Replies

1. 
   quiltnut | Mar 31, 2006 05:05pm | #1

   I have arthritis and could not carry my heavyweight machines to the quilt classes any longer.  I read reports about the Brother CS6000T computer sewing machine on the web.  I saw one at Walmart for $196.99.  I was hesitant to purchase it until I read more positive reports.  I read reports on Patternreview (from May, June, 2005).  Also, Sewing World Commons has reports in their Brother Sewing Machine category.  I found I could pick this machine up with one hand.  (That is why I was hesitant to buy it. )  The reports I read were all so positive that I finally purchased.

   I It has an extention table that come with it, also a walking foot, the same feet that Brother provides with their more expensive machines are included.  It has 59 stitches and it does do heavier sewing as well.  I have sewn up to five layers of denim on it in a class.  Others have reported doing the same.  I always keep the extension table on my machine.  (It is included with machine.)  One woman stated that her machine slipped on the tabletop.  Mine has never done that.  She said she put a piece of the non-skid shelf liner under hers and it never skids now. 

   I have a Pfaff  for very heavy duty work & quilting.  I have an embroidery/sewing combo machine which I use as an embroidery machine only as I don't like changing it over all the time.  I have a "regular" non-computerized machine which I got to take to sewing classes, however, it was also too heavy.  I really like this machine. 

   Don't know if you want something heavier, but, this enables me to go to quilt class in spite of my arthritis.  I have not sewn anything ont his that it could not handle.  It is a little noisier than the other machines though.   I notice that quite a few companies on the internet are selling this machine now. HTH

    

    

    

    

    

2. 
   MaryAnn | Mar 31, 2006 05:07pm | #2

   Check with a Janome dealer.  They have a few models that weigh less than 15 lbs.  I saw one recently that really impressed me...had lots of stitches, was fairly quiet during operation and was easy to carry. 

    

1. 
   Dvora | Apr 01, 2006 09:41am | #3

   Thanks, I'll do that.

3. 
   Kiley | Apr 01, 2006 08:59pm | #4

   The Janome Jem models are wonderful little machines. Two discontinued models, the Jem Silver and the Jem Gold can be purchased at on line dealers for as little as $199. They are the same machine but the Jem Silver honored the 25th anniversary of the ASG and has the ASG logo on the head and also on the little blue carry case that comes with the machine. I believe these Jems were made for the ASG to take to quilt class etc and they perform like larger machines in every way.  I think the original cost of the machines were around $400. There are some newer Jem models that are computerized that cost as much as a larger machine. Sears also sells some mini Kenmore models in pearl colors that are Janome made that are much like the little Jems but at about half the price. The Jems however have the top loading rotary hook and see through bobbin and slant spool and make a very nice buttonhole. The Kenmore mini has a vertical bobbin and spool and I found did not make the quality buttonhole of the Jem. I have both machines in my family and they have both turned out quality work by my daughters.

    

1. 
   Dvora | Apr 02, 2006 07:20am | #5

   Thanks,  the Janome seems to be the favorite of many people.  I will definitely look into it.

   Devora