New Sewing Machine.

JJ.

Hello there, I'm after a bit of advice.

I'm on the hunt for a new sewing machine, and am tempted by the Janome J3 24. For a simple sewer (hoping to get better) like myself, that one looks like it would suit my requirements for now. Or Is there another make that I ought to look into? I'd appreciate any help or advice before I take the sewing plunge! Thank You.

Liliya

It looks like a nice starter machine. Although it's appropriateness will depend on what you're planning on making.

I've not used a Janome myself but I know many people that have a few of them and really love them. My starter machine was a Brother, which was ok but nothing special. If buying another starter machine I would probably look at the Janomes and I think Vikings are considered quite highly. Of course, it depends on the actual machine as well as the make - I had a Toyota super jeans for a bit which I returned because I absolutely hated the way it worked, but there are other toyota machines that get quite good reviews. As it was, when I went to upgrade I ended up upgrading to a Juki, which I absolutely love as it came with everything I needed but was really expensive.

If there's anywhere you can go to see the ones you like working I've always found this to be a big help. When I was looking the small independents were good, and john lewis were also helpful

JJ.

Thank You Liliya, I appreciate your feedback. I have a Toyota at the moment, and to be honest with you, it's been a bind for all the years (20) I've had it. I'm only a novice/hobby sewer, but it's left me frustrated countless times. I hear nothing but good comments about Janome, and it's a name I am familiar with, along with Brother. I would initially be just doing crafting and simple housewares, such as bunting, pin cushions & possibly curtains with it. I want a machine I can grow experience with, so don't want just the very basic, but something that isn't too techy to start with.

I looked at the Brother RH 127 this morning, a simple machine, but it doesn't quite meet all my reqs.. I'm talking myself into the Janome here, lol... Thanks again.

cookie02

Hi JJ,

If you go to John Lewis, their own-brand machines are made by Janome so you might want to consider those too (plus they have the 2yr guarantee and I think it is quite cheap to upgrade it as I got mine extended to 5yrs).

I have a JL300 and love it! It was cheaper than the equivalent Janome but looks and feels just as good. I'm convinced that the only difference is the logo . I got it as my first machine but I had used the near-identical Janome in a sewing class before so all the settings didn't put me off.

Good luck finding your new machine!

Katiehound

When I bought my machines- years ago - I spent quite a few hours at specialist machine shops trying out different models. If you are going to do a lot of sewing then it's a bit like a car! You wouldn't go choose a car by price and colour- you'd want a test drive!!
See if you can test drive a few machines.
I have had a Brother in the past- it was fine but I wouldn't part with my Pffaff- the older one is 40 this year- doesn't owe me a thing.

JJ.

Thank You Cookie02 & Katiehound.

After a bit of scouring the net last night, I've discovered there is a specialist shop not too far from me; which stocks quite a varied selection of machines. Guess where I'm going tomorrow? lol.. You're quite right Katiehound, there's no way I'd want to part with the money, without getting a feel of the machines. They also do classes, and sell associated goodies to go along with sewing/stitching and crafting. I think I ought to warn hubs that tomorrow might turn out to be an expensive shopping trip! :eek:

Thanks again for all your advice, this 40 something novice sewer really appreciates it. x

meg72

Personally I love this one. I am an experienced sewer and bought this last year, it meets all my needs and I think it would be ideal for someone to learn on before commiting to an expensive machine.
The quality and stitching results are excellent, very easy to thread and change stitch etc.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30208975/

JJ.

Wow, now that's one place I'd have never thought to look! Thanks Meg72 What a cracking little machine. Lordy, so much choice.. I've lots of thinking to do..

ca55ie

Would seriously consider a Janome (or JL equivalent) but I really prefer a top loading bobbin. Good luck - so many machines to choose from !!!

JJ.

ca55ie wrote: »

Would seriously consider a Janome (or JL equivalent) but I really prefer a top loading bobbin. Good luck - so many machines to choose from !!!

I did :j I plumped for the Janome 525s.:D I can't wait to get started on it. The shop I brought it from, also offer sewing classes, so I'm going to a few of those to get to know and understand my machine.

Thank you all for your advice, I really appreciate it. xx:)

glynisrose

I bought a Singer from Argos at christmas, it does straight stitch, zigzag and a few embroidery stitches, perfect for what I need!! It cost about £90. Its easy to thread and use.