Lisa I never know how long a certain quilt has taken, b/c sometimes I'll sit at the machine & sew for just a quick 5 minutes or so between all the other stuff that goes on! I could never keep track of all that, but I agree with Judy, sometimes a sewing marathon is in order!
Florence

Lisa, I stay home--I haven't worked outside the home for about four years. But even with that luxury, I still feel overwhelmed with stuff I need to do. I love this website and all the fun that goes with it. I find sometimes I'll stay off the computer for a day, let the vacuuming go, and just work on a project. It seems to rejuvenate me just to have that needle in my hand or to get on the sewing machine. That's about the only way I can get to my quilting!!!

Well, I did it- I bought the used Janome MC4900 for $300.00. I have been playing around with it, mostly learning to thread it, changing feet and practicing sewing straight lines (boy is that hard ).

Now that I have finished this semesters classes (what was I thinking going back to school part time after 20 years out!!!) I have purchased some material, the series here so far and the machine. Now I have about 8 weeks before summer semester begins to devote to quilting. I just have one question- between work, the forum, the series here, the extra videos, and quilting books- does anyone actually find time to quilt?

Thanks everyone for there help on this topic- you've been great

Lisa

If you are just learning to sew, I would choose the dealer would give you the most support. Customer service after the sale may be very important. For example, do they offer classes? If you are both learning to sew and learning a new machine, you may need some extra learning time.

I think they would service it after the warrenty but there are repair shops much closer to me that I am told are very good. I would probably take it to one of them. I will call the local Janome dealer and see if they would service it- they are a little further away but deal mainly with Janome's and Viking's where as the local place services a large number of machines.

Thanks for everyones advice. Looks like I have a few phone calls to make and then if the machine is still available and has all of the accessories (mainly a book) I will go out after work and get it. The price is right so I don't have to wait the 30 days I was going to have to wait.

Everyone has been so helpful! Looks like I found the right place to get advice as I learn to quilt.

Lisa

My question would the place you purchased it from continue to service the machine once the warrenty has expired.
If the price is right, machine service is good and the machine does what you want and need...go for it.

FW

When I got my new-to-me Bernina, the dealer wouldn't take my old one as a trade-in because he says he can't sell used machines for much. Your Bernina dealer may think the same thing, especially if it is a Janome and he doesn't sell those new. If you put it through every kind of sewing you will use and test everything it can do and if it works, it should be ok.

My Viking was a used machine and I have not had any trouble with it but even second hand it was expensive so I don't know what to think.

Ok, last question (hope you don't really believe that). I went to the Bernina store today and I can't afford one of those. They did have a used Janome Memory Craft 1400QT for $300.00 with a 1 month warrenty. My first thought was "what a great deal- half the price of the other machines I am looking at and much more machine!" Then I went to the local Janome dealer and looked at a new one. I'm concerned that the new ones are $1400.00 and this is only $300. Sounds like one of those too good to be true kinds of things (if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is). Would you be concerned about that?

Thanks- This really should be my last buying a machine question- I have them in order of preferance now- or will after I see what y'all think about this.

Lisa

Sorry to hear about your dog Lisa. Hope everything goes as best it can and you two enjoy the time you have left together.

That's a great question- thanks. Unfortunatly the sewing machine has been put on my "check back in 30 days to see if I still want one" list. My dog got sick this weekend and had to spend the weekend at the vet- took my sewing machine money. Oh well, my dog is a sweetheart and is old- so I won't have her much longer. The vet confirmed this this weekend .

Lisa

Lisa,
The Pfaff deal sounds like the best one. You canNOT go without good service. You don't want a dealer who has to send the machine out or who tells you he'll have to keep it for several weeks because he has too many to work on.
One more thing to ask all these dealers-Do they have loaners? Some dealers have machines you can take home while they work on yours. Doesn't hurt to ask.
eileenkny

Christi-

I usually tell people I'm from Little Rock if I am talking to people from out of state. It's just easier. You're in a beautiful part of the state.

Lisa

Hi Arkansas!

The Pfaff sounds like a GREAT deal! I agree...unless you can get a really good deal on the Bernina, with comparable customer service, I'd go with the Pfaff.

I had to Google Map where Bryant is...I've heard of it, but never knew where it is. I'm up here in Henderson (right outside of Mountain Home.) But my son lives in LR!