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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 12-08-2005, 08:28 PM (1 of 20)
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I have been looking over some new sewing mahcines, because we live so far out of the way of any dealers, and they are just priced too high for me, I have been looking online at sears and another place. so far I like the Kenmore and the Juki Computerized machines I would like to get some input on the sewing machines, right now I have been sewing on a Kenmore 28 stich machine for my quilts and other projects it was bought new in 1992 and still sewing wonderful. but I am ready for some more stiches and what a new sewing mahcine can offer. If they will not do, please point me to a sewing machine that may work.. Looking to spend 200-1000 but much better to stay low then on the high end of the price range. Kenmore Computerized Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine with 765 Stitch Functions Sears item #02019606000 Mfr. model #19606 http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02019606000 Kenmore Computerized Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine with 281 Stitch Functions http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02019233000&subcat=For+Her Juki HZL-E80 Best Buy 150-Stitch Computer Sewing Machine http://www.sewserg.com/products/abp02488-0067.html DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-09-2005, 12:04 AM (2 of 20)
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www.allbrands.com sells all kinds of machines...including Janome (who makes ALL of Sears/Kenmore machines...and some of the new Bernina's) Just remember you can't test drive if you don't go to a dealer. Allbrands will take back machines if you don't like them. Sears....maybe not. (I had a R E A L L Y hard time returning a bad sewing machine to Sears 3 yrs ago. They said it was new, but then they said it was a return, the woman didn't 'like it'...it was more like she BROKE it and then told them nothing was wrong with it.. Since none of the Sears people sew. I showed them the problems. Then it took me 4 months to clear it OFF my bill, and for them to keep sending me NEW ONES that I did NOT want.) Kath (my 10 cents) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 12-09-2005, 05:01 AM (3 of 20)
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Thanks for the input, I know it would be better to test drive one, but this is not an option for where we live.. If I where to test drive, I would have to drive 150+ miles to a dealer, and that is not going to happen. I was looking at the site you posted, and I like the stiches that the singer quantum 9940 has.. would anyone have an idea on how the Singer Quantums sew? surely they are a better machine then what Wal-Mart sells DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: plrlegal
Date: 12-09-2005, 12:16 PM (4 of 20)
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Dustbunny I have a Quantum 3400 which is just an older model of the 9940. It sews nice and is a really heavy sturdy machine. Howeve, the Kenmore 19606 is made my Janome. Given my pick of the 2, I would go with the Kenmore 19606. In fact, I had a really nice Kenmore and gave it to my Sister-in-law in West Virginia when my DH bought my Pfaff 2046, which I dearly love. I don't sew much on my Singer Quantum because I do have my Pfaff 2046 and really don't need the Singer to sew on. I also have the Singer Futura which is an embroidery/sewing machine that I like but don't use a lot and I only use it for the embroidery module. Personally, I would go with the Kenmore. I've seen a lot of very positive reviews on that machine. Also, I had a Kenmore that I used for 20 years and never had it serviced or had a problem with it and I sewed everything from bridal lace to canvas for outdoor patio furniture. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: soverysewey
Date: 12-09-2005, 02:18 PM (5 of 20)
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Allbrands will not take them back if you don't like them without it costing you a LOT. They will give you a store credit and take a 15% restocking fee and you will pay the shipping both ways even if it was free shipping to you. There are other dealers online that have better terms for returns. I'd look around before buying from Allbrands. If you read the reviews for Allbrands at PatternReview and Epinions you will see that they have many negative customer service reviews. They are ok for smaller things but I would never recommend buying a machine from them unless you live near their shop. Try sewinginusa or sewvacdirect or Kenssewingcenter or do a Google search for Janome and see who pops up. Be sure to read the return policy and also make sure they explain how the warranties work. |
User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 12-09-2005, 04:55 PM (6 of 20)
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Thanks again, I have bought from sewvacdirect before and even called them on a few things.. never had a problem with them. I do like the sears, but will you know how it is.. LOL and yes I have one now that I do all of my sewing on.. its a good little sewing mahcine and has been since I bought it. IT has only been cleaned once in its lifetime... but don't worry too much, I have been looking at sewing machines for almost a year now ( online) and just made up my mind to try out a computerized sewing machine.. ( which I said I would never need) LOL eating my words now.. I will try to get down to the sears store and test drive it out maybe this weekend or in the next two, DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: Tom Land
Date: 12-10-2005, 10:34 PM (7 of 20)
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Singer is the only Company that will allow their better machines to be sold over the internet. Janomes, Brothers, etc. will not allow their better machines to be sold over the "net". Your best companies... Pfaff, Viking, & Bernina will not allow any of their products to be sold this way. Janome does make the Kenmore, but the Kenmore is not a Janome. If you must buy over the internet Singer is probably your best bet but make sure it is a Quantum. The other models are of lesser quality. If you test drove them you would see the difference immediately. Also Singer now has a 30 day return policy. this is from Singer, not John's(Allbrands) often misleading word. If at all possible take the trip to a dealer. The machine you will get will be much better and you will have someone to help you when you need it. Like someone has already said you will get no help from the clerks at Sears or from John at Allbrands. If you decide to buy over the internet be sure to check www.sewmuchmoreinc.com Good Luck, I just always cringe when I hear of someone buying a lesser quality machine over the internet and I see so many people that have been burned this way. Tom Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: vickki
Date: 12-11-2005, 07:26 PM (8 of 20)
| I have 3 Kenmore machines....Have had almost no problems with them....We have an excellent service centre here and very helpful sales associates.That makes a big difference. |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-11-2005, 10:45 PM (9 of 20)
| I bought a Singer Quantum 9910 that I loved but in a few weeks it developed several problems. My dealer said he thought the stitching problems were my fault from missing a thread guide when threading. I used to sell Singers when they had stores and am careful about threading. I use proper needles and threads and the stitching was off, snarls plus the stitch density kept changing, the computer kept saying to put the foot down when it was down. The pressure foot lifter was loose and the bobbin felt loose with much clatter. When I returned to the dealers again it was a few days past the 30 day warranty and he would not let me return it. I asked if I could trade up to the next model and he said he no longer sold it. He had no more of the 9900's in the store. I now have 2 other brand machines that I purchased elsewhere. A mechanical Pfaff and a computerized Kenmore. Both are far superior to the 9910 in every way. I have used them constantly and beat them up maybe more so than your regular home sewer because of the types of sewing I do for family. I might have gotten a lemon when buying the 9910 but I have seen similar posts by 9900 series owners with the same complaints that I had with my machine. I was greatly disappointed with that machine because I liked it so much at first being I had only owned mechanical machines previously and this was my first computerized machine. I see that they are now sold at Hancocks. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 12-12-2005, 04:48 AM (10 of 20)
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thank you on your post Kylnne, Liek you, I am looking for my first computerized, but if there is problmes out of them, I don't want one that bad, and will just stick too the mechanical, and if that turns out to be the case, then I don't need to be in the market for a new one, as the Mechanical one I own works 110% and right now I am so  Mad at Sears, I went down to test drive one, and I was told "NO" after I was told Yes, they would set it up for me just the day before!! ( this was on the phone) and DH drive me 60 miles down to " test drive" it.. I was seeing red!! I did find a singer dealer down there as well, but was closed on the weekends. Now I have no clue what to buy as a computerized machine that would fit my needs, as a quilter/garment sewer, and the only reason I woudl like a computerized sewing machine is because of the stiches it offers. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: Tom Land
Date: 12-12-2005, 12:32 PM (11 of 20)
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Dustbunny, I feel for you. So far from heaven but so close to Texas. Although your best machine companies will not allow their machines to be sold via internet or even telephone orders the dealer can sometimes get an exception approval. You could go online to the websites (Pfaff, Viking, Bernina) and find the features that you are looking for. Then contact your closest dealer and ask them to ask their Rep. for an exception. From what you have said I would recommend the Pfaff 2027 or 2026. If you decide to go Mechanical you can't beat the Pfaff 1500 class. I hate to make specific recomendations on the these boards but it sounds like you really need help. Bear in mind I carry nearly every brand of machine but I can not sell you any of the better ones. So I have nothing to gain or lose by what you end up with. Good Luck Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-13-2005, 03:23 AM (12 of 20)
| What a shame about Sears not letting you test machnes. I was testing some one day and actually sold one. A customer was looking over my shoulder and said I'll take one of those when I was showing her what it could do. She thought I worked there and I had to take her to a sales person. I purchased the mechanical Pfaff 1530 and yes I agree with Tom it is a great machine and I love the dual feed. The 1530 has several utility stitches but I missed the heirloom stitches offered by the Singer that I had and I lucked out on a sale for a Janome made Kenmore with almost 400 stitches, stitch editing and memory, elongation of stitches and mirror image and other bells and whistles. That is what I wanted so I could play. It also has numerals, punctuation, 2 alphabets with both upper and lower case in Block and Script that stitch out better than that Singer did..so I am happy. The machine amazes me sometimes with it's quiet smooth beautiful stitches. I don't know the life expectancy of computerized models and I have used the Kenmore a lot but at first I did baby it a bit more than my Pfaff but not anymore now knowing it's capablilities and it is also a workhorse. I could not decide between them if I had to choose between the two. I feel very lucky and probably love them more because buying them both at the sale price was less than the msrp was for one of them. So I feel it all worked out in the end and I love when that happens. I always hope that when someone is looking for a new machine that they find one they love too. I never expected to end up with two. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 12-17-2005, 03:18 AM (13 of 20)
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Tom I recived a 404 error when clicking on your site for sewing machines :( I am heading back down to Sherman tomorrow I will try sears once more, I did find a singer store really close to Joann's, so while I am down there I will see if they are opened and check out the singers. Something I did not think about is the size of the sewing mahcines now a days.. if they are too wide, they will not fit into my sewing machine cabinet.. My cabinet will only hold about a 9" wide machine.. I wonder if any that I have my eye out on will fit? length I am not that worried about, it is the width DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: paroper
Date: 12-17-2005, 09:48 AM (14 of 20)
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One thing you have to consider is that nearly ALL machines that are marketed today are computerized. There is one Bernina that is not, the 1008. All of the lower end machines that Bernina sells (made by Janome) are computerized. I understand there are a couple of Viking machines and last I heard, there was a Nechi machine that was not computerized and there is probably one or two lurking in most of the sewing machine lines. There is still some demand for these because they can be hooked up to a treddle and can run without electricity. If it weren't for that, there would probably be even fewer mechanical machines made. If it is NOT computerized, they will tell you because it is an unusual trait in the sewing machines now a days. The two machines I purchased in 1992 were computerized. One was a Pfaff and the other a Bernina. I've never had problems with either one. Eventhough these machines are computerized, they don't have much memory. Many of the repairs to the machines are plug in plug out. (Of course, all machines have some mechanical features). Do not assume that because the machine doesn't have a lot of stitches or features it is not computerized. It is. It wasn't so long ago that all a low end machine would do is stitch forward, backward and MIGHT zig zag. Now many of the machines have built in buttonholes, blindstitch and many other features that we just take for granted. That is because it isn't that big of a deal to put it in the machine that are computerized. Many of the cautions that you would take with your laptop you'll also have to take with your machine. Brother does not allow dealers who are authorized dealers to sell on line anymore. Anyone who is selling Brother online will not be authorized. That means that the Brother warranty will not be in place for you if you try to get it fixed at another place. All repairs will need to be made by the dealer himself. If you should buy a Brother machine online, be sure that you are comfortable with the way repairs will be made and that he will stand behind his product. I know that this machine purchase is not easy for you. I would strongly suggest that you stay with someone, some place where you can get your machine serviced as locally as possible. Because of your special needs, I would recommend that you stay with the most local dealer you have, regardless of the brand. If Sears will allow you to return the machine if you don't like it, I would suggest that you go there. You might also start asking for a store manager. I went into a Penney's store one time after my husband had purchased a lawn mower zx I was now returning the mower for repair for the fourth time (same repair). I calmly asked for a manager and I told him that he looked like a nice man and I hated to embarrass both of us but if he didn't take care of my problem right away, I was going to throw a huge fit in his store. He said "Just a minute", went to the phone and called for someone to get a new mower ready. You might try a simular tact at Sears. Tell them that you are looking at a new product, have gone out of your way to test the product, been promised that you could test the product and if they don't allow you to do so...... If Joann's will allow you to try the machine and they can repair it, I'd probably go there. Hancocks also sells some machines if you have one locally. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 12-28-2005, 11:10 PM (15 of 20)
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the debate is over, Dh SHocked me for christmas with a new sewing machine A Janome 4800 QC Model. So the search is over, but I use a single thread holder for large spools, and because this has a lid on the top of the sewing machine, I am unsure how to use my theard holder without the lid falling down while sewing. any tips? DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: paroper
Date: 12-29-2005, 01:26 AM (16 of 20)
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Congratulations!!!!!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mamadus
Date: 12-29-2005, 02:49 AM (17 of 20)
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dustbunny.. mu Brother ULT has a "lid" on the top... I just leave it open and use my single thread stand... I haven't had any trouble using it that way... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: debsews
Date: 12-31-2005, 11:11 AM (18 of 20)
| We went to Sears a few days ago in Ohio so my mother could look at sewing machines. We were told that because of law suits they couldn't let people test drive the machines. Too many children were unsupervised in the store and had sewn on their fingers!! That's always the case when people let their kids run wild in the store. Anyway she bought the Kenmore with the drop in bobbin and automatic needle threader. It has 60 stitches and is mechanical but has a sewing advisor of sorts that tell you what to set the length and width for the stitches you select. Does a really nice job of sewing and is very quiet. I used it to a little bit before I left and it is a nice machine for $200. She is 80 and is afraid of anything too exotic. I hadn't used a Kenmore for years and it seems very nice. I would think that anything farther up the line would be great. I love the service they provide and the warranty seemed good. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: marl
Date: 12-31-2005, 02:36 PM (19 of 20)
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Congratulations on your Janome 4800 QC. I got a Janome 4800, which is almost like the 4800 QC, four and a half years ago and have really enjoyed it. It replaced my then 30 year old Singer Golden Touch and Sew 750, which was a very advanced machine for its time. I thought that the Singer had everything that I needed but the Janome has more and is easier to navigate. Happy Sewing. |
User: marl
Member since: 12-03-2004 Total posts: 16 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 01-12-2006, 09:53 PM (20 of 20)
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will I have had trouble with the Janome since I took it out of the box, and because I am new to the modle with a computer board in it. On the first day, it started eating fabric, not on the edge,but in the middle of my test strip. I found stich # 24 which I was to drop the feet.. I did so, and all of the stiches messed up.. called up the dealer after the first of the year, it was returned ( the paid postage back) Few days later, I was told it was fixed, Nothing I did, never did learn what really was the probelm.. but it was a mechanical problem. got it back, and the stiches where still all messed up, even with it dialed up on the + side.. This time when I called they sent me out a new 4800QC, without having to return the old one before they shiped out the new. ( the paid for all shipping cost too and from) Right of the box I noticed a big diferance, The pressure foot goes much higher, the door opens easy, and even after droping the feet dogs, the stiches are still in tacked.. the one that is not working went back after I received this one while UPS was still here.. Now after 2 1/2 weeks of stress I am a happy camper and now really sewing on the new sewing mahcine.. this was the first time I have ever received a lemon. I was very happy with the dealer we bought from, I wasn't so happy that they did not fix all of the sewing machine problems to begin with, but now I am glad they did not, as i got a new sewing machine that works this time around.. If it was me, I would have bought the sewing mahcine from Sears, when I was last down in Texas ( end of Dec) I stoped by sears to buy some bobbins (you can buy Sears bobbins 10 pack for $1.99 that works 110% in the Janome) the one you can buy from walmart -singer class 15 will not work.. as they are 1cc too small. anyhow the man there was the same guy I talked to over the phone, I told him what I was told when I came in to "test drive" and he was hoping mad about it, it turns out the guy did not even want to mess with it when I was down there. and lied to me. (He was gone the day I was down) he would have been more then happy to let me sit down and test it out He even showed me where they keep the fabrics you test drive on.. but I told him My Dh bought me a Janome for Christmas, and I was no longer in the market for a new sewing machine. But still I do really like the Kenmores, as you get more for your money (stiches) and at a lower price. Tom, the classes I am sure are very nice to have, but no matter where I buy from just the gas alone is too much to get to classes. I would have to drive 160 round trip to a singer center, and about the same for anything else.. However I did find a small Janome dealer in Ada Ok.. ( round trip about 100 miles) I went too look but the slection is very limited, its more of a over-priced quilting store, and repair and feet are not sold at there store, but has to be shipped somewhere else. It is sad we live in an area that is poor, and the towns not very big, so we don't get dealers here.. Husband said he did look into the Bernina ( online) but the prices where really high. Sherman, Tx did have a Viking at Joann's but they are now gone.. Nice sewing mahcines but with a 5000.00 price tag. No I just need do's and don'ts on the Janome 4800QC.. I am sure in the months to come I will learn a lot about it.. ( yes I read the book cover to cover) DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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