Post Punk Kitchen Forum

Hi
I see from quite a few of the posts on the forum here that there's quite a few people actively sewing. I am thinking of getting myself a nice sewing / embroidery hybrid machine.
I know that Janome make some serious models and I like the look of the Master Craft 6500P.

Anyone got any recommendations on machines that they have a particular preference for?
Thanks
Flipchick

I have an entry-level janome that I've had for a few years and am pretty happy with it. It's easy to thread, change needles & feet, and has a good selection of basic stitches. It does tangle and catch if you use crappy thread with slubs in it, but with nice thread, it runs very smoothly. Mine doesn't have embroidery capacity though.

I'm a big fan of Bernina machines.

I had an entry level Singer and it sucked! It broke after only a little use and it cost more to repair it than it was worth, so I'd not recommend Singers to anyone.

I upgraded to a brother machine, I think it's the project runway edition. It was more expensive, but damn, that thing's a beast. Actually, it's on Amazon now for about $200 less than what I paid! Darn. Anyway, I've never had any problems with it and it quilts through many layers of fabric like a champ. Plus it came with all the different feet so I didn't have to buy them separately. My friend has had hers for about 5 years and has made many, many projects with it without any issues. I haven't used mine to embroider but I think it has the capability.

I just got a Janome Sewist 500. It's super easy to thread and change feet and whatnot. It's pretty basic, but it works wonderfully and looks cute too :)

I've got a hundred year old Singer and I think it's awesome. It does require the odd bit of maintenance, but I kind of enjoy its quirks.

I have a Brother that I'm happy with, but I can't say I did my research before getting it, as it was a gift. That said, the person who gave it to me is a wonderful seamstress and quilter, so I trust she knows her stuff.