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Member since 1/27/04
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Posted on: 12/7/08 4:11 PM ET
My dear, dear, sweet, sweet hubby just surprised me with amazing news! He wants to buy me a new sewing machine for my graduation present! I get to pick (within a budget) what I want, but the condition I've been given is that I would have to sell my current machine and not have multiple machines. The sale price of my current machine (6600p) is considered part of the budget so I do not have a huge amount to spend. Maybe $3500 TOPS. I can deal with that, and since he is selling off some of his toys I think it's totally fair.

Ever since I sold my Janome 10001, and the subsequent Bernina 630E, I have been without embroidery capability. I've put on a brave face and said I really didn't miss it, but when presented with an opportunity to get it back I'm so stoked I cannot even describe it!

Now I have to figure out what machine to get. The budget does not allow a machine in the realm of the new TOL's out there, but there are lots of great machines that I can definately consider. I've got to decide if I want to get a used machine with lots of newer features, or maybe an older technology machine that is still new. ?? I have no idea what I want...suggestions are always well received...but I can't do a separate embroidery machine because I've got to stick with a combination machine (this is because I refused to give up my vintage machines).

This is one of the most fun "difficult" choices I will have to make and I'm going to consider all angles. I'm so stinkin' excited I can hardly sit still. I really never expected this from him, but WOW did he hit a home run!!



BTW -- I graduate on December 19th..Woo Hoo!!!!!
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There's no such thing as too much fabric.
  
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Member since 7/21/06
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Posted on: 12/7/08 4:15 PM ET
In reply to runnerchicki
CONGRATULATIONS! You now may NEVER want to use that degree you just earned.

I recently (2 months ago?) had to trade in my poorly-performing machine. I had $1000 in trade-in credit. For about 600 more dollars I got the Janome MC 9700 which a love, love, love so far. Don't know if that, or nay other specials, are still running among the Janome dealers, but I'd check it out!
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Cindy Lou, no more than 2
"Sew, Esmerelda! Sew like the Wind!" -Martin Short, The Three Amigos
"When inspiration calls, you don't send it to voicemail." --Will I Am.
  
Member since 1/27/04
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Posted on: 12/7/08 4:20 PM ET
In reply to cindy-lou
WOW, what a deal you got! Thanks for suggesting the 9700. I'm going to start researching it... I do love Janome's!
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There's no such thing as too much fabric.
  
Member since 10/8/02
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Posted on: 12/7/08 4:28 PM ET
In reply to runnerchicki
Another option might be to checking out a local viking dealer for a gently used designer se. That's what I did and I love, love, love it.
  
Member since 10/8/02
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Posted on: 12/7/08 4:28 PM ET
In reply to runnerchicki
Oh I forgot to add......CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION....WHAT AN ACCOMPOLISHMENT!
  
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Posted on: 12/7/08 5:42 PM ET
In reply to Peggy
Thank you for the congrats!

I do plan to go see my local Viking dealer sometime in the next couple weeks. They are located in one of my favorite quilt shops. Dang it, I wish I didn't have finals to study for because my time is so limited from that. I'm going to see the local Janome dealer too. The Bernina's (I think) are out of my budget so I'm not planning to go there at this point.

The Designer SE is a beautiful machine. I wonder if I should also consider a Designer 1 as well. I do worry about obsolete technology because I want this machine to withstand many years of use without worrying about compatibility issues.



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There's no such thing as too much fabric.
  
Member since 9/30/05
Posts: 128
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Re: OMG...guess what Im getting as a graduation present!!! (posted on 12/7/08 5:54 PM ET)
i just want to say, congratulations, graduate. you have a nice DH!


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~jeannine
  
Member since 1/21/04
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Posted on: 12/7/08 6:07 PM ET
In reply to runnerchicki
I just bought an 8 year old D1 and so far I love it! It's so old, it has a floppy drive in it. That concerned me at first, but I was able to get a USB floppy drive from Tiger Direct for $35, and I had floppy disks on hand (they still sell them on eBay as well).

I don't think you'll have to worry about compatibility issues at all.
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Nadia
Tech lover!
Newest baby: Melco XTS
Babylock Ovation
Viking Designer Epic, Bernina 750QE, and Janome Jem
I think my SMAD is finally under control..
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 12/7/08 6:09 PM ET
In reply to runnerchicki
I remember you saying how much you love that 6600!! Maybe you should negotiate keeping it and getting a dedicated embroidery machine for that pupose? I wonder if that would be doable? I know you love that Janome...and even have mentioned how you would miss it...

Just sayin'

Anyhow - HOW WONDERFUL of your husband, and have a lot of fun! And CONGRATS on that graduation!!
-- Edited on 12/7/08 6:10 PM --
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 1/6/08
Posts: 802
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Posted on: 12/7/08 6:51 PM ET
In reply to runnerchicki
Congratulations on attaining your degree.

What a lovely graduation gift.I'll have to second what a couple of the others said,either the J 9700or 350e stand alone embroidery.Personally I don't think I'd have the patience to wait for sewing time while the embroidery was taking it's sweet time to stitch out
  
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