PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,275 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,275 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
12 
Member since 7/17/12
Posts: 8
Send Message
2 Replies
Posted on: 11/7/12 11:54 AM ET
Hi Everyone!
I have a Viking Topaz 30 & am looking to sell it mainly because it is just too much for what I need. It was the first
machine I bought, at the time I didn't know enough about what I needed so was talked into this machine by local dealer. I now know all I need is a simple embroidery only machine. I've narrowed it down to the Janome models: MC200E, MC300E or MC350E. I recently purchased the Janome MC6300P and just love the quality of Janomes & ease of use, this is what I will use for quilting,sewing etc. Would like an embroidery only machine to be able to add simple designs to quilts/clothing.Does anyone out there have any of these Janome models & if so how do you like them & which model
would you recommend?
  
Member since 12/15/02
Posts: 8690
Send Message
Posted on: 11/7/12 3:25 PM ET
In reply to fabrication
I have the Janome 10001 and I would recommend the 350. Cos it takes a usb stick and have the option for the giga hoop and a color screen. The 300 doesn't have a color screen.

However unless you want to save money. The topaz seems like a fine machine. Maybe use it as back up for the Janome 6300. I would keep it and use that as your embroidery machine.
-- Edited on 11/7/12 3:28 PM --
  
Member since 12/10/07
Posts: 7528
Send Message
Posted on: 11/7/12 3:38 PM ET
In reply to fabrication
I owned the 350E. It's an excellent embroidery machine, as long as you know the largest hoop size isn't that large (5x7 if I remember correctly). I would buy that over the other two Janomes due to the features. You might want to look at the Bernina Deco 340. It's the 350E equivalent, made by Janome. Seems to be priced cheaper around here compared to the Janome. I would recommend either. Both use USB sticks and are easy to learn/use.
------
⚜️ 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 2/8/09
Posts: 4188
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 11/8/12 5:33 AM ET
I gave my J 350e to my daughter. Needed more than 3x5 hoop, hard to see small B&W screen, and very fussy on thread- I spent lots of time on tension adjustments for broken/nested threads.
But it liked Metro and once I tweaked the bobbin set screw it did OK. I have a review for it on PR. I loved the USB and ability to use my Mac computer with it. Didn't know about the B Deco at the time or would have gotten that- cheaper and better dealer support. My Janome dealer was no help at all but the Janome website forum is full of very helpful owners.
I did bond with my J350e though- it taught me all about embroidery.
------
Needlework brings joy and meaning to my life...member of ASG
Now using: Singer 301, Pfaff 6152 & BL Enlighten serger
  
Member since 7/17/12
Posts: 8
Send Message
2 Replies
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 11/8/12 8:31 AM ET
Thanks everyone for your replies I just love this website, its been a great resource to learn about everything & helps with decision making!
I have had more problems with my Topaz & have ruined more designs with thread nest, fabric getting caught in throat plate etc and for the
money I've spent on the machine its been a disapointment. I will take
a look at the Bernina Deco didn't know about that model thanks for
that information! Will also take the other Janome models off the list & keep the Janome 350E on, sort of figured that would be the best choice. For now I will follow up on the Bernina before making my decision thanks again everyone!
  
Member since 4/22/09
Posts: 3698
Send Message
Posted on: 11/8/12 1:13 PM ET
In reply to fabrication
Just remember the deco is not made by Bernina.
------
"The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Theodore Rubin
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life's about creating yourself." George Bernard Shaw


Brand preferences Bernina and Babylock
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 11/8/12 1:15 PM ET
Was the Topaz serviced? Did the dealer provide lessons. I would pursue these avenues before making another investment.

If you are still set on another machine, see what a Brother or Babylock dealer will do in the way of a trade.

Bernina is way too pricey.

Try before you buy! Ask about lessons.
------
OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 5/27/09
Posts: 1175
Send Message
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 11/8/12 7:01 PM ET
Yes, Brother & Babylock do nice embroidery but Babylock's new embroidery only machine costs more than the Topaz.
  
Member since 9/14/07
Posts: 742
Send Message
Posted on: 11/9/12 7:31 AM ET
My first embroidery machine was the janome 300E. I cannot speak highly enough about it. I still use it often even though I have another newer machine. The 350 would be my choice.
------
Elna Excellence 740, Pfaff Performance 5.2, Elna EasyCover, Babylock Enlighten, Babylock Meridian, Singer Treadle, Singer 66, Singer 99, Bernina 440

http://juliannasjourney.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 12/10/07
Posts: 7528
Send Message
Posted on: 11/9/12 7:44 AM ET
In reply to PattiAnnJ
Quote:
Bernina is way too pricey.
The Bernina Deco is less expensive than the Janome 350E, which is one of the machines she was asking about. Both are made by Janome.
------
⚜️ 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✝️
  
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
Nature's Fabrics
Natural & Organic Fabrics
Specials!
Metro Textiles
NYC Fabric Store
Specials!
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!