The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: calico on September 28, 2018, 13:33:53 PM
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For the first time in my life I have the money to buy a really decent sewing machine and would like your advise/ opinion about what you think is a good buy.
my present main machine is an Elna club that I`v had since it was released many years ago and its still going strong. I love the needle up/down and top loading bobbin. however I have always been disappointed that it struggles over seams and the thread bunching up underneath on starting sewing. I also have a singer 401 slant o matic fitted inside a hugh table .It sews very fine fabrics like a dream having a separate foot and plate for straight stitching if I could incorporate that in a new machine I could sell this one as I rarely use it now.
I`m only a hobby sewer but occasionally I mass produce tote bags for a charity sale so, speed would be nice and an overlocking type of stitch essential . To add to my dream machine and automatic thread cuter, a knee foot lifter and a bit more room would be useful. Finally I have seen machines that have a higher level of foot lift to fit in bulky fabrics.
Is here a machine that fits my wish list ? Under £2000 ?
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@calico
FYI the atelier 5 is on offer (I've just bought one) at 899 to include quilting kit with large extension table (value £189).
I've ordered mine from David Drummond in Edinburgh.
Annieg
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I have an Atelier 5 which has a knee lift, thread cutter by push button (not automatic but I believe the higher models do), is good size, lots of stitches, top loading bobbin. I really like it. The Atelier range is popular round here.
Thanks Francesca I have never heard of that one , I watched a video on U tube there and see it was sewing machine of the year last year.
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@calico
FYI the atelier 5 is on offer (I've just bought one) at 899 to include quilting kit with large extension table (value £189).
I've ordered mine from David Drummond in Edinburgh.
Annieg
I`v also found it on a site sewing machines direct for the same price with free quilting extension able. It seems to do every thing I would want. does it have an extra plate for straight stiching ? what the speed like ? I can`t believe the price ! has anyone had any dealings with this site ?
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Juki is worth looking at too. I can list a couple that are worth looking at but if you ring Franklins for some advice, tell them what you are looking for in a sewing machine they should be able to recommend some machines which would meet your requirements. I got my Juki from Frankins some time ago.
https://www.franklinsgroup.com/product-category/sewing-machines/juki/
Speak to Laurence Franklin
Franklins also sell Janome, Bernina, Brother. I do have a Janome too.
I got great advice and support from them a couple of years ago.
lizzy
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I`v also found it on a site sewing machines direct for the same price with free quilting extension able. It seems to do every thing I would want. does it have an extra plate for straight stiching ? what the speed like ? I can`t believe the price ! has anyone had any dealings with this site ?
I bought my coverstitch from SMD. But I would advise you not to rush into buying a new sewing machine until you have looked at several and different models too and looked at the pros and cons :)
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I bought my coverstitch from SMD. But I would advise you not to rush into buying a new sewing machine until you have looked at several and different models too and looked at the pros and cons :)
I know Lizzy but I`m so excited . I do know what I want in my new machine but then I`d hate to make a purchase and see another I would have prefered . I have now seen Janome MC6700P and I could afford that and I think it may be fast as well but would I use any of the extras ? I don`t think so and it dosnt have a free arm.
I`ve looked at the other machine you mentioned . It has lots of actions controlled by the foot control even foot up after tread trimming . I`be afraid of that , my Elna foot control costs a fair bit to fix when it playes up.
I have really only started looking so I will as you suggest , take my time before I buy.
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If you possibly can it is worth going to a bricks and mortar shop to try some out. You can take some samples of the types of fabrics you usually sew and see how the various machines cope and which manufacturer's layout of controls you prefer.
It may not work out any more expensive to buy from them either: when I did this the shop met the best internet price I could find.
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I have a Brother Innovis 1800q. It has all you want 9 not sure of overlocking stitch as I don't know what it is ) It has a big space and an extension table. Costs about £1200 i think
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I have a Brother Innovis 1800q. It has all you want 9 not sure of overlocking stitch as I don't know what it is ) It has a big space and an extension table. Costs about £1200 i think
The overlocking stitch I mentioned is just something that finishes off the edges to stop material fraying like a ZigZag .
There is not a great choice of shops over here for the mentioned machines and I don`t drive which makes things difficult. I`ll Have a look at the brother Lowena thanks.
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I think I would go for a Bernina, built in upper feed, stitch regulator, firm build,... I would keep my old straight stitcher along side it. I use it for all kind of stuff, from reupholstering bike seats, sometimes stitching through plastic, cardboard, and odd material. It's a fine machine, but it feels different than the more advanced computerised models. What ever model you end up buying, test it with top stitch thread and special threads you use, not all models are as flexible as we expect them to be. Make sure what you spend your money on is an actual improvement for the type of sewing you do, not just a new machine.
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If you possibly can it is worth going to a bricks and mortar shop to try some out. You can take some samples of the types of fabrics you usually sew and see how the various machines cope and which manufacturer's layout of controls you prefer.
It may not work out any more expensive to buy from them either: when I did this the shop met the best internet price I could find.
thanks Goth and If there is anyone on the forum from NI I would appreciate any info about shops with a good range of machines. I did google but not much came up.
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I have an Atelier 5 which has a knee lift, thread cutter by push button (not automatic but I believe the higher models do), is good size, lots of stitches, top loading bobbin. I really like it. The Atelier range is popular round here.
Just wondering Francesca about cops of suitable thread for this machine . I use the very large cops , catching it on the edge of the spool thingy on my Elna . would it be possible to use the large cops with the Atelier ?
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Try a Pfaff if you have a dealer nearby. The built in 'even feed' works at all speeds, enables fine fabrics to be stitched without bunching up. I have the Creative 3 which has an embroidery add-on but if you didn't want that there are other models in the range, all have large harps, even feed, go VERY fast if you need but equally mine will do 1 stitch at a time when I want. Needle up/down, thread cutter all as standard. It does run at high thread tension, it might not like your large cops of thread if they're the in fluffy type that's designed for overlockers though.
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I`m only a hobby sewer but occasionally I mass produce tote bags for a charity sale so, speed would be nice and an overlocking type of stitch essential .
You don't get proper overlocking on a regular lockstitch machine.
If your budget is £2000 you should be able to get a decent machine that does what you want and an overlocker. Have a look at the Sewing Machines Direct website (https://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/) to get an idea of what you can get for your money. They are good, and will give you sound advice by phone, but they don't stock all brands ie Bernina or Juki. Best if you can get to a proper bricks and morter shop to try out any machine before you buy.
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Sewing Machine World are another company which has good recommendations so it would be worth having a look at their site.
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@calico the only dealer that I know of is in Ballymena and they do Singer, Pfaff, Elna & Janome according to their website. You can get a train.
You'll read on here "I have no shop...the closest one is 30,40,50 miles away. When we say we have no shop...WE HAVE NO SHOP! The end. 0_0
With that budget I'd be tempted to go to the mainland and visit one of the big suppliers (SMD) over a couple of days. I'm sure someone must have done that. Good luck.
And if you hear of any dressmaking classes would you let me know please. We have none of those either. :S
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@calico the only dealer that I know of is in Ballymena and they do Singer, Pfaff, Elna & Janome according to their website. You can get a train.
You'll read on here "I have no shop...the closest one is 30,40,50 miles away. When we say we have no shop...WE HAVE NO SHOP! The end. 0_0
With that budget I'd be tempted to go to the mainland and visit one of the big suppliers (SMD) over a couple of days. I'm sure someone must have done that. Good luck.
And if you hear of any dressmaking classes would you let me know please. We have none of those either. :S
I live in Belfast so a bit of a trek though being over 65 I get free bus and train. I`ll maybe give them a ring or if they are on face book to see what they stock . I keep coming back to the Janome MC6700P as I rarly use a free arm and anyway my Elna has one.Also as BrendaP sugested I could stretch to an additional overlocking machine though I have never used one before.
Our womans group , now gone, set up a craft class years ago with a tutor from the tec . I believe some of the ladies did their City and guild cert via it. Unfortunately the sewing machines seem to have gone now and the group have diversified into card making . Did you try the colleges or perhaps local womans groups for classes ?
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I think I would go for a Bernina, built in upper feed, stitch regulator, firm build,... I would keep my old straight stitcher along side it. I use it for all kind of stuff, from reupholstering bike seats, sometimes stitching through plastic, cardboard, and odd material. It's a fine machine, but it feels different than the more advanced computerised models. What ever model you end up buying, test it with top stitch thread and special threads you use, not all models are as flexible as we expect them to be. Make sure what you spend your money on is an actual improvement for the type of sewing you do, not just a new machine.
Thanks arrow , that actually a good idea . I have a fortune worth of coloured large thread cops and it would be nice to test them out on a new machine before I buy. I would also like to sew top stitch on quite thick leatherette .
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What do you mean by "large cops" of thread? Cops are usually smallish cylindrical put-ups of thread, ie Moon thread. The large put-ups are usually cones - as designed for overlockers. You can't generally use those directly on any ordinary domestic machine, but you can get stands (https://www.amazon.co.uk/SODIAL-Single-Thread-Holder-Embroidery/dp/B078LTDJ28) to place them on; put the stand behind the machine, bring the thread around the spool pin and then through the guides as usual.
https://textileapex.blogspot.com/2014/11/different-thread-packages.html (https://textileapex.blogspot.com/2014/11/different-thread-packages.html)
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Just being curious, @BrendaP - where does the term "put-ups" come from? It's something I've never heard before.
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What do you mean by "large cops" of thread? Cops are usually smallish cylindrical put-ups of thread, ie Moon thread. The large put-ups are usually cones - as designed for overlockers. You can't generally use those directly on any ordinary domestic machine, but you can get stands (https://www.amazon.co.uk/SODIAL-Single-Thread-Holder-Embroidery/dp/B078LTDJ28) to place them on; put the stand behind the machine, bring the thread around the spool pin and then through the guides as usual.
https://textileapex.blogspot.com/2014/11/different-thread-packages.html (https://textileapex.blogspot.com/2014/11/different-thread-packages.html)
Cones is what I mean and a seperate stand would do the job . The cone thread work well on my machines , looks the same as the smaller cops.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/kevhgj.jpg)
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where does the term "put-ups" come from? It's something I've never heard before.
@Kenora I don't know where the term comes from but it's an industrial term which means the way that different quantities of something is packaged. You might find ribbon in 5m packs or 50 m rolls, or a dozen hooks and eyes on a card or a box with 100 of them; same products different put-ups.
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Thanks for the explanation Brenda. You learn something new every day. :)
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me again, just wondering if anyone has a janome 8200QCP it has been recommended b to me from a shop owner over here thought I havn`t travelled up to Ballymena to see it . I have looked at some vidios of it and it does all that I would want though I don`t know how I would use my large cones with it . I have been offered a special edition ( don`t know what`s special about it ) for £1240 delivered .
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Did you want a combined sewing and embroidery machine? I would spend my money on the best sewing machine I could afford, rather than on a combined one unless I wanted the embroidery part. Try ringing Frank Nutt or Franklins and tell them what you want from a sewing machine and am sure they will give you lots of advice and recommendations for you to ponder over and have a look at the machines online.
I think a lot of people buy their machines online these days and I know I have spoken to both those companies about sewing machines (long conversations) and they were more than happy to give advice with no strings attached.
They both sell all the main machines so you are not limited to advice on a certain brand.
I think Sellers to send to Northern Ireland don't they?
lizzy
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I don't think of the Janome 8200QCP as a combined sewing and embroidery machine - it does some fancy stitches and lettering but it doesn't have a separate embroidery module as the combination machines do.
If you want to use large cones with it, you can get a stand-alone thread stand that sits behind the machine (that's a lot of standing and sitting in one sentence!). There are a few different types available and I am sure someone on here can recommend one.
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I don't think of the Janome 8200QCP as a combined sewing and embroidery machine - it does some fancy stitches and lettering but it doesn't have a separate embroidery module as the combination machines do.
Ooops sorry. I haven't looked at it carefully enough and am ill in bed with a bug! My only excuse :S
Going to look at it now.
lizzy
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Yes, it's a described as a quilting and sewing machine. Can't think why I misread that. Apologies again for my error. It's down as £1299 at Frank Nutt too with free delivery so there must be a promotion on at present for this model.
https://www.franknutt.co.uk/sewing-machines/janome-sewing-machines/janome-horizon-8200qcp
Have a look at this one too. Its 1200 stitches a second if you want something
faster too?
https://www.franknutt.co.uk/sewing-machines/janome-sewing-machines/janome-6700p
lizzy :)
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Yes, it's a described as a quilting and sewing machine. Can't think why I misread that. Apologies again for my error. It's down as £1299 at Frank Nutt too with free delivery so there must be a promotion on at present for this model.
https://www.franknutt.co.uk/sewing-machines/janome-sewing-machines/janome-horizon-8200qcp
Have a look at this one too. Its 1200 stitches a second if you want something
faster too?
https://www.franknutt.co.uk/sewing-machines/janome-sewing-machines/janome-6700p
lizzy :)
That`s my two favourite machines at the minute Lizzy. I`m now more inclined to buy from the Ballymena shop as I`ve had a few expensive items damaged in transit from the mainland . Unfortunately his price for the Janome MC6700P isnt nearly as good as sewing machines direct ( £1439 and free postage )
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@calico.
That sounds like a plan then :) I keep forgetting you are in N.I and it isn't that easy not having such a wide choice of suppliers there. If you think that is the machine you want, then it sounds a good deal. I like Janome too but I do like Juki as well as I have one of each make. It's always difficult when choosing a new machine isn't it?
Lizzy
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I find the different models confusing . I have just been told that special edition means the newest model.
On the sewing machine direct site the Janome MC8200QC has 224 stitches ,860 s.p.m. and 7 style button hole while The Janome MC8200QCP special edition has only 170 stitches but 10 sytle buttonholes and 1000 s.p.m so it has less stitches but faster ? on there sites it says the special edition has 120 stitches or 200 stitches .
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I always thought that special edition meant that some extras were included with the machine .
Looking at the SMD website, the QCP machine comes with a straight stitch needle plate, an extension table, a special spool holder, an improved buttonhole foot, and a semi-rigid cover which are not included on the QC machine.
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I always thought that special edition meant that some extras were included with the machine .
Looking at the SMD website, the QCP machine comes with a straight stitch needle plate, an extension table, a special spool holder, an improved buttonhole foot, and a semi-rigid cover which are not included on the QC machine.
I think the straight stitch needle plate is standard and the extension table is the part of the machine that holds the accessories , they don`t mean the large clear extension thats available. The two machines look different on the front . I think there must be a mistake about the number of stitches most places say 170 . I might nip up to Ballymena today or tomorrow with all this printed info I have and my list of the accessories I would like ( the single AceFeedflex walking foot ,two cone holder ,ultra glide foot, the circular sewing attachment and maybe that very large extension ) This is the best time to strike a deal :P
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Looking at the SMD website, the extra wide extension table is shown as optional extra for the 8200QC machine (https://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/products/janome-mc8200qc-sewing-machine/247), but not for the 8200QCP machine (https://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/products/janome-mc8200qcp-special-edition-save-300-00/2444), which made me think that it was included as part of the special edition.
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Looking at the SMD website, the extra wide extension table is shown as optional extra for the 8200QC machine (https://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/products/janome-mc8200qc-sewing-machine/247), but not for the 8200QCP machine (https://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/products/janome-mc8200qcp-special-edition-save-300-00/2444), which made me think that it was included as part of the special edition.
Your perfectly right StichinTime the special edition come with the large extension table and a hard cover . I rang the shop just now and I have actually bought the machine and at a very good price, £1240, cheaper than SMD ( which was £1389 with discount) I also ordered the acufeed single walking foot for £26 ( the twin comes with the machine ) and a 2 spool stand for cones which attaches into the back of the machine for £40 . Thought he quoted me a bigger price for both I told him I could buy them cheaper on line and he gave me them for that price. He`s ordering the extra parts and will deliver it for me and set it up .
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Great news, @calico. Glad you have got sorted in the end and at a good price from a local supplier.
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Thanks to everyone for advice, opinions and suggested sewing machines. I had a god look at them all , some I`d not even heard of .