The Blob is transforming. I've just started the first lace section. I always have difficulty getting started. Once the fabric starts to build up, it gets easier for me to see what I'm supposed to be doing and it gets easier to read my knitting. I'm up to 489 stitches so each row takes a long time. And a long time if you have to tink back to a mistake. I'm getting better at checking my work to make sure I didn't forget a yarn over. Saves me a lot of heartache that way!
Saturday I continued my sewing machine research by visiting the local Janome dealer. I really enjoyed this Memory Craft 6600P and it has a lot of the features I'd like to have. Lock stitch, auto thread cutter, lots of stitches and a big harp. You don't need to use a foot pedal (which I don't mind) to start/stop the machine. It comes with a lot of feet and purchasing additional feet is not a big investment. Easy to figure out and the dealer would have a one on one with meet on the weekend to teach me how to use it. They'd also meet me again if needed and they offer garment sewing classes (which I'd be interested in). It's also far less expensive than the Bernina at $1600.The stitching was wonderful with the Coats and Clark thread they had in it. It was changed to Gutterman and the straight stitching wasn't as good. The store was busy and I didn't think about messing with the tension. I'll be sure to do so next time I visit. This is a concern. This machine has 2 lights but they're not the cool to the touch lights. It's a heavy machine. It's also been well reviewed on patternreview.com which is great. I'd love to hear of anyone's experiences with this machine (including experiences with free motion quilting).
They also sell Brother machines and the sales person suggested this machine. The Brother Innovis QC-1000. It's specifically marketed to quilters. It totally operates off the screen and has a feature where you can program the pressure foot to come up each time you stop the machine with the needle down. You can then easily and quickly pivot what you're working on. I didn't get a chance to play around with this much but someone picked up one of these while I was there. It also has good but few reviews on patternreview.com. It's $1900. For some reason, this machine just didn't speak to me.
No research next weekend. It's probably a good thing. My head is still whorling and I need to develop a set of questions that I ask everyone. I also need to develop a list of things to try out on the machines.Please keep any sewing machine feedback coming! I'd also love to hear how you figured out which machine was best for you!
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10 comments:
I would never be able to keep in my mind which machine had which features, etc.... I'm glad you're doing the research for the rest of us.LOL You did know that's what you are doing right? Your knitting looks awesome to me. You are very talented!
Your photos are great! The Janome does look like a study machine. I need to find a dealer so I can try it out too.
The colors in your yarn are beautiful. I love how the colors change in the lace pattern.
Jackie, have you actually sewn on a Bernina yet? When you do, you will notice a huge difference in just the quality of the Bernina itself over the Janome and Brother not to mention the stitches. Hmmmm...maybe I should get credit from Bernina - LOL!
Cheers!
One word on lace knitting: lifeline! Of course, this comes from someone who has all her lace in time out...
I have used both the Janome (quite a lot) and the Bernina (a bit), and I love the Janome. It is very easy to use, change feet etc. The embroidery stitches are good too, and there are very few threads it doesn't like. If I were in the market for another machine it is definitely the one I would go for.
My Mother did all her quilting on Janome machines. Her most recent one looks almost identical to the one you've pictured here - I'm not sure if it's the exact same model, but if not, it's close (I remember she paid $2,200 Canadian for it - about four years ago?).
I've only used it a few times myself (and it blows me 15 year old Janome out of the water!) so I can't comment with too much authority, but I will say that my Mom LOVED it. LOVED.
Good luck with your decision :)
Well...all I can add is that I LOVE my Bernina...there's just something about the stitch for me that compares to no other...I don't know if that helps or not!
x Lori
Your blob looks beautiful:) Love the colors.
I can't give you any sewing machine feedback. My 12 Stitch Kenmore is where I'm at! I did own a BabyLock Imagine Serger, but loaned it to a friend studying Fashion design..unfortunately he seems to have disappeared with it!
Hope you find a machine that is worthy of you :)
I have been looking at the Memory craft Janome for about a year now and wanting it sooooooo bad. I love Janome - the only brand I would even consider buying.
Sigh. My machine broke two weeks ago and I am in denial. Any recommendations in the under $500. category?
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