Just dreaming,.. advice?

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Just dreaming,.. advice?

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Ren

Joined: 27 Jan 2009
Posts: 1782
Location: southwesterly

Posted: Sun Jun 23, 13 8:02 pm Post subject: Just dreaming,.. advice?
I may venture into new sewing machine territory later this year. I am doing more, clothes, embroidery, quilting... Mine is a 40 year old Jones, lovely, but has 4 stitch lengths, straight & zigzag and doesn't like thickness too much. Also seems not to like frequent use. Any recommendations? and let's pretend, whilst I'm dreaming, money is no object (no lottery win yet )

MornieG

Joined: 17 Jan 2013
Posts: 933
Location: Bromham, Wiltshire

Posted: Sun Jun 23, 13 8:17 pm Post subject:

Some companies do reconditioned models at very reasonable prices. You may be able to acquire a much better second hand model than you could afford new. People usually just upgrade models rather then buy new because their previous model was totally defunct. Many people have sewing machines that are many years old, like me, and if looked after and maintained are perfectly ok.

Just seen you are 'Southwesterly' where abouts ?

https://www.yell.com/biz/direct-sewing-machine-supply-co-bristol-45274/

I have bought both my machine from them and traded in the old one which they then refurbish and resell. Not used then for years but worth a phone call to see what they now do. I did get very good service from them and they have also done maintenance for me. I have Janome sewing Machine ( not embroidery model )and Frister and Rossman Overlocker.

Mo.XX

gythagirl

Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 1467
Location: Somerset

Posted: Sun Jun 23, 13 8:52 pm Post subject:

Ren, I've just replaced my 30-year-old machine, also for same reasons as you. Had a tax rebate so bought a new Janome from Hansons in Sturminster Newton. I'm sure I could have bought it cheaper online but Hansons' service is fanntastic, I was in there over an hour-and-a-half last Monday as 'my' model was demonstrated, every aspect, then I tried it myself. You get their support for the life of the machine and can take it in or phone anytime for advice & support.

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sun Jun 23, 13 9:34 pm Post subject:

I also have a Janome. I bought it for half price from a stranger.

High risk but she offered it for half price and still within warranty. It's been great so far. I do not need or use many of the embroidery stitches.

https://www.janome.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=135:model-txl607&catid=1:sewing-machines&Itemid=25

If I had to buy one now I would try the new Janome long arm machine. It's not a huge thing but has a bigger harp.

I sew a lot, I work hard, I could afford it. Go for it girl.

Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 13 6:22 am Post subject:
Have you ever had your own machine serviced? My old 1937 singer had a full service in 2005 and has been lovely and quiet since.....

Ren

Joined: 27 Jan 2009
Posts: 1782
Location: southwesterly

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 13 7:29 pm Post subject:

Thanks all, good to see that I am in the right ballpark. Janome is on the list, husqvarna is on the "out of my price range dream list".

Gythagirl - I had forgotten about Hansons, thanks for the reminder.

MornieG, I am near Bristol, I have also seen that place before, thanks for the link.

LLP, I had mine serviced last year, probably needs to be done again, but I have a strong desire to 'do more stuff'. Mine is not so good with thickness and I really do want to do my quilt myself. I also want more embroidery functions and would prefer not to do it by hand.

Luath

Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 761

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 13 7:35 pm Post subject:
I had my old New Home machine serviced via Hansons - took it in, lovely chap comes up form Bournemouth to collect them, service/repair them and brings them back there. Was £60, but money well spent. Can recommend Hansons every time, their staff are superb and very willing to share their knowledge. I spend a lot of time and money in there (only 6 miles away )

Ren

Joined: 27 Jan 2009
Posts: 1782
Location: southwesterly

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 13 7:45 pm Post subject:
Luath, that is so dangerous!!!!!

Shan

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 9075
Location: South Wales

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 13 8:07 pm Post subject:
I don't like Husqvarnas. I don't find them very intuitive. I'm currently looking at an Elna experience 520. Having used Elnas, I quite like them.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15598

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 13 5:55 am Post subject:

You say that you want more embroidery functions, but have you ever done machine embroidery. It is very different from hand embroidery. I must admit I have never even tried it as my machine is over 40 years old and doesn't have anything but basic zig-zag although they claimed I could be used for embroidery. I still also have my Mum's Singer that is nearly 60 years old and does only straight stitch, but has sewn a lot in its life.

Ren

Joined: 27 Jan 2009
Posts: 1782
Location: southwesterly

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 13 8:08 pm Post subject:
Mistress Rose No, I haven't done any machine embroidery, but then I hadn't done any hand embroidery until this year. Nor quilting. My repertoire is expanding. I will, where possible, be trying before I buy, but want to go with my eyes open as to good options.

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 13 8:31 pm Post subject:
Machine embroidery doesn't necessarily need all the embroidery stitches. I use some of them but mainly for a bit of decorative hemming or joining seams. I am probably not getting the most of it due to ignorance though.

gythagirl

Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 1467
Location: Somerset

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 13 8:46 pm Post subject:
I was shown a very nifty stitch on my new machine - it looks like hand quilting! Haven't tried it yet though - have only had about 30 minutes to play with the machine since I bought it Roll on the end of term...

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