Hi all, I'm new to quilting but LOVE it. I have a question about sewing machines. I have a pretty standard Husqvarna basic machine and am struggling a bit. Do any of you have a suggestions about the best intermediate sewing machine for quilting? All comments welcome and thanks.
LaniC
Hi Lani, welcome. I have a Janome 7700, that i love but they are a bit pricey, i guess it depends on how much you want to spend.
[Ava, Missouri
Hi Lani, welcome!
I have a Janome 6600, a Janome 3160QDC which is lighter in weight for classes, retreats, etc., and a 28 yr. old Bernina 930 that I'll never part with. I love Berninas but the models that would give me more features than my 930 were a lot more than I was willing to spend. I'm quite happy with my Janomes so far. I have had them less than a year.
Welcome Lani. Hope you enjoy your time here. Everyone is very friendly and helpfyl.
As far as advice on machines, I also have a Husqvarna. Mine is an Emerald 203. I bought it on clearance and love it but I do not think it is available any longer.
What is making you struggle with your machine?
Good luck. Sorry I wasn't much help.
From Western New York
Hi Darlene, thanks for the reply. I have a model 116, pretty basic, and I seem to be having trouble with layers of fabric at seam areas. The machine seems to bog down. Probably just me, not only a quilt novice but a sewing machine novice as well.
What a great group of people you are to reply!
Lani
Lani, couple suggestions.
Press the life out of your seams to make it easier to stitch thru.
If you have a walking foot, when joining rows, I like to use mine.
If you do not have a walking foot, see about getting one. It jumps the presser foot up and down as the needle goes up and down which allows the fabric to flow under the presser foot a little easier.
Hang in there. Do not be afraid to post when you have a question or problem. Some one is usually hanging around at all hours. I have wandered into my dealer many times with questions about the features of my machine. Because I live between two major cities [Buffalo and Rochester] I do not always go to the store I purchased my machine at. Depends on which way I am traveling that day to shop. But when I am having a particular problem, I stop in and ask. Sometimes the sales clerks cringe when they see I did not purchase my machine at their particular store. I always tell them that if they want any chance of my continued support, they will help me. Usually works. Not always. That is when I go someplace else. I have 4 options that are realitvely easy to get to between the two cities. I no longer shop at one of them. Their loss.
Welcome. Everyone on the board is very helpful. You will get great advice.
kathy
I have a janome memory craft 5200. I got it at a reduced price from my local janome dealer. I went in looking for a different machine that they didn't have and they pulled this one out and offered it at a cheaper price.
Welcome, Lani.
Welcome Lani. Go to a dealer near you and try some of the machines. There are many good ones out there but you'll have to decide which one best suits you. I have two Pfaffs and a Babylock. Love them.
Lanic,
First of all Welcome to the Group.
The machine I have is a Husqvarna Sapphire 870 Quilt. Absolutely love it.
Hi Lani,
Welcome to the group. You will love it here. I have a Bernina 140 Patchwork but the extras are expensive. This machine was left to me by my step mother. I really like it. You will get a lot of help on this site. I've been sewing since I was 8 but I still have to ask quite a few quilting questions. Everyone here is so helpful and generous with there help.
Georgetown, CA I'd Rather Be Quilting
Welcome to the club Lani.
Margaret
Welcome aboard