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From: mitznvero
Date: 02-03-2005, 01:22 AM (1 of 9)
| I am in the process of looking for a new machine. My alterations lady tells me that I should buy the Janome 6500 professional series machine. Has anyone heard of this one? It is supposed to be fast and do all the basic stitches that you need, including a one step buttonhole. I do not need a thousand stitches, but want a durable reliable machine with good service. Most of my sewing is garment sewing and a little home decor. Any advice would be appreciated. I looked at Vikings today and happen to like them as well. I would like to keep it in the $1000 price range if possible. Thanks for any help! Mitzi[COLOR=Blue] |
User: mitznvero
Member since: 02-03-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-04-2005, 01:57 AM (2 of 9)
| I just made a long post on this and it evaporated..so this is a re-do. The Janome 6500 is a big beautiful machine. It is a flat bed not a free arm that has quilting features like a big harp 9 x 5 and knee lift. I have a computerized Janome Kenmore from Sears that has similar features but more stitches and it is a wonderful machine. The 6500 has 135 stitches, pressure regulator, needle up/down, lock stitch, built in threader, thread cutter and an independent motor for the bobbin wider. It also sews at 1000 stitches per min. I actually got this info from the brochure that I ordered on line being I don't have a local dealer. I suggest to look at reviews and ratings of owners and users on line at sites like PatternReview, Epinions, Quilters Review and look over the discussions about certain brands at Sewing World. This machine has had excellent reviews. There is a new owner however that has complained about some tension or stitching problems that could be new user error. She is taking it in to check it out at the dealer but it is the first problem that I have seen on this machine. Hopefully if there are owners of this machine on this site they will chime in. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: mitznvero
Date: 02-06-2005, 03:54 PM (3 of 9)
| Thanks for the Janome advice. I have been all over the board looking at machines. You mentioned that you have a Kenmore. I happened to look at Sears last week and found a Kenmore (forget the model #, but it retailed for about $450). It had been returned, completely unused because the lady had decided it was too much machine once she read the manual. Eveyrthing still in original plastic, full warranty, etc. As is Sears policy, they reduce the returned items every 15 days. It is now down to $249.00. I have no idea about the quality of Kenmore these days, but it certainly seems to be a good deal at that price. I don't want to settle on a lesser machine, but don't sew quite as much as I used to and now I'm not sure that I should spend the money for the Janome 6500. Any comments on this? Thanks, Mitzi |
User: mitznvero
Member since: 02-03-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-07-2005, 06:03 AM (4 of 9)
Wow Mitzi..it sounds like this is one of those offers you can't refuse. If this is one of the computerized Kenmores for $249 you can't go wrong. Also, you can always return it should you not care for it, just as that lady did. I paid $540 for my 19365 Elite on sale and with an extra 10% for a one day holiday sale. The price when my machine was new was around $1000 or $1100. I recently heard Canadian price for my machine was $1499. The 2 newer compurterized models are around $499 to $699. The lower priced newer model was on sale during Xmas and several people on another sewing forum that I go to were lucky to buy it at the sale price and seem to rave about it. It does lack some of the features that mine has but the more expensive model has more stitches than mine. I compare mine to the 6500 and mine has more stitches and a few other features..where the 6500 has the big flat bed and knee lift and cutters etc. My Kenmore has all the other features such as needle up/down, needle threader,lockstitch, pattern editing up to 50 in memory and memory recall. It has 365 stitches and 2 Alphabets ..block and script both in upper and lower case, numbers and punctutations, drop feed and foot pressure adjustment. It is also whisper quiet. The heirloom and deco stitches are gorgeous and the machine has a speed control but really seems to stitch the deco stitches faster and it is great. The $249 price is wonderful for a computerized Kenmore. I would sure go for it..
|
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: mitznvero
Date: 02-07-2005, 09:29 AM (5 of 9)
| The Sears model # is 19233...regularly priced at $449.00. It is computerized with 200 or so stitches and 5 buttonholes. (it uses that 'R" foot). I had some trouble with my singer with the 'R' foot, so that scared me a little, but for the price, I think you've talked me into trying it out. I have bought into the notion that if a machine is under $1000, it's not a good machine! It's been so long since I've purchased a new machine, and my singer 20 years ago was around $800. Do you think this price reflects a decent machine? Sorry to hit you with so many reply's but I am just trying to make up my mind on this machine thing! I don't sew nearly as often as I used to, but I am a fairly good seamtress and love garment construction. Buttonholes are important....(I loved the Viking that has the sensor attachment.....push one button and it's done) Thanks so much for your help. This is the first time I've ever done a forum.....so I wasn't sure I was even doing things correctly! This seems to be a wonderful site. Mitzi |
User: mitznvero
Member since: 02-03-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-07-2005, 06:54 PM (6 of 9)
|
If I were you, I would be at Sears right now, getting that machine..I paid 800. + dollars on sale from 1200. dollars 11 or 12 years ago for a Janome Memory Craft 4000 which is very similar to the machine you are talking about.. because it is made by Janome also.. I have never had a minutes trouble with my machine... I love it...I was in sears recently and looked at one like you are talking about and it is so much like mine...You cannot go wrong and look at the money you will be saving.. (all the extra fabric you can buy) LOL..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-08-2005, 03:47 AM (7 of 9)
| Mitz, The R foot or the one step buttonhole foot does work very well and my Kenmore makes beautiful buttonholes of several types. I also have always preferred the 4 or 5 step that the sewer has more control over like I have on my Pfaff 1530 mechanical machine that also makes great buttonholes. I have arthritic hands with some knuckle pins and fusions and never liked fiddling with the bigger foot on the one steps. The thing that is so nice about the computerized one step is that there are so many different kinds of buttonholes that can be repeated perfectly and quickly to the size of the button. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: mitznvero
Date: 02-10-2005, 09:13 AM (8 of 9)
| Thanks for the help re: Sears Kenmore machines. I was on my way out to purchase it and happened to call a Janome Dealer here who is closing her buisness. She sold me the Janome 6500 MemoryCraft for $700!!!! Full Warranty, brand new...plus she threw in a sewing table for an extra $40! I felt like I couldn't refuse that deal, although I was convinced that the Kenmore would work for me too. I will let everyone know how I like this machine...So far, it's WONDERFUL! Thanks again...you've all been so helpful! |
User: mitznvero
Member since: 02-03-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-11-2005, 01:58 AM (9 of 9)
|
Wow!! Mitz congratulations on your new beautiful machine..and what a deal you got. It seems that everyone that has that model just raves about it. I have not yet heard of anyone getting their machine at such a low price. Please let us know how it goes. I am so happy for you. I was attracted to the style of this one.
|
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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