Which little machine?

Question

I'm getting brave (and stupid) as I grow older and I've signed myself into several upcoming classes at the LQS and beyond. And I need a little SM -- I DO NOT want to risk my computerized machine by dragging it to class. On top of that, the 6600 weighs approximately 3,000 pounds and I couldn't move it if I had to.

So a trip to the local Thieves Den ... um, I mean sewing machine store.

Here's the breakdown: Jem Gold -- $199 -- used in one kid's sewing class, cleaned, put into original box, comes with original warranty. Babylock Anna -- $299 -- brand new, lightweight. I think it doesn't give quite as good a stitch as the Jem, but what do I know? Simplicity Liberty -- 249 -- used, but completely refurbished, has a built in carrying case, they'll give me the original warranty.

Any thoughts? I've never even heard of a Simplicity. They say it's the same internal parts as the Jem Gold.

My instincts are to take the little Jem Gold and run. But I have an emotional fondness for Jenome machines because that was my very first SM and it turned me into a stitcher.

What do you guys think?

Sunny

Kate XXXXXX · Accepted Answer

Nel will tell you how those little Gems worked out for her school quilting classes. They are probably the only Janome's I might actually pay dosh for. Go for it.

Personally, for stuff like that, I'll use one of my Elna Lotus machines, one of the F&R Cub 4's, or the Featherweight. But if you don't have a Golden Oldie small machine, the Janome Gem is about as good as you can find in the price bracket.

Taria · Answer

I honestly don't know about those machines Sunny.I have to say your 'thieves den' description is kind offunny.  Isn't there any other shop around that doesn't seem like thieves?  I drive an hour to get away from the thieves here.If it is a class that doesn't need a zz I take a featherweight or a Singer 301.  Lots of the gals seem to have the Jemmachines in classes more and more.  I don't remember having heard any bad performance reports on any of them.    The 6600 is not a good schlepping around machine.  I bet you would end up with a service cost equal to the cost of one of these little machines if you bumped it the wrong way.  Better safe than sorry!Please report back on the classes and your new machine.Taria

Polly Esther · Answer

I don't know anything about little SMs for classes; just wanted to say that I think your estimate of the weight of the 6600 is probably accurate.  Polly

Taria · Answer

now come on.  their site says only 24 lbs.   I have to take their word for it since it is too heavy to move much.Taria

Leslie& The Furbabies in MO. · Answer

I have a Jem Gold- love it! It sews a nice stitch and sits still without jumping all over even tho it's lightweight. It's great for it's intended use but I wouldn't give up my 6600 to use only the Jem! VBG (It's great to have 2-3 machines set up with different threads, settings, etc. while working on projects.) The attachments and feet from my former Janome 4800 work on it, but I've never tried fitting the attachments for my 6600 on the Jem. I think some of the feet might work??? I paid $150 for my Jem- a gently used, like new 18 mo. old machine. That was about 3 years ago. HTH (Get the dealer to throw in some feet and/or an extension table for the price they are asking- or *something* extra to sweeten the deal! And have you checked eBay, Craig's list, etc. for a Jem?)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO- we LOVE our Janomes!

IMS · Answer

I've heard lots of good things about the Jem Gold.  If I ever had toget a lightweight portable that's what I'd go for.Good luck and let us know what you decide on!-Irene

Maureen Wozniak · Answer

On Fri, 3 Sep 2010 17:00:08 -0500, Sunny wrote(in article ):I love my Jem.  I think you can't go wrong with it.Maureen*

Marlys in Indiana · Answer

No, No.  Those babies are heavy.  But since I got my 7700 (Janome's new Horizon)now there is a heavy one.  Estimate about 4000 lbs.  But I love it.Marlys in Indiana

Taria · Answer

Well, if it has a permanant home and doesn't need schlepped too much than the weight not a bad thing.Glad you love the machine.  What do you like best about it?Glad to have you back.  : )Taria

Marlys in Indiana · Answer

I guess it would be hard to say what I like best.  I've had a 4800, then the 6600 andnow the 7700 Horizon.  The bigger throat space is what "got" me right off the bat.I like the free arm, and of course the scissor.  It is also a beautiful piece of machinery.LOL  On another forum a lady asked if anyone thought it wise to trade her 7700 for a 6600.I figure she has "lost it".  When I told my dealer, he simply said, "She'd be trading down."In my estimation, she'd be trading WAY down.Marlys in Indiana

Which little machine?

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