Thinking of getting myself a sewing machine
I know it might be hard to believe, but I do not have a sewing machine. What I know about sewing by hand I’ve taught myself, and my mom taught me to sew on her mom’s (my grandmother’s) pedal Singer. I love that machine and if one day it makes it’s way to me I will cherish it, but the fact will remain that it can only do a straight stitch.
So, I was thinking on getting myself a brand new sewing machine.
I know what I do not want:
1. I don’t want a machine with a plastic body. No, no, no… I hate those (and that immediately rules many brands)
2. I do not want a fancy electronic embroidery machine. I want it simple, basic.
3. I do not want a second hand one and I don’t want a bargain that will break on day two.
These self imposed restrictions have led me to the following machine (that unfortunately does not sell in Spain), a Janome 419s. It’s a Japanese brand, and this particular model has an all metal body and can do 18 stitches and a one step button hole. It also has a free arm and the feed can be dropped.
It looks like a strong machine that will be able to sew through felt and whatnot. This french website has lots of pictures of the little details.
The strange thing is that, if I buy this machine in Holland (I’m going there soon for a few days) it will cost me 399 Euros. If I buy it in the UK it will cost me 232 Euros (including shipping to Spain) and they even drop in a set of scissors worth 65 Euros. It’s a no brainer really, but I’m amazed there can be such a huge difference in price. The official Janome price is simply half in the UK…
Well, this is it. I’ve kind of made up my mind, but I will try to test one while I’m in Amsterdam, to get a feel for the machine.
So… if any one has any objection against this machine or brand, please speak now (soon) or forever hold your peace… 🙂
It ain’t cool being a turkey so close to Thanksgiving…
Why don’t you ask Santa for it?
Comment by joaco — November 29, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
Joaco, I might just ask Santa for it, but I prefer to wait a few days and check it out in Holland before posting my letter to Santa 🙂
Comment by cristinadeprada — November 30, 2007 @ 12:08 am
I’m not familiar with this machine, but from what you describe looks like a good choice. The drop down feed dogs will let you do great free motion work in either straight stitch or zigzag mode. I can see you adding this to hats. It looks like it has a narrow presser foot. That would make sewing on hat bands, and narrow edges easier than a wide foot. Have fun testing!
Comment by Glorious Hats — December 1, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
Santa brought the machine and I’m really happy with it!
Comment by cristinadeprada — January 22, 2008 @ 11:17 am
I have a Janome machine and love it to bits. It does however need a service – is there anywhere in Spain that services this make? We live in Gibraltar.
Comment by Margaret — March 1, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Margaret, it turns out that Janome also makes machines for the Spanish brand Alfa, and so far I’ve been able to buy extra pieces that are compatible. I wonder if they will service it for me when the time comes!
Comment by cristinadeprada — March 3, 2008 @ 12:25 am