It's Sewing Machine Month over at
Sew, Mama, Sew's blog. There is loads of interesting information, giveaways and tips. Here's a review about my trusty sidekick.
What brand and model do you have & how long have you had it?I use a Janome QC6260 which I've had for about 3-4 years. It was a special Quilters Edition because it came with a quarter inch foot, walking foot, darning foot and quilting guide.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?Zilch, zero, nuthin'. That's because it was a gift. I do have the docket and it was about $800. Not sure if this was full price or discounted.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?At least a couple of times a week. Sometimes all weekend! It's treated very well. I change the needle regularly and clean the bobbin area, giving it a good wipe over. I generally don't have a machine serviced unless something goes wrong - which, so far, touch wood, has happened yet.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I already have a Janome Memorycraft 3000 which I bought after my faithful old Singer passed on. I bought the Memorycraft because it had *automatic buttonholes*. It's a terrific little machine. I was given the QC6260 but I don't think it's as good. It doesn't have a name...at least not one that I can repeat in polite company.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?It has a speed limiter which is a good thing but it's in a silly place. The Auto tension is also pretty reliable.
I guess that if I were to buy another machine I'd want something simple with a big throat space for quilting.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? It certainly has a woeful throat space which makes it difficult to quilt a quilt. I guess you make the most of what you have and bought an extension table for it. I'd like to have alphabets rather than all the embroidery stitches I never use. I wish it had a Clear button so you don't have to cycle through 15 stitches to get back to Number 1.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine?Not really. While it has it's shortcomings, it has helped me make some wonderful projects and gifts for friends and family. It does spot-on buttonholes too.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? That depends on what you want to do with it. If you just do a lot plain sewing, dressmaking, etc then it's not a bad machine. If you want to do a lot of free motion machine quilting I'd think about something else.
Janome seems to be a reliable brand. Especially in these days on in-built obsolescence, plastic and computerisation.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?- After sales service from the point of purchase.
- Features you will actually use
- A manual you can understand
- Easy access to the light globe and screws on the needle plate
- Easy to thread
Do you have a dream machine?Not really. *Better* machines are so much more expensive and out of my price range as to be beyond consideration.
I guess I'd like a prettily decorated old Singer in an attractive stand - restored and ready to use.
Happy Stitching
