Cattitude

I have been using my Janome 8900QCP exclusively for two years since my 20yr old Singer Quantum bit the dust. I now want a 2nd machine for piecing so I don’t have to keep rotating between my FMQ set-up and my piecing set-up. I also would like to reduce the wear and tear on the Janome as I am not planning on replacing it.....ever (famous last words).

I looked into used on Kijiji and other resale sites but in many cases I can buy new for close to the same price as used.

I have spent hours online and can’t make up my mind. I have Bernina and Janome dealers fairly close however they only stock higher end models.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a machine? Ideally no more than $500 Cdn ($375US). Really want a thread cutter, otherwise don’t need a lot of fancy options.

Thank you!

Peckish

I bought my Brother Nouvelle 1500s, previously loved (aka used) for $400. It is a straight-stitch only machine, thread cutter, auto threader, needle up/down, 1500 smp, knee lift, extension table. It is not computerized. I love love love this machine.

Put the word out to all your local quilt shops, guilds, friends, and yes, even the dealers, what you want and your price range. It's entirely possible your dealer may take a used machine in trade and (after servicing, hopefully) in turn, sell it to you at a very good price.

QuiltE

Cattitude ... If I were getting a 2nd machine, I would factor in the similarity of the machines. Would I enjoy sewing on the 2nd as much as the 1st? That would be very important to me, otherwise I would start to hate the one machine and next thing, would not want to use it. Could the feet/accessories from one be used on the other to save the need of buying more feet? Same breed of machine does not mean the accessories are interchangeable.

Not sure which dealers you are including as your close by options, but if not, add in Triangle in Guelph as one to check. They do take trades, and offer them for sale. Sometimes with very good pricing ... and including a warranty
with the used machine.

Good Luck in your quest!

Schill93

Only machine that I am aware of with the automatic thread cutter in the price range you mention is the Sparrow 30. Perhaps there are others, but I am unaware of them. There are many used machines to be had on Ebay, and if you buy from a reputable seller with Free Returns, it usually works out. But these machines, unless more expensive models usually lack a thread cutter. They may have many of the other features, but seem to lack a thread cutter.

I have bought a couple of machines on Shopgoodwill.com, but one was a vintage singer which was very nice, and the other a Pfaff, which I really like but it didn't come with a thread cutter.

I do think if your objective is getting a machine with a thread cutter, then the Sparrow might be a good choice.

Krisb

The Brother CS6000i is a nifty little portable with an automatic threader and thread cutter, and is well within your price range. I have one for piecing in TS. I also have an Eversewn Sparrow—the 25 is well inside your budget and the 30 just above. I would recommend any of them.

Onebyone

I would recommend the Sparrow 30. It has all the features of high end machines and the auto thread cutter. It comes with an extension table. I bought mine off Amazon from Eversewn for $399. Bernina dealer here sells them but at a higher price and no returns. Amazon has a hassle free return policy and free shipping. There is a new one out now in a different color, a pretty blue. I have the rose gold. I love this machine and so does my DD. She borrowed it and it's still at her house. I will probably buy another one and let her keep it. Many in my guild have this machine and I haven't heard one bad review of it from them.

grammasharon

I too am a happy Sparrow 30 owner. I am very happy with their customer service. Bought mine late March and was at a quilt retreat end of October when I was using the zipper foot and it jumped over and began to jam the foot. I turned it off and went and emailed EverSewn with the issue. Within an hour I had a response that when I returned home to let them I know and get it boxed up and they would have UPS pick it up and said they would be sending me a new one. It arrived in a few days and I am a happy camper. Never expected that kind of service. Later I wanted a small bobbin stopper and again she immediately had one sent to me. I have never had such wonderful service. And yes, it has a thread cutter and needle threader. Paid $399 at an online quilt store.

meyert

my second machine is a Janome Magnolia 7330 and I am very happy with it. Not sure what all you are looking for in a second machine... but I love mine

Cattitude

Peckish - that does sound like the perfect machine! I have been searching online but no luck......I live in the boonies so making the rounds to dealers is a challenge but probably my best course of action.

Quilt E - I will check out Triangle the next time I am in Guelph.....usually head down to KW for Christmas shopping at some point. Good point about accessories. Also bouncing back and forth between very different machines.

KrisB- the thread cutter on the Brother Cs6000i is not an auto cutter....I should have been more specific but thanks for your input!

Shill93, Onebyone, Grammasharon......I had not considered the Eversewn. Thanks for the reviews. I would have to go with the 30 as I really want the auto thread cutter but they do not have much of a presence in Canada. MSCQ price works out to about $525Cdn but they don’t ship machines to Canada.

Meyert- my first thought was to go with a pre-owned Janome to keep it in the same family. I have expanded my geographical search range on Kijiji and have a few feelers out.....I think it might have to head to The Big Smoke where I can hit a bunch of dealers in a day to see what I can come up with.

thanks everyone for your input, it has been very helpful, as usual!

junegerbracht

I like others bought a Sparrow 30 - mainly as a machine to take to class. Love it. Has many of the same features as my high end Vikings. Worth every penny and more.