Blimey! It's quiet in this part of the forum isn't it? Helllooooo... Helloooooooo...
Is there anybody there?
Thought I'd do a review of my new machine. Might be of interest to someone.
My beloved Bernina has had a few problems in recent years. I've had it for 24 years and have used it a lot. (Really, ever such a lot!)
It's been my one and only machine and I've been thinking that I ought to retire it and purchase a new one. It's been absolutely brilliant. An excellent yet fairly basic machine. I've loved it. I intend to take it to be looked at to see if it can be fixed. I assume it probably can. I hope so anyway. It can be my spare.
Sadly, I can't afford Bernina this time, so after only very brief research of my own, and with a little bit of input and advice from a local well established shop, I decided to have a look at the Janome HD2200. It sounded like it could be a good replacement.
As many of you know, I alter and repair clothes. I need a machine to stitch heavier fabrics, like jeans, or thick coats, but also stretchy jersey, a bit of lycra, and lightweight stuff too.
The Bernina could do it, but will the Janome?
Pics show what I've been used to and what I now have to get used to.
I called at the shop on Saturday. First impressions were that the machine was a good weight. It felt quite sturdy. The lady was explaining about the dial thingy on the side and how you turn it to change the stitch but she lost me a bit to be honest. I wasn't really taking it in. (It obviously comes with a manual so I know I'd find all that out at my leisure. )
Didn't test it out. Didn't ask if I could. Don't really care.
Brought it home and stared at it for a couple of days.
Read the manual yesterday and it says I must only use the twin needle supplied.
If that's correct, then this is a bit naff. The needle on the left is the twin needle I use for shortening t-shirts, jersey dresses and trousers etc. and their needle is the one on the right. Daughter suggested very, very carefully trying my own needle to see if it'll work or not.
Actually stitched on the machine today. Sounds good. Feels sturdy. I like the higher clearance when lifting the foot. I think I'll find that useful.
Grabbed an old cut off hem from a pair of jeans and it stitched beautifully. Haven't tried it with the thicker upholstery thread yet, which is what I'll be using when I shorten jeans for a customer.
Tested a couple of the stitches. Tried a buttonhole. Must remember this travels in the opposite direction to my Bernina buttonhole.
Haven't tried all of the extra stitches. Most of them probably won't ever be used so couldn't be bothered to try them today.
Early days, but I think I like it. Feel a bit miffed that I've got to get used to it. (Don't like change) I could have stitched on my old one with my eyes closed.
Quite a bit miffed about the twin needle but need to check it out better.
Sandra.
xxx