "know your machine" classes and offer great support. Often, they take trade ins and recondition them.  Some people just have to have the latest model and trade them in after very little use, those are often good bargains. 

   They are in the business of selling machines so will try to sell you one of thiers of course.  My husband has been a great help when looking for a new machine.  He will say something like "we are not buying today, we really want to research this and compare prices, warranties, and services.  We want to find the machine that "feels right to her." He also might mention that I am not quite sure what I am looking for yet, etc.  If they are snobby or impatient, we don't want to give them our business anyway.  He looks at the machines and sees if they look cheaply made and how smooth they sound.  I am not mechanically inclined so he askes about plastic versus metal, are the parts available locally or have to be ordered,  repair costs, etc. 

   You can also go online to the websites by googling the name of the machines and see what different machines are available and that helps you decide what to look for such as "lightweight" "sturdy" self threading, drop in bobbin, automatic buttonholes, straight stitch only, zig zag, decorative stitches, embroidery, mechanical or computer.

   Prices vary depending on what is included.  When I bought my Serger, I got about a hundred dollars worth of feet with it.  When they have specials, some may include kits, presserfeet, soft covers, hard cases, boxes of notions or threads, etc.

   patternreview.com has many sewing machine reviews which people seem to really like.  Sorry to rattle on Hope this helps.  My son and his wife are learning to sew this year, he will probably be in your shoes next year so let us know what you discover on your quest...

   You are a special hubby to do this for your wife.  Bless You

4. 
   Betakin | Nov 10, 2006 11:13am | #4

   I think that price is just about right for a new 1525. I paid more plus a trade in  for my 1530. I have 3 machines and I love them all but use them for different projects and purposes. I own a Janome made computerized Kenmore and a Viking Interlude but it is my Pfaff that I turn to for all the difficult fabric sewing and matching stripes and plaids. It also does a beautiful buttonhole and is an excellent quilting machine. This is my only mechanical sewing machine and it is a work horse.

   I think any woman would be pleased to have a Pfaff for a gift (which is so thoughtful of her hubby) but sewing machines are personal just like the type of car one prefers. She might already have a certain machine in mind. If not, then I would say the Pfaff is a wonderful gift..she can always return it if she does have another machine in mind but after using the Pfaff's IDT, I think she will be most pleased.

   
   

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   Edited 11/10/2006 3:16 am ET by Betakin

1. 
   KaiserRoo | Nov 10, 2006 04:07pm | #5

   I want to thank you all for your input and I will try to check out the leads that you have given to me.

   KaiserRoo

1. 
   suesew | Nov 13, 2006 05:16am | #6

   I want to second the idea of letting your wife be part of this process. Would you want your wife to choose your hunting rifle or fishing gear or golf clubs or whatever it is that is near and dear to your heart? She may want something you have never heard of and wouldn't understand if you saw it. Please let her in on this. Or make it abundantly clear that she can return it if it doesn't meet her needs.

1. 
   KaiserRoo | Nov 13, 2006 06:50am | #7

   Of course I want her to be involved and she will know that yes she can exchange it.

   This is why I have asked for help so that I may be able to help her.

   thanks for the help, KaiserRoo

1. 
   KaiserRoo | Nov 17, 2006 06:29pm | #8

   Here are some of the machines that I have checked out so far,

   Pfaff at the Fabric Place (Classic Style 1525) for $499

   Pfaff at another place for (Select 1538) a demo w/ full warranty

   Janome DC2007LE $399 or the Janome DC3050 for $499 I can get the upper foot attachment for another $29 which would make it like the IDT that is offered by Pfaff.

   So what do you think? I'm leaning towards the Janome DC 3050 w/ the IDT foot.

   Thanks KaiserRoo

2. 
   Betakin | Nov 19, 2006 08:46am | #9

   Are you talking about a walking foot? It does serve it's purpose for sewing on bulky fabrics etc. It is used by quilters. It does interrupt sewing to have to put this foot on while the IDT foot on the Pfaff is already there and can be disengaged or engaged just by using your fingers. The dual feed foot of the Pfaffs can also be used with many different feet. A walking foot can be purchased for all most all brands of machines and is a foot in itself.  To explain this..when attaching the walking foot that is the only foot the machine can use at that time..while the Pfaff's IDT can be engaged while using many feet offered by Pfaff or that comes with the Pfaff machines.

   Janome machines are nice machines and most of the newer models have a 7 piece feed dog system that is superior. Janomes are some of the quietest machines when sewing. The Sears machines with the Kenmore brand are also Janome made and are sold usually for a lower price than almost the same machine with the Janome name and the Kenmore might have an added feature, especially the Kenmore Elite models.

   I own a Janome made Kenmore, a Pfaff Select 1530 and a Viking Interlude 445. I love them all and all are different machines with different features and I use them all constantly for their different features. All of my machines are now discontinued models and I am glad that I purchased when I did. Some features have changed on newer models in all of the brands.  For instance, some of the similar newer Pfaff's have a plastic hook in the bobbin area instead of metal. I'm not saying that the plastic is inferior..I am just happy to have one that is metal.

   I think you are looking at some nice machines. Have you tried  sitting and sewing and using any of the machines that you are interested in purchasing? You might wish to try them out and see what you think about the feel of them etc. and compared prices. I do hope you find a nice machine for your gift. You seem very thoughtful in purchasing a machine that is just right for her. Best wishes.

3. 
   KaiserRoo | Nov 19, 2006 08:52pm | #10

   Thanks for all the help, My wife has decided to go w/ the Janome DC 3050. She seems very happy with the machine. I can't wait for her to have a class or two so she can really get the most out of it.

   KaiserRoo

4. 
   Betakin | Nov 21, 2006 08:36am | #11

   Congratulations to your wife on her new machine. It is so hard to make a decision with so many brands and nice machines on the market today. I hope she joins us and lets us know what she thinks of it and I hope she loves it.