Replies

1. 
   lovestosew | Aug 23, 2006 02:45am | #1

   Hello,
   Go to patternreview.com - that's a wonderful site full of sewing machine and sewing pattern reviews. I spend far too much time there and always enjoy browsing the reviews. Anyway, my only other piece of advice is to take samples of the fabrics you'll be working with along with you once you get to the point of trying the machine(s) out. A good, established, nice dealer is so important - please don't buy something only because it's inexpensive. [A good dealer will work with you to find something that fits your circumstances.] Anyway, good luck!

2. 
   Kiley | Aug 23, 2006 10:55am | #2

   Patternreview is the best when it comes to reviews.  Epinions also has some sewing machine reviews. A few machines are reviewed on QuiltersReview also.

3. 
   stitchintime | Aug 24, 2006 02:27pm | #3

   You can also do a search  on the Threads forum. I found some very helpful information here. Not as thorough as patternreview but helpful nonetheless.

    

4. 
   lynnmcd523 | Aug 25, 2006 06:22pm | #4

   Thanks, everyone!

   I did go to patternreviews.com and read through the wonderful reviews.  I finally bit the bullet and got a Janome 525S from the authorized dealer in town. (Sears no longer carries the line.)  It was originally a $500 machine and they had it marked down to $250 to make room for a couple newer models that will be coming in. 

   I've only done a little practice on it as of yet but I just LOVE it thus far.  It's a top end mechanical so it has a lot of the nice features of 1 step buttonholing (insert Homer Simpson drooling sound here) and autothreading.  It's QUIET.  I purposefully put it on a wooden table that's a thin and a little rickety and it still purred along with narry a problem.

   I let it take on the project of overcasting 30 small terry washcloths I made for my husbands work and it didn't have a hiccup.  Beautiful job.

   No oiling needed.  These are self-contained machines and I can take it in once a year for a little servicing if I want to.  Also, having gone directly through the dealer I got outstanding warranties far beyond what you would find through Sears etc.

   So.......very satisfied customer!  Pays to do your homework.  Almost bought a White but a fair amount of the reviews said to be cautious (or were outright grumpy about them.)

   Lynn

1. 
   Kiley | Aug 27, 2006 11:33am | #6

   I'm glad you are happy with your new Janome. As for Sears no longer carrying the Janome line..their Kenmore model are made by Janome. The models numbers that start with 385 are from Janome. I own the 19365 but the full model number is 385.19365991. Besides Sears Kenmore, Janome also makes some Elna machines, The Pfaff Grand Quilter, Viking Mega Quilter and some for Bernina. They also made the now discontinued HuskyStar models for Viking. There are some newer HuskyStar models but I am not sure if Janome makes these newer models. Singers holding company now owns Pfaff/Viking. Kmart now owns Sears..there are changes in the sewing world I think.

   As for the Sears warranty, my Kenmore came with a 90 day warranty on all parts and mechanical adjustments. Two years on electrical equipment and a full 25 yr warranty on defects in material or workmanship. Janome has a similar machine to mine with the Janome name with only a 20 yr warranty but at my age it doesn't matter that much LOL.

   Janomes are wonderful machines. Of course they have models that vary in features and price. Some models have the vertical bobbin and some have the horizontal jam free hook. The models with the 7 pc feed dogs give wonderful stitches on almost any fabric. I have owned several Janome products among other brands and find Janome to be the quietest stitching machines of all. I hope you enjoy your new machine to the fullest for many years. 

5. 
   thehat | Aug 27, 2006 01:12am | #5

   try going to a state fair they have them all elna not a quilt machine  phaff has good ones  Nancy Z.uses oone on her show