PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,271 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,271 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
12 
Member since 1/7/12
Posts: 13
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 1:29 PM ET
I am trying to decide what machine to purchase and need help from people who know!! I have a Janome 9000 now and wanting to upgrade to a better Embroidery/Sewing machine but don't really know where to begin. I sew for fun, family and friends. I have a new grandbaby I want to embroider on clothes for her and want fun designs not like my old Janome has. Which model is the best for the money?? Ease of operation and fun to have??? Thanks!!!!!!!
  
Member since 12/10/07
Posts: 7528
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 3:06 PM ET
In reply to gmakelli
Are you wanting a combo machine? The 9000 is an excellent sewing machine -- I owned one. Why not keep it and try the MC350E or the Bernina equivalent the Deco 340? Usually the Bernina is less expensive. Hoop size is limited to 5 x 7. If you want a combo machine, I can highly recommend the Bernina 630 or 635. Very user friendly with a color touch screen. Both use a USB stick and have separate embroidery modules. You can do up to a 6 X 10 with the large oval hoop and approx. 6 1/2 x 16 (15.0 x 40.0 cm) with the mega hoop (sliding hoop that has three sections, machine tells you which section to slide it to. Very easy!), an optional accessory.
------
⚜️ Diana ⚜️

Bernina 830E 💙 Babylock Enlighten 💙

✝️The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝️
  
Member since 12/15/02
Posts: 8690
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 3:38 PM ET
In reply to SewBusy63
You can get the giga hoop with the Janome 350. Won't allow you bigger design size but more sewing area. I would suggest Janome being a janome girl. I have the 10001 which is no longer available new but good deals to be had on them, also the 11000se is a very good machine and since the 12000 came out deals can be had on them also. It really depends on how much budget you have for machine, how big a design you want. And if you want a combo or not. Unfortunately all Home stand alones have a hoop size no bigger then 5 x 7 have to go to a semi pro model for bigger hoop. As the combos go up to now I believe 10 x 12? Also Janome is still using the .jef so could use all your current designs.
  
Member since 1/7/12
Posts: 13
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 4:31 PM ET
I would really like a combo machine. I don't do much embroidery with my 9000 because I don't like the designs in the cards I got with machine and it is s time consuming to move fabric around and get lined up in little hoop. I am ready for a change with more options. I would like something with cute designs and not old fashioned ones like I have.
  
Member since 12/10/07
Posts: 7528
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 6:37 PM ET
In reply to gmakelli
I would not buy an embroidery machine because of the designs that are on it. You may like some of them, but not all. There are plenty of designs out there that are affordable. I get most of mine from www.Emblibrary.com. It is easy to transfer them from your computer onto a USB stick then onto the embroidery machine. The 9000 is old technology, using the .sew format, if I remember correctly. I know the 11000SE is a tried and true machine with an excellent reputation. I suggest you go look at the various machines, test drive them and see what you like best.
------
⚜️ Diana ⚜️

Bernina 830E 💙 Babylock Enlighten 💙

✝️The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝️
  
Member since 1/7/12
Posts: 13
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 9:48 PM ET
In reply to SewBusy63
What is a good price for the 11000 se? I would have no idea, I have a couple options where I live (small town) and there is a huge difference in price.
  
Member since 4/24/02
Posts: 238
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 10:07 PM ET
If you decide on the 11,000 make sure you get the last update, I don't remember what it is? Maybe Version 3.

Both Bernina and Janomes are good machines.

Good Luck
------
Babylock Ellisimo Gold 2
Janome 12,000
Bernina 1530
Elna Carina
Elna 704
  
Member since 12/10/07
Posts: 7528
Send Message
Posted on: 1/20/12 10:09 PM ET
In reply to gmakelli
I have no idea on pricing for Janome machines. Even if I did, pricing varies by location and dealers. Be sure to choose the dealer who will give you the best support if there are issues, free classes and any other perks. You are buying the dealer as well as a machine.

I was a Janome owner for 10 years before switching to Bernina. My dealer was great until there was an issue (I got a lemon) with a brand new TOL machine and he stopped his support after 5 months because I kept insisting my machine had many problems. I was a loyal customer for 10 years and bought numerous machines from him and brought business into his store. It was so disappointing when all this happened. Once Janome resolved it for me (because I contacted their Customer Support about the dealer and machine problems), I sold the replacement machine new in the box and I've never gone back to that store, even to buy thread. I switched to Bernina and am very glad I did. My Bernina dealer is the best. Sorry for my short story, but dealer support is very important. Choose the dealer that is the best and if that means you pay more for the machine, then do so.

-- Edited on 1/20/12 10:11 PM --
------
⚜️ Diana ⚜️

Bernina 830E 💙 Babylock Enlighten 💙

✝️The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝️
  
Member since 4/11/09
Posts: 385
Send Message
Posted on: 1/21/12 8:26 AM ET
In reply to gmakelli
I really like the Brother machine for the embroidery only as well...there is one that is stand alone and takes a USB stick (I think it is around $700.00 though allbrands or kens) If you are looking for a combo machine, maybe you can get a deal on the Bernina 630? It may ne a 635 now... it embroiders and sews without any problems.
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
Send Message
Posted on: 1/21/12 12:15 PM ET
If you are interested in Disney, Warner Bros, Nickelodeon and other accredited designers, only certain Brother embroidery machines will now accept these licensed designs.

You can find which models and which designers are exclusive at the Brother website.


-- Edited on 1/21/12 12:20 PM --
------
OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
12 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns