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Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?

Kayfersmum

Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« on: October 04, 2020, 11:19:44 AM »
Hi Everyone

Been out of action for a while. It’s nice to be back as I missed you :hug:

A friend recently purchased a Janome DC7100 which I understand to be the John Lewis special edition of the DKS100.

Does anyone have any experience of this machine and if so, would you recommend it for general sewing?

Thanks x
« Last Edit: October 04, 2020, 11:37:07 AM by Kayfersmum »
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

Helen M

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2020, 15:28:13 PM »
I have the DKS100 but I don't use it. However it's just me......... I don't think I'm suited to computerised machines and it was bought at a difficult time so I just didn't get away with it. My other sewing machine is a Janome 4168 (J Lewis sell it I think as a 5024) and it's had various other names since it came out about 30 years ago and isn't computerised I love it.

I had planned to give the DKS100 a go this summer but I didn't really feel like sewing, maybe I'll get to it over the winter.
 
It is great for general sewing and everything else that it is supposed to do so don't let my thoughts put you off.

One thing I do find is that the needle seems to be set further back than any machine I've had, and I found it difficult to see exactly where the needle was going into fabric. I've read other reviews that also comment on this. In the US it goes under  Necchi EX100, my friend over there has one and loves it! There is a review on Pattern Review by another Helen (it's not me!) but I smiled when I read it, as she mentions the needle position.



 
« Last Edit: October 04, 2020, 17:49:46 PM by Helen M »
Stash Busting 2024 - Goal: 25 metres
So far:  1.5 metres  ------ Donated : 0 metres
Items decluttered: 47

Kayfersmum

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2020, 18:28:45 PM »

Thank you Helen.  Your thoughts are very helpful and I’ll check out the needle position. I’m relatively new to sewing so knowing what to look out for is great advice
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

Helen M

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2020, 19:55:01 PM »
Just to be a bit clearer.  I think it's what I call the 'bulkhead' bit not being as shaped therefore sort of obscuring the screw that you tighten to keep the needle in place. It may be that the height is the issue but I don't want to change my table. I'm 5'1" maybe that makes a difference, although my US friend is the same height and no issues. I think you'd have to sit down in front of it to see how you feel. Maybe your friend would oblige?

I'd recommend Janome machines, I've had 3 (I replaced one after 20 years with another identical one) in 45 years, so I think this is just a personal dislike of computerised machines. I didn't like that if I was halfway through something and had made an adjustment to setting, which we all do, when I switched the power off until next time the settings all had to be reset. Mechanicals stay as they are.......

What kind of sewing are you going to do in the future?
Stash Busting 2024 - Goal: 25 metres
So far:  1.5 metres  ------ Donated : 0 metres
Items decluttered: 47

Kayfersmum

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2020, 13:56:28 PM »

@Helen M I’ve been experimenting with making things like masks, simple zipped bags, cushion covers, etc. I’ve completed my first item of clothing, a pair of PJ bottoms, which I was very proud of!  I envisage sewing more clothes and items for our home.  It’s hard to know what I may need in the future
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

Helen M

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2020, 14:29:04 PM »
You don't need 100's of stitches! The Janome machine that I use has 18 and a 1 step buttonholer, the one J Lewis sell (same model different name and number is the 24 stitch model (they always did the 2 types).  I probably use 5 at the most on my machine. The second machine that you mention is a quilting oriented machine. Are you going to do quilting?

If you are not going to go into embroidery in a big way you need a more general machine. Then I'd add an overlocker, not a really expensive one though, which will do the finishing of the seams for you. You could have used that on your PJs and neatening the hems and a load of other things too!

To go back to your original question is the DKS100 good for general sewing I'd say yes, my US friend loves it and made a wool coat (I did try to put it in my case to bring home with me! She's like my twin so it fit like a glove) using it.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2020, 10:18:57 AM by Helen M »
Stash Busting 2024 - Goal: 25 metres
So far:  1.5 metres  ------ Donated : 0 metres
Items decluttered: 47

Kayfersmum

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2020, 17:53:16 PM »

Very helpful, thank you x
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

maliw

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2020, 18:54:48 PM »
A friend has the DKS100 and loves it, she makes clothes, soft furnishings and does P&Q so it seems a good all round machine.
At leisure on the leisure penninsula

Kayfersmum

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2020, 23:41:41 PM »

@maliw please excuse my ignorance, what does P&Q stand for?  :thinking:
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

BrendaP

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2020, 23:48:35 PM »
@Kayfersmum  P&Q = Patchwork and Quilting often referred to on The Sewing Forum as the darkside.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Kayfersmum

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #10 on: October 06, 2020, 02:30:47 AM »

@BrendaP Thank you. I guessed the Q, but would have been stumped on the P!
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

maliw

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #11 on: October 06, 2020, 02:40:34 AM »
@Kayfersmum  oops sorry
At leisure on the leisure penninsula

Kayfersmum

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #12 on: October 06, 2020, 12:10:01 PM »

Don’t be!  If I had half a brain some days I’d be dangerous
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

Kayfersmum

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #13 on: October 13, 2020, 09:41:50 AM »

Sooo excited, OH bought me the Janome 5270 QDC.  Didn’t know it was possible to be in love with an inanimate object!  :dance:
“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be.“

Acorn

Re: Anyone using Janome DKS100 / DC7100?
« Reply #14 on: October 13, 2020, 09:45:18 AM »
Oh yes - it's funny how some machines you like, others you love!  I am in deep like with my embroidery machine, but my Megaquilter, which does far less, but does it brilliantly and with no fuss - well, that's love.   :loveit:

Have a lovely time schmoozing with your new love!
I might look as though I'm talking to you, but inside my head I'm sewing.