Sew, Mama, Sew! is having a Sewing Machine Meme ... so i am participating ... maybe my review will be helpful to someone out there :)
What brand and model do you have?
Janome HT2008
How long have you had it?
Since Spring 2008 (a little over a year so far)
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
$399
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I sew cloth diapers, children's apparel, tote bags, winter gear (hats, mittens, etc), aprons, general household things (towels, pillows, hot pads, etc). My mom also uses my machine (we live together) and she is a quilter.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
My mom quilts every week for several hours, sometimes full days. I sew more sporadically... basically when the kiddos will let me. But i do manage to get a few projects done a month. My projects tend to be shorter projects that can be completed in a day (since they work well into my lifestyle at the moment!)
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine... I'd recommend it to quilters and sewing hobiests as well. It comes with a good deal of features for the price. We just call her "Janome" ... but yes, she is a "her" ;)
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Our list of wants were all met:
- auto-threader
- needle down feature
- good array of decorative stitches
- serge/overlock
- feed dogs can be lowered
- easy to change presser feet
- speed control
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
That none of my old bobbins (from a entry-level Singer) fit the machine and it only comes with 3 bobbins, which is completely inadequate when 2 people share the machine! My advice: order extras! Other things you might want to buy: a walking foot if you quilt or a teflon foot if you sew cloth diapers (with PUL).
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
I splurged on this with the 2008 federal stimulus check that we received... a quilter friend had loaned us one of her Berninas ("Bernie") and i hated to send it back and sew with my no-frills Singer again. When i got the stimulus check, i *knew* what part of it was going to buy ;) ... One of the only good things i got out of the Bush Administration! LOL!!
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Like i said earlier, i would recommend this machine. Its worked well for us and it does get regular use for both quilting and sewing. It doesnt cost a small fortune and can do a lot of the things the more expensive machines can do! We are happy :)
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Come up with a wish list of features you NEED and features you'd LIKE. Talk to the hobiests in your area to see what they use and what features they "couldnt live without". Know your budget. Consider the brand reputation. Consider the waranty and if you have anyone in your area who services the machine. If you are a novice, consider trying out several machines at a local quilt shop and/or have them give you a little crash session on your new machine's features.
Do you have a dream machine?
One that babysits my kids while i get things done? lol! No... i dont really have a dream machine ... The only thing i would add on to what i already have is a feature to do decorative fonts (writing)... The good thing is, my mom just retired and was gifted a new Janome (her own machine!) and it has several of the features that mine doesnt have, including fonts! YAY!
