Sewing Machine Review

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