Sewing machine advice needed

[Jenny]

In between sneezing I am surfing the internet and researching a new sewing machine...one to do embroidery on..I want to download my own designs.

Any input at all will be gratefully received..so far I have looked at a Husqvarna, a Bernina and a Janome....all about the same price. I am leaning towards the Husqvarna but don't know why...somebody put me off...:confused:

[shebob bears]

Well Jenny, I would definitely recommend Janome. I have one of their earlier embroidery models together the the scanner etc, and is really good, and Janome offer such an excellent after sales help and advice. What machine do you have at the moment, Jenny, because you can update your existing embroidery machine with a gadget called a 'black box' that is compatible with lots of machines including Janome and you simply download your image from your computer and the sewing machine does an excellent conversion into stitches. A friend at my spinning club bought one last year on eBay and the results were excellent.
I hope this helps Jenny, and good luck with your search. Hope you are feeling better.

Sheila. :)

[Jenny]

I have a Janome 1600p which just goes backwards and forwards..I use it for sewing up the bears. I just want to personalise them somehow and make some clothing that has and heirloom quality...like smocked and embroidered things...I have looked at the Janome ones but the shops keep pushing the Husqvarna ones.....I like the look of all of them but I need to make the right decision as it's a big investment.....

[shebob bears]

Like you say Jenny, it is a big investment, so insist on a full demonstration on the machines that interest you. Don't rush into anything. I wonder if the comission is greater on the Husqvarna machines?? That would explain why the shops keep pushing them. When I can convince my bank manager the advantages of an all singing/dancing etc machine, I shall certainly have another Janome.
Sheila

[LisaAP]

Hello, I hope you don't mind me tagging along in this thread too. :)

I'm on the lookout for a sewing machine, not an embroidery one (I wish!) but just a regular one. I've never shopped for something like this before and, crikey, there are soooo many to choose from. I don't even know where to start. :confused:

I want something not too basic so that when I become more adventurous in my bear (one day) making and dressmaking etc I have something to progress with. What are the brands to go for?

Any and all imput very gratefully recieved.

Regards

Lisa

P.S Jenny, I hope that you feel better real soon.

[Jenny]

My Janome is brilliant..and I know Melanie has a Janome that she loves too...mine is dead basic..it goes backwards and forwards only!! I think Janome have a good reputation for sturdy machines.

[LisaAP]

Thanks Jenny, I will go check out the Janome machines right now. :D

Regards

Lisa

[shebob bears]

Janome every time for me. I bought the Janome MemoryCraft 8000 about 14 years ago, and I love it to bits. Janome offer an after sales service and advice that is second to none. You really cannot go wrong with Janome.
Best wishes,
Sheila

[Steffi]

Hi

another vote for Janome from here as well. I have an old Seamstress which is bullet proof, well it survived my hubby taking a crow bar to it (don't ask :6019: ! However a couple of years ago I wanted to update, I started with a Brother which was a huge mistake. Now I have my Janome and can't see me using anything else. I intend to sell the Brother but will keep the Seamstress as hubby occasionally has a go at bear making and there is no way he will get his hands on my new machine.

Good luck with the hunt

Steffi

[Geralye]

In case anyone is interested, Sewing for Pleasure is on at the NEC 29th March to 1st April. Most of the sewing machine suppliers are usually there, constantly demonstrating their machines.

If you want to see each manufacturers full range, it's probably worth a visit. They will probably have some special offers for the show too.

cheers,
G

[Jenny]

Yes..I bought my tickets yesterday on-line..I can't wait!!!!! Mind you...I am taking my mother in a wheelchair...not exactly the easiest thing to do..apart from the parking which is easy in their disabled carpark...but I am really looking forward to going!!!

[LisaAP]

Geralye, Thanks for the info. I may well attend if I haven't made a purchase before then. It seems like Janome is a good choice. :D Thanks for the responses so far, they have helped a lot, the choice has been narrowed down a lot.

Regards

Lisa