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Member since 9/3/14
Posts: 21
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Posted on: 9/17/17 9:17 AM ET
Wanting to find out if my Janome machine is worth keeping. I also have two older, simple models of Bernia and Phaff. Don't need three machines, so my plan is to keep the best 2 of the 3.

I don't do quilting at all. My sewing interests are clothing construction and doll clothing. Haven't sewed in years, so in some ways I feel like a beginner.

Thank you
  
Member since 5/28/11
Posts: 10718
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Posted on: 9/17/17 10:29 AM ET
In reply to soeasy123
I bet all 3 of your machines would sew nicely. Personally I would keep the Janome and the Pfaff but that is me. Also, many of us do have more than 2 machines so 3 is not that bad-lol. All my machines have a purpose and do something better than the others. Can you set each one up and sew on them for a period of time and then decide which ones you really love? Also, check the two older machines to see if parts are readily available. If parts are hard to find, that would be the deciding factor for me. You sound like you have a nice collection. If you really only want to keep two, keep the two that make you happy when you sit and sew on it.
  
Member since 10/19/13
Posts: 2658
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Posted on: 9/17/17 1:25 PM ET
In reply to soeasy123
I understand wanting to declutter and remove unnecessary items. I'm trying to do the same.

I took a look at the Janome you mentioned, it seems to be a current "plastic fantastic" as they say, so probably would not measure up to either the Bernina or Pfaff if they are older models.

I have a Janome made Kenmore that is 30+ years old, mostly plastic on the outside, almost all metal on the inside. It does not make the quality of stitch that the vintage Pfaff 262 I bought makes, but at the moment I need the portability of the Kenmore and it has an amazing button hole attachment. It is very portable and has never required a trip to the shop - I do all maintenance.

As you are just getting started again with sewing, if you have the room to store the machine for a bit I would wait to see if it will serve a purpose or if you will need it for a class should you decide to take one. Selling it used would probably bring less than $100 (machines like this go for $35 - $50 in my area). Most of these types of machines sew well - until they don't - and then you replace them with something else - as work on them tends to be as pricey as a new machine.

If both the Pfaff and Bernina are "too vintage" to be portable, (my Pfaff and Singer 15-91 are boat anchors!) I would keep the Janome "just in case" for a bit. A portable is nice even if a good friend or family member needs you to come help hem some drapes or something else simple (and done at their home where their time becomes part of the process!).

If the Pfaff or Bernina can be portable (my now vintage Kenmore weighs less than 20 lbs and is a breeze to travel with) then I would consider gifting the Janome to a family member if one is interested in sewing. I have a Morse that will be going to my nephew. He is in industrial design at the moment and working for one of his professors, designing and manufacturing decorative lamps cut with a CNC router. The process hit a snag when his mom's "plastic fantastic" couldn't handle making a muslin lamp shade. Her machine (I tried to sew on it) is a lemon. Quite dreadful. I could use the $75 I could get for the Morse (1950's vintage), but I would rather encourage another young person to learn the craft. Just a thought.
  
Member since 2/4/17
Posts: 768
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Posted on: 9/17/17 3:51 PM ET
the Janome that you list by model number is still being sold. If it works I would keep it, and if it doesn't do the job for you upgrade it.
  
Member since 9/3/14
Posts: 21
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Posted on: 10/1/17 10:45 PM ET
So do they even make machines these days which are all or mostly metal inside? If so, which ones?
  
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