cabengo
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TX
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Date: 12/27/11 3:44 PM I've been shopping around for a machine upgrade for a while and I think I've narrowed down my choices to one of the following. These are the quoted prices.
Janome Memory Craft 5200 -- $899, but it's a floor model so dealer will negotiate
Janome 3160QDC - $549
Janome DC2011 - $499
Baby Lock Elizabeth - $650 (used)
BL Tempo $599
The Baby Locks would be purchased in WI and brought to me by my parents, so I wouldn't get the local dealer support I would get with the Janomes. My local BL dealer wants to charge full MSRP, about $300-400 more than the prices above -- no thanks! -- and that used Elizabeth might be too good to pass up.
I'm off to read the reviews of each model, but I wanted to see if folks could weigh in on the merits or drawbacks of these models in comparison to each other (price vs performance vs features), instead of just on their own. I do mostly garment sewing and small quilts/toys, some light home decor, no embroidery. |
cabengo
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TX
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Date: 12/27/11 3:58 PM Oh, and the final option I'm considering is a Brother PC420, and using the extra money I save to buy a serger, probably the 1034D everyone raves about. I have a vintage Toyota serger with no manual, and we do not get along. I'd be buying the machine sight unseen, though, which makes me a bit nervous, and I'm not sure it would feel sturdy enough to be my one-true-love, forever machine, kwim? |
sewfrequent
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TX USA
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In reply to cabengo
Date: 12/28/11 7:30 PM I have the Janome 5200 and its a great machine. I won't say its better than the comparable BabyLocks bc it has no thread-cutter and it does not free-motion quilt well without buying an extra rather expensive cover-plate and foot kit. Also, the needle-threader is a bit finicky. Stitch quality is superb,it is quiet and easy to operate. The BabyLock machines you are looking at have the really NIFTY needle-threader that works like magic each and every time (unless have small-sized needle). You didn't say the type of sewing you will do but except for FM, i like the 5200 very much and chose it for my "loaded" machine bc I have other janomes and they share feet and bobbins. I've owned Brother-made machines in the past and they are very nice also. Tough call but the Elizabeth at that price might be a winner as well as the PC420. It gets great reviews. I paid $700 for floor model 5200 about a year ago, if that helps. They're all plastic like the 420 but both brands are very good (reliable) at your price-point. |
cabengo
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TX
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Subject: Janome or JUKI -- down to two (okay, three) models Date: 12/28/11 10:39 PM Thanks, sewfrequent! I sew mostly garments for my kids, occasionally me or my husband, a few quilts here and there, and the odd piece of home decor.
Well, I went today to "one last store" and kind of fell in love with a Juki F300, offered at $599. !!! I am definitely going to buy from this store -- loved these folks, and their prices can't be beat in this town from what I've seen. So now I'm trying to decide between that and either a Janome 3160QDC ($489) or 4120QDC ($629).
It seems like there's a huge jump in price between the two Janomes for not too many more features. Am I missing something? Both come with more accessories than the Juki, but man, I just really liked sewing on that Juki. I'd have to save up and purchase extra feet and the extension table later, though.
If I bought a Janome, would it be able to share presser feet with my Kenmore, if one or the other were in the shop?
-- Edited on 12/28/11 10:41 PM -- |
cabengo
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TX
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Subject: Janome or JUKI -- down to two (okay, three) models Date: 12/28/11 10:39 PM Whoops, double post!
-- Edited on 12/28/11 10:40 PM -- |
tgm and Kittys
Advanced Beginner
WI USA
Member since 2010
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In reply to cabengo
Date: 12/28/11 11:04 PM If they are both drop in bobbin they could share feet ... if they are both vertical bobbins they could share. They would have to have the same type of bobbin to share feet.
Once you love a machine though you may second guess any other purchase. ... I have gone through this for a year & finally got one that was one of my first choice to begin with!  .... just a thought if you really love the Juki that might be the best choice over all. ------
|
sewfrequent
Intermediate
TX USA
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In reply to cabengo
Date: 12/29/11 4:42 PM Well I'm voting for the juki bc it is a little more heavy duty possibly a lot more. The 3160 is very nice but light-weight even tho full-sized. It does just fine and sews well but hasn't the power of the juki. I don't know the 4160. The juki 600 gets rave reviews here and the 300 is just like it w fewer stitches. You tested it and it is the one you like best. That seems like a good price also. Many but not all of computerized janomes have issues w handling slightly bulky seams. They do have lower amp motors too but some do way better than others. My 5200 being one of those. I'd go w the juki between those 3. |
cabengo
Intermediate
TX
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Date: 12/29/11 7:52 PM Juki came home with me today! I actually DREAMED about it last night. Today my husband shoved me out the door and said "Don't come home without it, and don't come home with anything else -- no more debating about which machine to buy." LOL Thanks for all the advice! |
Warbler
 
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VT USA
Member since 2007
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In reply to cabengo
Date: 12/29/11 8:17 PM Congratulations! Last summer I had the chance to sew on the 4120 at an Expo and it was a very nice machine. It is worth taking it for a test drive.
-- Edited on 12/29/11 8:18 PM -- ------
Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91 |
Franksdottir
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WI USA
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In reply to cabengo
Date: 12/30/11 1:51 AM Quote: cabengo
Juki came home with me today! I actually DREAMED about it last night. Today my husband shoved me out the door and said "Don't come home without it, and don't come home with anything else -- no more debating about which machine to buy." LOL Thanks for all the advice!
I am sure you will be very happy with her. If I didn't have a machine to which I am totally bonded, I would love one of that series of Jukis. I hope you will write a review when you have had a thorough testing.------
Barb |
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