Date: 11/23/09 9:34 AM

OK-I admit I am a sewing machine junkie and need a new sewing machine like I need another hole in the head.........but everything I've read and seen of the Juki Exceed series intrigues me, plus I love Juki. However, I already have so many machines I feel I would have to sell some of them to justify this purchase. Once I get a machine that I bond to, it's very hard for me to give it up. I want a sewing machine that does it all, especially buttonholes(even though I haven't made them that much because I hate making buttonholes--perhaps because I don't have a machine that makes them with ease). This Juki seems to be the machine that covers most of my interests. Here is what I already have in my collection:

Juki TL98q--great machine, love it, want to get a quilting frame to go with it

Pfaff 1475--my main quilt piecing machine

Pfaff 7570--my sewing machine dealer made me such a good offer, I couldn't resist($600 with embroidery unit and cards--even though I haven't really used it that much

Elna Super SU--picked up at a garage sale this summer for $30--has a very pretty satin stitch, but needs to be serviced because of a stuck knob(I already cleaned out a lot of lint and oiled it) Thought I'd sell it even before this Juki craze!

Bernina 730 Record--another picked up at a garage sale for $30(case/instructions/plethora of feet/etc.) Haven't had a chance to sit down and sew with this one because of other commitments this fall, but wanted to see whether there really is a difference to sew on a Bernina, though it be older. Possible could give it up especially if I don't bond with it.

Viking 6570--I'm the original owner and have had the camstack woes of this series replaced--has become my backup machine when the computerized machines are in the shop.

Brother Model?--an old late 60's version that is made in Japan and will sew through HEAVY fabrics like cutting through soft butter. It is great for sewing heavy drapes/upholstery

Kenmore SensorSew 70--a very nice Japanese made sewing machine--another great little machine. I bought this for my DIL and when I sewed on hers, I was so impressed, when I found one for cheap, I snatched it up--feels and sews very much like the computerized Kenmore/Janome. Probably could easily?? give it up.

PLUS a couple of straight stitch only Japanese made Singer clones--prettiest straight stitch I've ever seen, a Brother 8500 and Bernina Deco set up for embroidery only(even though I'm hoping for an industrial), a Juki 734 Serger, an Elna 744 set up for coverstitch, an old White 534 serger(another Japanese made that will cut/sew through HEAVY fabrics with ease, and an older black Singer industrial straight stitch that I use from time to time.

As I'm listing all of these, I think to myself "am I crazy" for even thinking of getting rid of some of these fine sewing machines, and yet feel extremely guilty in having all of these and think to myself "why do I have all of these"?

I haven't even sewn on the Juki F600 to see what all the fuss is about! Just got back from a mini vacation and before I left I called a few places in state and only one carried the Juki Exceed series that I found--the dealer here in town that I swore I would NEVER go in their place of business again. I know they will not have this sewing machine set up to test sew, but only in a box(that is, even if they have the machine in stock--they are known for bait and switch and don't have a good reputation amongst the sewing community here).

Maybe I should just stop dreaming/wishing/hoping/plotting and be extremely happy and grateful with what I've got instead of rushing out and buying the newest and greatest new kid on the block, as there will ALWAYS be a new kid on the block that will have new neato-keeno features.


Plus, I really would like a quilting frame and industrial embroidery machine, and both of those will be hefty $$$(did I just talk myself out of buying this Juki sewing machine)?

As you can clearly see this is my addiction, my downfall---not computers, ipods, electronic gadgets, etc. but just about ANYTHING sewing related--let's not even talk about my fabric collection.

Ironic that THANKSGIVING happens to be this week, don't you think?

Next page>>

Reply to ansew
Date: 11/23/09 10:12 AM

I have to laugh....I feel your pain!! I was thinking similar and didn't know what to do. I do love my Pfaff 7570 and to me for a home machine has the most power and I can go from heirloom to heavier materials. I do love the smell of a new machine....call me nuts so a new Juki would be fun!
You will have to decide what machine just sits in a closet that you really never have bonded with. Each machine is great and they are all a little different. It is worth it to take a look at the Exceed even if you don't like the dealer, no one said you have to buy it there You won't know unless you look.
You have a tough choice, all of your wants would be cool to have! Now if we just had the money and space: COOL!
Good luck and enjoy drooling

Next page>>

Reply to ansew
Date: 11/23/09 11:23 AM

Wow, what a collection. That's alot of machines. I thought having three was alot. It sounds like you talked yourself out of the Juki. These all sound great, but I'm with Radar, the smell of a new machine is very apprealing. I have a 98Q that I will sell and have ordered the F600. UPS was running late on Friday and didn't make it to the sewing shop, so hopefully it'll make it today. I also just got a Janome 350E. I haven't opened the box yet. My training is Wednesday. Back to the F600, I think I would give it a try. Old machines are nice, but new ones, ooh lah lah. Good luck in your decision making. Flo

Next page>>

Date: 11/23/09 12:20 PM

You're not making this any easier!!!

I will try and go see the machine today at the dealer I swore off and try and give you an update.

Next page>>

Reply to ansew
Date: 11/23/09 12:46 PM

Okay I too laughed. I am totally getting as bad as you too!
I know how you feel about the need for a new machine. We are having a home office / log cabin built in the back garden and I hope to have a sewing space in it. I really need a new machine to put in it!

I did have 3 older machines I had acquired. I sold them all and then found a New Home machine which I like sewing on so I've kept it.

Leaving the heart aside it might be worth making a list of sewing jobs and of the machines you do use. Perhaps the Pfaff 7570 and the Bernina 730 you could re-home.?
I did buy a Bernina 530 locally and cleaned it up and sewed on it for a while. I really didn't warm to it. I sold it for a profit and as it came with 13 feet, I sold 11 of them off separately in another lot.

It took me a while to part with some machines but I decided to keep the ones I used the most and enjoyed.

Good luck in your decisions - I know it is not easy!

------
My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother FS-40, Pfaff Freestyle 1522, Bernina Serger 800DL.

Next page>>

Reply to ansew
Date: 11/23/09 12:48 PM

Truthfully, I see how much you love machines. I don't think you will be happy until you at least go and check the machine out. Then if you don't want it, nothing is lost. I think if you don't go and look at it, it will eat away at you until you do. Look at it as saving you worries.

Next page>>

Reply to ansew
Date: 11/23/09 1:06 PM

After your list I thought what is she thinking. But I have no room to talk lol. I have 7 machines and am currently lusting after the Babylock Quest plus and the Janome 11000se, might as well throw in the babylock serger even though I rarely do clothing anymore. I do no need under any defination of the word more sewing machines. And it's not like I use all the ones I have now mainly use my Janome 10001. I guess they are like toys we just want new ones from time to time. At least I'm safe I have neither the funds or husbandly approval for such machine purchases as I currently lust. We have many more thing on the list we need.

Next page>>

Date: 11/23/09 1:18 PM

Getting rid of machines is like pulling teeth for me too! I currently have some listed on ebay. I made a list as suggested and was honest with myself about what my sewing needs were. I forced myself to choose one embroidery machine, one straight stitch machine for perfect straight stitches (the most important), a heavy duty machine which could do decorative stitches, and a fool proof serger! Don't feel bad, I was up to 31 machines before I decided to downsize! I'm down in the 20's now! Read a great book called Clutterbusting by Brooks Palmer, decided my machines were taking over my house! It's time consuming, but sit down with each one and see how you feel while sewing on it. Meanwhile, I have 5, yes 5 Bernina 930's lined up in my dining room and Thanksgiving is approaching! Not to mention the living room with 3 Imagines, Pfaff, Quest, Innovis, Quattro, Pfaffs, and lest we forget 8 featherweights tucked in the guest room with half a dozen Singer Slantomatics and half a dozen mechanical Pfaffs. You get the picture....Very difficult decisions! I've collected machines for years, just choose the ones that make your heart sing!

Next page>>

Reply to bellsew
Date: 11/23/09 1:25 PM

Quote:

Don't feel bad, I was up to 31 machines before I decided to downsize!

Wow!
I should print this out and pin it up for my OH!
I want to fly over and steal one of your machines for my cabin.

I really can't think what else to type and I am truly gobsmacked!

------
My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother FS-40, Pfaff Freestyle 1522, Bernina Serger 800DL.

Next page>>

Reply to bellsew
Date: 11/23/09 1:31 PM

Oh my, that is alot of machines. I've done the same thing. I thought about what I actually need. One straight stitch only for perfect straight stitches, one computized with all the bells and whisles, one embroidery machine and one serger. That should keep me satified. My husband is always saying "there is always going to be a new kid on the block that I would like", and he is right. I just bought the F600, the Janome 350E, a Janome 634D serger, a singer 201 straight stitch only. I will sell my 98Q. I should be happy so some time now. Flo

Next page>>