The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: Celia on August 13, 2021, 16:57:54 PM
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I am not buying a new machine, repeat after me, I am not buying a new machine.
I did say i would buy myself a machine just because I wanted it when I retired, I do have 3 lovely machines but I am wondering if it would be a good idea to try to combine at least 2 and also to buy a machine for fun not work.
I would love to have this one but look at the price https://www.franknutt.co.uk/janome-m7-continental_janome-m7-continental-sewing-machine. I wondered if the 6700 would perhaps make a good alternative.
Now off to hide in the corner @Lowena at least I could have less machines :devil:
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I do! I bought it in May! The M7 Continental is huge and very expensive, but thus far, I am pleased with the 6700. It is a pretty big machine, others of similar size are far more expensive. It is more useful than it is pretty, but it is a heavy machine, and the table that comes with it is huge. It is nice to have something that isn't 'automatic' and you can set your own tension and foot pressure. The HP plate and foot are pretty good too, as is the Accufeed system. it does have it's little quirks however - the drop in bobbin case sometimes jumps up but the machine will do an 'emergency stop' when it senses something has gone wrong.
I bought it to replace a Bernina 475QE, which was beautifully made, but made too many decisions that I didn't want!. I do a lot of free motion embroidery, and like to use unusual threads to do bobbin work, but the Bernina was just too fussy to play! It was a big machine but the working area was only very small, and the accessories were very expensive.
The quality of the Janome accessories are not as good as the Bernina, but they do a pretty impressive job. I have free motion quilted a 6'x6' quilt on it with ease. There are three stitch plates to use, which change easily. It does seem to gather fluff like there is no tomorrow, so needs seriously frequent cleaning.
I did have a trial run on it, took all the types of fabric i like to use, and was pleased with how it performed.
Hope this helps - there is also a Janome 6700 group on Facebook which are quite helpful!
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I have one as well and I love it! I got mine in late February 2020, just in time before the lockdown and subsequent run on sewing machines. At the time I was able to go into the shop and try out my shortlisted machines. You might not feel ready to do that, I know I'd be wary. It was very useful and helped with my decision.
It is a very solid machine and, as @KayK says, it allows a lot of user control of tension etc. The dials to scroll through the various modes and menus are much easier to use than a touchscreen. It feels like a 'normal' machine. Luckily I like the way it looks, it is more like a traditional machine, but then I have never had a modern-style computer machine and I've never adjusted to that style.
It comes with a lot of bits and pieces. I got a couple of extra feet thrown in to the deal as well. The knee lift took a bit of getting used to, but now I wouldn't be without it and I've developed a serious leg twitch when using my overlocker! I use the HP foot and throatplate a lot. It's easy to change to the standard plate when necessary. I'd like to try the extension table if I can make space for it.
It's a fast machine, yet very controllable. There is a sliding speed limiter, but the (large) foot pedal is so responsive it isn't always necessary.
There are some very useful youtube videos about the 6700p from Montaville sewing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIGK0td-jLc) which I've found helpful.
I had a bit of bother with the threading to start with. I had become so accustomed to threading my old machine that I was rushing through in my usual way. After a couple of 'emergency stops' I learned to take more care over the threading and all has been well since.
I have not regretted my decision at all, I'm delighted with my machine. We seem to 'fit'.
Any questions at all, just ask!
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Think very carefully @Celia .....what you need rather than what you want...what will you do with the excess machines???
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There is one for sale on FB @Celia MC 6700P £1400 6 months old and upgrading to a big Bernina. Postage is extra of course.
The Continental looks huge and I seem to remember I looked and it was around 20Kg.
Oh and I think it would make a great alternative, it's the only machine I've really lusted after other than a Pfaff, although it was the 6500 then.
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Think very carefully @Celia .....what you need rather than what you want...what will you do with the excess machines???
Sell them!
And there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to something you want once in a while.
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Go with your gut feeling, do what you feel you want to do and enjoy.
After mum died I used some of her money to buy a Janome Horizon, no I didn't need it I just fancied a new machine and I love it. I also have an Elna 6600 Quilters Dream, I use both machines and love them both.
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Thank you. For your replies @SkoutSews and @KayK for your help there is nothing better than the opinion of someone who has already got the machine.
I am still very tempted but would really love to try the machine first and that is not possible at the moment.
@Lowena I will think carefully, my idea is actually to reduce the number of machines i have, I do actually feel guilty for having so many as it is no longer part of my working life.
I have 3 sewing machines at present, my favourite by far is the straight stitch machine but of course their are times I need more stitches so I cannot keep that one on its own. I will if I buy trade in at least one of the others and sell the other.
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Treat yourself @Celia , you bloody well deserve it ... and dont be put off doing what you want by others .. we're all different.
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Oh... my... goodness - that looks amazing! But fortunately I can't afford one :P
Go for it, ignore Mrs Minimalist, she only makes quilts, so knows nothing about other sewing :P
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Three machines is nothing @Celia I've got three and they all have their use in different ways. The only reason I had one for so long was that I didn't have the time to sew because the job I had was too demanding (but well paid).
Those big Janome's are tough monkeys as well, I don't think you will be disappointed.
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@Bodgeitandscarper the one I linked to is the one I would love but the one I am really thinking of is this one https://www.franknutt.co.uk/janome-6700p not quite so pricey
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@Celia A wise lady once told me (a few weeks ago) that all machines have their good and down sides. I listened to that lady's advice and bought a new sewing machine, giving me a total of three that I use for different projects.
She was quite correct. She should listen to her own advice and inner self that is obviously saying she has something missing and it is a hole that needs filling!
:dance: :sew: :angel: :devil:
BB
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@Bodgeitandscarper the one I linked to is the one I would love but the one I am really thinking of is this one https://www.franknutt.co.uk/janome-6700p not quite so pricey
Oh that's definitely affordable, go for it 0_0
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@Celia , I know it’s not the same machine as you are looking at but I have the Janome 8900QCP and I love it.
It’s strong and gutsy and so far has sewn everything I’ve thrown at it, multiple layers of denim, lots of upholstery fabric and several layers of vinyl.
I think the big Janomes are excellent value, lots of bang for your buck.
Go for it girl :thumbsup:
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Thank you everyone for the encorougment, I am going on hold until September when my Son will be back at work and I will be here on my own more but I am also going to see if there is anyway I might be able to try a machine before I buy I also need to check the exact measurements, I have a sewEzi table.
The other difficult decision is which machines to sell, I will keep 1 extra and I think that will be either the staight stitch machine or the baby Bernina, I don’t want to decide get rid of the straight stitch until I am convinced the new one will cope with all of the fabrics and layers etc. Especially for top stitching.
Looks like it will be the Husqvarna sewing/embroidery machine that is leaving the building, it is the newest so I do feel a bit guilty. I love the machine but I really don’t enjoy doing embroidery anymore and as @KayK said it can be too clever.
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I'm not being pushy @Celia but:
Arm space 25.5cm
Weight 11.5kg approx.
Machine Dimensions: W 516mm x H 300mm x D 220mm
Large LCD Screen (78.5 x 47.5mm)
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Thank you @Gernella the difficult measurement is the width it is a very tight fit, it will depend on where the actual feet are the platform it sits on is only 50cms my existing machine is 49 cms and would fit well except you can’t change the bobbin. I don’t really want to buy a new table.
Maybe if some who has one could tell me if the feet are right on the edge at the right hand side, thanks
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I've just measured and the 6700p feet are 5cm in from the right edge of the machine.
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Thank you @Gernella I don’t really want to buy a new table.
Don't let a table stand in the way of your heart's desire @Celia ;, they are as cheap as chips for folding tables and can hold immense amounts of weight, plus easy to collapse and get out of the way if required. Lots of room even for a large quilting table, which I don't do unless forced.
(https://i.imgur.com/2u7LDMZl.jpg)
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@SkoutSews Thank you so much that really helps, I am off to check my table as soon as I finish lunch, I really am getting more keen with everything I read or watch about this machine.
@Gernella I do have other folding tables but this one is good as my big chair sits under it and the room is sooo small but I am sure I can get around it.
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Sounds like an expansion plan is required @Celia
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@Celia A few pics may to help! One shows the machine set up, table on and how long the whole lot is.
Another shows a stitch sample - I wanted to make a stitch library, as some of them look soooo much better in the flesh than they do on the chart! (sewn on very cheap black cotton with embroidery machine thread)
The other pic shows the super-high foot raise
I'm not really an enabler (much!) :thumbsup:
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Ohhh that looks lovely @KayK I am now super super tempted. :dance:
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I can definitely see why you desire it, :loveit:
Fortunately it has no power over me as my current finances have even blocked the daydream mode which can lead me astray. That's fine, it's very clear cut so it's a pain-free zone. As for you, if you can afford it, go for it and savour every pennyworth of pleasure with no regrets!
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@Celia ... After the year you have had so far ... you deserve it! Go for it Girl!
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Thank you @Iminei I do think a new different machine will give me a bit of a lift and hopefully if I can sell at least one or possibly 2 of the others it won’t cost too much
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That 6700 looks fantastic :perfect10:
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Ohhh that looks lovely @KayK I am now super super tempted. :dance:
That looks about the size of my Husqvarna Grand Quilter with the table on so similar to the Janome 1600P you have @Celia (I think). It's about an inch longer than my purple Pfaff.
Really nice looking machine though, you wouldn't say no to that very easily.
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Nearly decided but do I trade in my Husqvarna topaz 40 or try to sell on flea bay or something?
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@Celia where are you going to buy it from? I’d contact them and ask if they do part exchange to see how much you could get off your new machine. If not then perhaps try fleabay.
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Maybe try to sell yourself before purchasing the new one, even if it's just to test the market, BUT I'd be very tempted to do a trade in as then it's gone which is really what you want to happen and quickly........
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@CeliaI've been pretty successful on Facebook marketplace "Preloved Sewing Machines for sale" rather than fleabay. I do sometimes worry about part ex as they will sometimes give you two thirds of bugger all, or are not interested! Good luck with whatever you do!
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I asked how much the decent local dealer to me (Salisbury) would give me for Elvis when I was buying Elvistoo and he advised me to try and sell privately ...
which I did (faceache, fleabays fees are too much these days) I got £550 for him where they would have offered me £300 and it and me feel good about it all .. I waited until I had sold before I bought the new one.
Your machines are always beautifully looked after, so a good ad, lots of pics and you'll be away ...
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Thanks everyone for your opinion re selling, I think I will go down the route of selling privately.
Good to hear your experience @Iminei the only downside is there is still a shortage of machines and apparently this dealer only has one, not sure I believe it.
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Good to hear your experience @Iminei the only downside is there is still a shortage of machines and apparently this dealer only has one, not sure I believe it.
Well there are a lot of sites where some machines are advertised @Celia but marked as out of stock. I think a lot depends on the dealer and how much he sells. This machine seems to be in stock in most places (probably because a high value machine) so you can always move to another dealer, especially if they are offering incentives.
I've usually used SMD because I'm happy to buy without trying and Russell is good for bartering. If you don't ask you don't get.
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See the today thread …………. :dance:
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Excellent news Ceila, here is to a wonderful time sewing with your new machine.
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Yay, well done!
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:thumbsup: Excellent! I'll look forward to hearing what you think of it.