A new machine for my quilter?

On Wed, 12 May 2010 12:10:53 -0500, Ed from AZ wrote (in article ):

I'd run, run, run from that Singer. Neither you nor she will be happy with it.

You probably won't be able to get a machine that doesn't have at least some "computer" in it. But it sounds like you don't need the top of line embroidery, singing and dancing machines.

I'd look at the mid-range of a couple of different companies/dealers. A lot of those machines are labled as "quilter's" machines. Personally, I'd want, (in addition to a really good straight stitch)

Needle up/down thread cutter a nice selection of decorative stitches snap on/off presser feet feed dogs that drop for free motion quilting top loading bobbin (but then that's just what I'm used to)

Maureen

Roberta, you brought up something that always makes me smile. My Janome

6600 has a separate motor to wind bobbins. You can actually wind a bobbin *while* you sew- but why would you want to??? The owner's manual seems quite proud of that feature- sheesh!

I can needle down and lift the presser foot, raise the edge of my sewing project, remove the empty bobbin, fill the empty bobbin using a different spool of thread than the one I'm using for sewing and reinsert the newly filled bobbin- all without unthreading the machine or removing my work- and it's a top loading bobbin. But then I have several hundred bobbins, so seldom need to do more than change it out for a full one. I wind many extra bobbins before I start a project.

To each their own- that's why there are so many sewing machines to choose between- we all have our likes and dislikes and needs and preferences and...... VBG

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Like Leslie, I wind several bobbins before I start and then just flip my work back over the top of the machine to change the top-loading bobbin in my Elna. I've always had a top-loading bobbin and like it. I never did like changing the bobbin in my Mom's Bernina. (But then I never liked much of anything about that machine.)

Julia > Roberta, you brought up something that always makes me smile. My Janome

>>>

Boy - I sure didn't aticipate all the commenting on such a simple question!! 8>)

This sounds about right:

Although I agree with someone else on not too sure about the top- loading bobbin. She's used to a bottom-load.

We're slated to take a trip into the San Diego area towards the end of the month. Any good recommendations on shops with machines we might be interested in? (Not ready to buy yet, but she can get a feel for what she likes. Who knows? She might even go for a computer panel!)

Ed

I bought a machine from Tom at La Mesa sew and vac years ago. I think he sold the shop since but they were honest and knew what they were doing. I can tell you they were really good at helping over the phone too. I continued to take my machines to the shop for some years.

150 miles is a long way in So. Cal. Please report back as to what machine you get and how your wife likes it. Taria

This sounds about right:

Although I agree with someone else on not too sure about the top- loading bobbin. She's used to a bottom-load.

We're slated to take a trip into the San Diego area towards the end of the month. Any good recommendations on shops with machines we might be interested in? (Not ready to buy yet, but she can get a feel for what she likes. Who knows? She might even go for a computer panel!)

Ed

A computerized machine is not complicated, unless you want it to be! Note: If you do not want the embroidery features, do not look at those machines because they have lots more computer capability and may scare you off. With a sewing machine, the settings are really not a whole lot more involved than the settings for using your microwave. Certainly, way easier than programming that DVD in the family room, IMO!. But then, I've never been motivated to master that. Remember, motivation is key to any new skill. Pat in Virginia PS: We ARE an opinionated bunch. We also have an amazing array of quilting and sewing experience, so this is a great place to visit. Got Chocolate?

have a really useful article on buying a sewing machine which looks well worth reading. Lots more useful info on that site, especially in the 'library' section, as well as their courses.

Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

Ed from AZ wrote:

On May 17, 4:57=A0pm, Ed from AZ wrote:

Ed - I have a somewhat new (3-4 yr old) Viking that I love. Doesn't have the larger harp but I get by. I don't do much machine quilting, however, primarily piecing and it does a mean 1/4 in. It does have a fair number of decorative stitches and somewhat 'computerized' but not so's you'd notice. It's a nice, heavy-duty machine. One thing I will suggest that I found useful when shopping for my machine at the time...I made up an Excel spreadsheet with the features that I determined were important to me down the side then had the machine make/model across the top and put x's in the appropriate boxes. (could also be done with the old-fashioned columnar paper). Did most of my features research on line and then looked at the appropriate machines in person. Don't forget a cost column! And if you're as crazy as I am, sort of 'weight' your/wife's features desires - either color coding; bolding; numbering, etc. There is such a huge array of machines it gets very confusing very quickly. Make a spot for notes. Take the spreadsheet with you while shopping so you make notes at the time of the test drive so you have accurate information on which to base your decision. It may be that a feature/features that you think you can't live without might not be worth the price to you. For me that was thread cutting. A nice thing to have but the machines that I was looking at were far pricier and had many other features that I wasn't interested in at all.

Good luck.

Kim in NJ

Computerised isn't necessarily all that bad, you need to try them out but don't let it be completely off putting. Most sewing machines are going to have some settings you can change, stitch length, width, upper tension, presser foot pressure at a minimum. I have a basic Janome non computerised machine which is great, but it still has several knobs and sliders to change those things and it's lacking things quilters really like, such as needle up/down. I now have a computerised machine and it's actually easier to use, if I'm not sure what something is there is a help button, so instead of having to guess if I squiggle next to a dial means something, I can just press that and it tells me. I honestly find my sewing machine easier to use than my cell phone and I have a simple cell phone, having that help button means if the pictures aren't intuitive you can get the extra info without locating the manual and I do find it fairly intuitive, I use the help to check if something I think is ok for stretchy fabric really is, that kind of thing. It also doesn't let me do stupid things like try and sew a zig zag stitch when I have a straight stitch throat plate on.

Most importantly, the manual manages to have plenty of detail whilst being simple enough to quickly get the information you need, I wouldn't have bought a machine without looking at the manual first, if the dealer won't show you the manual, I'd wonder what they had to hide, not being able to find it is one thing, but if they have nothing to hide they'll be happy to have you come back the next day when they've found it!

Cheers Anne

I have a top loading bobbin, I was used to not having that and I was aware of concerns like yours. I have no interest in a bobbin that winds whilst the machine is still threaded, it's twice as much thread going through the needle, and the thread is usually going to be weaker and produce lint and if you are unlucky you might make it more prone to break when in use.

I haven't had the problem you describe, I think it's just that I don't get buried in a project and I see a bobbin running out as a good hint to take a break! But I can change mine without removing a quilt, the only problem is the lack of light, I could probably do it with practice.

The one thing I dream of, but I don't think even exists is a magic throat plate that changes from straight to zig zag without me having to unscrew.

Cheers Anne

My thread to bobbin winder does not go through the needle. . In message , Anne Rogers writes

Hi Anne,

Well, your dreams have come true!! :)

The new Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP has a "Automatic Plate Converter" that allows push-button conversion from a Zig Zag to a Straight Stitch Needle Plate.

Pictures here:

"Automatic Plate Converter: Select a straight stitch and the Automatic Plate Converter (AC) changes the size and shape of the needle hole. When the needle is going up and down in a single spot, the needle plate operates best with a single small, round hole. This is especially important when you're using light fabrics, stitching at high speeds or doing free-motion quilting. Your fabric won?t be pulled into the needle plate; it stays flat and smooth. The APC was specifically engineered to improve free-motion quilting. We?re so sure you?ll love it for this technique, we include the popular Convertible Free Motion Foot Set as part of the standard accessories package."

Wayyyy cool....but it ain't cheap, either..... :)

-Irene

Oh... my... gosh! I gotta have one of those new Janomes. I'm not pleased that I have to wait a couple of years to be sure they got all the bugs out. I will not buy a first year model of anything. Wah! ;-)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

What I would like would be a plate that can be removed easily for cleaning without the need for fiddly screwdrivers to be used at an awkward angle. Its something which has to be done regularly, so why not an easy way in.

Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

IMS wrote:

Hmm .... just noticing - no one has mentioned Baby Lock?? That's what our local quilting store carries.

Ed

I am spoiled there. The Husqvarna/Vikings I have all have throat plates that snap/slide off to allow for cleaning the bobbin area. So does the old Singer 66 I have.

And I am looking at the new Janome Horizon. Also at the Viking Sapphire. What a delimma!

Pati, in Phx