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Janome 3160 QDC or Babylock New Crafter's Choice BLCC2 any thought on which to buy?
JessB Advanced Beginner BC CANADA Member since 3/14/06 Posts: 24	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/10/10 7:07 PM Hi PR-ers, I've decided to upgrade from my drugstore cheapie Singer machine. I mostly sew clothes, although I hope to try some quilting in the future so a few decorative stitches would be nice. I'm hoping to spend somewhere between Canadian $500 - $700. I've been to 4 dealers and have looked at Pfaff, Janome and Babylock machines. I think I've narrowed it down to the Baby Lock New Crafter's Choice BLCC2 ($699 on sale, RRP$1199) or the Janome 3160QDC ($799 on sale, RRP $1099). Babylock pros: feels like a good solid machine, yet it is quiet. I liked the look of the buttonholes. Babylock cons: extension table is an extra $100, no auto thread cutter, no auto knot feature. I guess these aren't deal breakers. Janome pros: really like the idea of the thread cutter and the knot feature. Price includes extension table. Janome cons: button holes weren't perfect. Because they're automatic I don't see how you can improve them. I've read all the reviews on PR. There are a few negative comments about the Babylock. Any suggestions? I would really appreciate some feedback/guidance. And I promise to write a thorough review once I settle on a machine, and update it after I've had the machine a while. Many thanks, Jessica
Lil Flo Advanced Beginner LA USA Member since 4/17/09 Posts: 1678	Login to reply to this post In reply to JessB Like this post Date: 7/10/10 7:36 PM These machines are very high in Canada. Well I've owned both brands and am rather fond of the Baby Lock. That is very high for the Crafters Choice. I've heard people having trouble with the bobbin spindle on the Janome 3160 and my goodness that's very high for that machine. I think the Baby Lock is a much sturdier machine. But I guess it comes down to personal preference. Let us know what you end up with. Flo
sewfrequent Intermediate TX USA Member since 6/27/03 Posts: 2935	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/10/10 8:55 PM You know, I've not seen the Janome but I just don't see myself liking a 12-lb machine except for a toter or for occasional use. I know these new Janomes have very nice features but I wonder how stable they would be for free-motion quilting or for making a bag or jacket. I believe I might rather go with the BabyLock but the thread-cutter IS nice and lock-stitch too. Hopefully someone who has the 3160 will post!
Seams2Sew Intermediate USA Member since 8/15/08 Posts: 462	Login to reply to this post In reply to JessB Like this post Date: 7/10/10 9:38 PM I have the Janome and it is a great machine. I purchased it to be a backup/class machine. Even though it is only 12 lbs, it is a solid machine. It does not move around or anything. I love the thread cutter and that was one of the reasons why I purchased it. The extension table is handy. I've had no problems with it. My main machine is the Baby Lock Espire and I don't think you could wrong with the Baby Lock either. Do you like one dealer better than the other? Only you can decide which machine is best for you. Let us know what you decide. -- Edited on 7/10/10 9:39 PM --
JessB Advanced Beginner BC CANADA Member since 3/14/06 Posts: 24	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/10/10 10:18 PM Thanks everyone. The janome store is much more convenient, is open weekends and is owner operated (as opposed to having salespeople on commission). I like the owner. However the babylock store allows you to try out a machine at home for a month for $50, which is then deucted from the purchase price. I think I'll head back to janome store tommorrow to have another test and see how it feels. If I'm still unsure, I'll go get the babylock for a 1 month test. What fun!
Kimberly Johnson Intermediate IL USA Member since 10/5/03 Posts: 45	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/11/10 0:38 AM Why not get the Decorator's Choice...it has the thread cutter. I've had three Babylock's and two Janome's and really liked them all, but I have to go with Babylock MYSELF only because I've found that I really dislike how the Janomes start out with those two or three slow stitches before they reach full speed. I've tried them all pretty much and everytime I come back to the Babylocks. They must be "my" machine style. I also wanted to mention that you might want to check out the Brother PC 420...it's exactly the same as the OLDER version of the Babylock Decorator's Choice/Brother NX400. I paid 435.00 for mine and just love it. It has the thread cutter, but no extention table, but it IS available as an accessory for 50 bucks I think. No dealer support though if that's something you really want, but if that's not important to you, it's really a great machine. It's just like getting last years model for half price!
JessB Advanced Beginner BC CANADA Member since 3/14/06 Posts: 24	Login to reply to this post In reply to Kimberly Johnson Like this post Date: 7/11/10 0:49 AM Thanks Kimberly- I've just spent the last 45 mins reading the decorators choice reviews on my iPhone. It sounds gorgeous. Came back to check the board and there is your suggestion. I haven't seen any brother machines for sale. You say there is no dealer support. Is it necessary to buy online? The brother you refer to gets rave reviews. Does it do nice buttonholes? Thanks, jess -- Edited on 7/11/10 2:01 AM --
Mrs.Moos   Intermediate CA USA Member since 11/5/02 Posts: 2344	Login to reply to this post In reply to JessB Like this post Date: 7/11/10 3:43 AM We have both machines in the store I work at. I prefer the Janome. You get a lot for the $$$ with all the features, the table and the 1/4" foot included. And that machine makes the best dang 1 step buttonhole I think I have ever seen!I would put it up against any machine in the store for the BH! Plus the Janome has the new one-handed needle threader-cool! ------ Brother ULT 2002D, Janome 6500P, Babylock Eclipse SX, Juki MO654DE, Janome Coverpro 1000CPX, Singer 15-91
Kimberly Johnson Intermediate IL USA Member since 10/5/03 Posts: 45	Login to reply to this post In reply to JessB Like this post Date: 7/11/10 7:32 AM Right, I bought it online...so no classes or anything like that. I did wrestle with the whole buying online thing, but I've been really happy with the machine. I figured that with the amount of money I was saving that if something DID need to be fixed, it was worth it. I did a search for "authorized service centers" in my area on the Brother site and found that there was one pretty close to me, so that sealed the deal. It does very nice buttonholes and has quite a large selection of them as well. I think if you go to allbrands.com and search for the machine, there's a video presentation from HSN. I bought mine from sewinusa.com and was quite happy with the whole transaction. Good luck!!
Lil Flo Advanced Beginner LA USA Member since 4/17/09 Posts: 1678	Login to reply to this post In reply to JessB Like this post Date: 7/11/10 9:11 AM The Baby Lock Quilter's Choice comes with an extension table and tons of feet. I love it. It sews sideways and has lots of decorative stitches. I don't know how much they cost where you are at, but it is an awesome machine. It is able to makes quiliting stitches quite large because of the side feed. I can't comment on the Buttonholes because I've never made a buttonhole in my life. But it is the same as the Decorators Choice with a few more stitches and feet and an extension table along with side feeding. They have videos on all these machines on babylock.com website. Good luck in your decision.

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