New and in need of advice!
05-13-2009, 05:52 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Horseheads, NY 14845
Posts: 4,025
Welcome to the wonderful world of quilts! I purchased a Janome, the middle of the road price and it does everything I need it to do. Refurbished machines from a reputable dealer is a good way to start. As you become more proficient (we all continue to learn) you will determine what other features you might like in the future. U-Tube has so many great tutorials, they are short yet very clear and informative. Definately take as many classes as you can afford to, one of the best things I did for myself was to go to the Mancuso Quilt show in Harrisburg, PA last Sept. This year is it near Philly, though it will be a 5 .5 hour drive for me, it is well worth it. Take the time and spent the weekend!
05-13-2009, 06:25 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 6,884
Hello, and welcome from Missouri! :lol:
I agree with taking the machine back to wherever you had it serviced, or call them on the phone and explain your problem! You may not have the bobbin seated properly. Another thought, have you changed the needle and it is backward? Just a thought because I have been there, done that. :?
I agree with taking the machine back to wherever you had it serviced, or call them on the phone and explain your problem! You may not have the bobbin seated properly. Another thought, have you changed the needle and it is backward? Just a thought because I have been there, done that. :?
05-13-2009, 06:39 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 355
I've had good luck on ebay. I bought a really nice Elna last year for under 150.00. It's a great basic machine. I also bought a Brother machine with more bells and whistles, under 200.00. It has lots more stitches and it's computerized. But, my old standby workhorse is a 38 yr old Kenmore, it still sews great. I'll bet your old machine just needs some further adjusting. Since you are just starting out with your quilting, I wouldn't break the bank on buying a machine. Get something sturdy and easy to use and I think you will be very happy. You can always trade up later on and keep your starter machine as a backup. Most of us have several machines.
05-13-2009, 12:59 PM
#24
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Niskayuna, NY
Posts: 30
Wow! Thank you all so much for your quick responses! My husband said the same thing about taking the machine back to be re-serviced; I know I should, but I feel like I'm causing trouble...
As for choosing a new machine, I'm probably not any less overwhelmed. The local JoAnn's has an independent Husqvarna-Viking dealer located inside of it, but I have not read many favorable reviews about the company's current entry level machines. There is also a local quilt shop that I haven't yet visited (my girldfriend who is teaching me warned me about all of the beautiful fabrics that i was going to fall in love w/and I thought maybe I shoud avoid it for a bit) but maybe I should head there too? Anybody have any thoughts?
As for choosing a new machine, I'm probably not any less overwhelmed. The local JoAnn's has an independent Husqvarna-Viking dealer located inside of it, but I have not read many favorable reviews about the company's current entry level machines. There is also a local quilt shop that I haven't yet visited (my girldfriend who is teaching me warned me about all of the beautiful fabrics that i was going to fall in love w/and I thought maybe I shoud avoid it for a bit) but maybe I should head there too? Anybody have any thoughts?
05-17-2009, 05:49 AM
#26
Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Amherst NY
Posts: 62
I agree with the advice Ducky and others gave you about buying a refurbished machine. I would strongly urge you to buy from a reputable dealer (find your local quilt guild and ask lots of questions ) so you can get lessons and assistance. Welcome to the fold of quilters; it is an addiction that hurts no one!
05-17-2009, 06:31 AM
#27
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
Check out Sear's Kenmore machines. They are made by Janome. The top of the line Kenmore is very affordable and the mid price range machine is an excellent buy. I can buy any brand of machine I want and my next new machine will be the computerized Kenmore.
05-17-2009, 07:33 AM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,916
I've been a kenmore gal for years, own a computer one and an old 1978 that is still going LOL I went to Brother when I went into embroidery but don't recommend their lower end machines. Our 8th grade sewing class goes thru them pretty quick...too much plastic
05-17-2009, 07:58 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 825
Chrissy, your husband is right. Take it back to the shop and have them fix it correctly. It is not causing trouble to insist that you get the service you paid for. You don't have to be unpleasant just firm and insist that the machine comes back to you in proper working order. Regarding sewing machines, I have one that is at least 30 years old and is wonderful for quilting. I had the same problem with loose bobbin thread a while back. I took it in to be serviced and the man said the timing was off and that was what was causing the problem. Did the person who serviced yours check the timing or did he just clean and oil? Take it back and have them check the timing.
I would hold off on buying a new machine unless the old one could not be fixed. Then you could see what features you really wanted and needed before making such a large purchase.
I would hold off on buying a new machine unless the old one could not be fixed. Then you could see what features you really wanted and needed before making such a large purchase.
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