Hello,
I am trying to pick a sewing machine for my daughter’s 12 year birthday. She is accustomed to sewing on my Viking Designer II, but we really need a machine just for her. Obviously, I’m looking for much less pricey machines, but with some perks so it isn’t completely dissimilar to her experiences on the Viking. I am seeing the discontinued basic computerized Janome MC300 on the web for $399 (list $1000), and am wondering if anyone has any insight as to how this machine might compare to the new Huskystars, which are in a similar price range? Does anyone have experience comparing the feeding system in both machines (piecing can be frustrating on my designer because the needle doesn’t like starting on the very edge of the fabric).
Also, do you think it is worth the extra money to go computerized when so many stithes are available on the non-computerized machines now?
I would so appreciate any feedback! My head is spinning!
Thanks!
Replies
I would consider your daughter's dedicated interest in sewing. And, go from there. The one thing I've found with the more pricey machines is that like our PCs they become outdated so quickly.
After sewing on a Singer forever, which worked very, very well, and then an older Husquvarna, and moving to a Janome 9000 and a Janome ???- not a lot of bells and whistles, but a workhorse, I found that the 9000 is an excellent - high price toy.
The dealer who sold several brands of machines that I checked with prior to buying the 9000 told me that first I needed to decide what kind of sewing it is that I do; and, most people have no 'real need' for the computerized embroidery machine. What I purchased from him was the lower price Janome (workhorse) and, I love it too.
He was right that I do not use the bells and whistles on the 9000. Why? I don't know how? Within less than a year of purchasing the 9000 life's course began to change and I moved. Needless to say the closest Janome dealer is about 65-70 miles from where I live, and they don't offer sewing machine instruction courses for people who don't buy there machines from them, and my year's instruction warranty was not transferable between dealers.
I'm sure you have been and could continue to guide your daughter with her sewing interests, but the question I would ask before buying a machine on the Internet is about service. Who's going to do that without a large cost associated with shipping not to mention time involved in shipping to and from, and repairing the machine.
For a major purchase my preference is, and suggestion to you, is to buy local even though the price may be higher; and, let your daughter use your machine for the fancy stuff and get her a good solid Janome that will stand the test of time, and purr while it operates! :-}
WandaJ
Thanks for the feedback! The advice for buying local is good....sadly, we don't have a local Janome dealer - nearest one is 45 miles away! I did call this place, and they don't have the MC3000 anymore - the nearest comparison was $800 - twice as much - which again makes the price seem more sweet. I did call the internet dealer, and found the customer service rep to be very knowledgable and helpful. They also assured me that the machine is warranted through Janome, and Janome would refer a local dealer for servicing - just as they would if I bought a machine local, then moved.
Anyway, thanks - it is so hard to compare machines in different spots and from a distance! The Huskystar selling price is $450, feature "seem" comparable except that the Huskystar has more stitches and a speed control.......but I'm wondering what is better about the Janome (if anything) that had it selling at around $700, list $1000, before it was discontinued..
The Huskystar is made by Janome for Viking. The model 224 Husky star isa very nice machine with electronic control for more needle piercing power at any speed than some of the other models in the same line. This model might be discontinued now but it was the top model in the blue and white Huskystar line. It has a speed contol and more stitches and a top loading jam proof bobbin. I have not seen the newer Huskystars that have taken the place of the ones sold last year. The Kenmore machines sold at Sears and on their website are also made by Janome. They are usually much less expensive and usually have more features. I see that on their website Sears is now selling other brands but in my local stores they still only carry the Kenmore brand. There are changes I guess since KMart bought Sears. I now see some of Sears brands in my local Super K. I think any Janome machine is good no matter what the brand name is on it because Janome also makes machines for Pfaff (Pfaff Grand Quilter) and Elna besides Kenmore and Viking's Mega Quilter. Models do vary though even in the same brand. For instance..some of the older Huskystar models did not have the top see through Jam proff bobbin..the lower models had the front loading bobbin. The same with the Kenmores. Janomes are nice quiet machines. I love my computerized Janome made Kenmore. The new 7 piece feed dog system is excellent in sewing many types of fabric. The machine is silent and the many deco and heirloom stitches are always lovely.
Edited 7/2/2006 3:19 am ET by Kiley
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