looking for a machine. need recommendations

[Ayala Levinger]

Hi,
I am interested in purchasing my own embellishing machine.
Is babylock the best? why?
What about janome or husqvarna viking?
What are the things I should pay attention to?
how many needles should it have? Are 5 needles enought?
Did anyone heard about the machine of happylock?

Many questions I know :-]
I will be happy to read your reviews (or critic) about your machine.
Thanks

[DelightedHands]

I own all things Husqvarna so I didn't even check out the other brands...I just bought my ER10 and never looked back-love it. Happy shopping!

[Ayala Levinger]

thanks for your reply!
My sewing machine is also of Husqvarna and I was thinking about the ER10.

[Ayala Levinger]

That is true.
I want to buy from the same dealer who sold me my sewing machine because I am really happy with thet service and support het gives (in east holland).
But he sells the machines I mentioned but babylock not (which i find a bit expensive:-()
Thank you for your reply.

[Sandie O]

Like most things it is personal choice. My machine has five needles. Haven't heard of a happylock but here in Australia they sell a machine called a merrylock.

Things to be aware of:

Can the needles be replaced individually? When the janome first came out the whole unit of 5 needles had to be replaced if you broke one, I believe there is now an attachment where you can replace the individual needles. Someone else here may be able to confirm that?

Some machines have a stop up function so that when you finish working the needles will automatically stop in the up position. Mine doesn't and I dont find it a problem but some people prefer that.

Check the speed of the machine, the faster the better. Slow hands, fast pedal will help prevent needle breakage.

I have played with quite a few different brands, yes the babylock was lovely to work with and the small foot guard gave a clear area to see your wok but I couldn't justify all that extra money just for that reason.

If possible see if you can try a few different machines before you buy. A lot of the lower priced machines are actually the same machine just differently branded.

Could luck with the purchase and have fun!

Cheers

[Patsy]

Ayala............I have the Janome Expressions and love it but then I'm a Janome FAN. I would say it is personal preference. The Janome has 5 needles where the Bernina has 7 . Janome is cheaper by far. They both do the same thing. There are others as well I know Elna makes one.

[Ayala Levinger]

Thank you Patsy, and thank you all
I am very close to buying my own Janome Xpressions. When I buy and receive it I would defiantly be visiting this group because your were all very helpful!
Thanks!

[Patsy]

After you do purchase your machine go here and I have set up a blog for very BASIC beginner lessons on the felting machine. I still need to add four more lessons but this will get you started. And give you many ideas.
http://machinefeltingarts.blogspot.com

[Ayala Levinger]

wow thank you Patsy! It is very helpful and inspiring!!
I bought the Janome. It is my birthday today so I thought: I want it! I deserve it! :-)

[Ayala Levinger]

Thank you Doreen,
I bought the Janome and I also bought a beginner kit with DVD and materials. I will certainly take the time to learn how to use it. oh I feel a new fase beginning!

[Mieke Noor]

Hey Ayala, how nice you've bought the Janome. Congrats! Did you know you can do an online course needlefelting at texpertise.nl. I did that and learned a lot about my machine. Maybe you enjoy that course, too!

[Ayala Levinger]

And maybe others too:-)))
I will check the lists more later at home
I believe it should be: texpertise-online.net.
thanks for the information!! I don't know many local websites and shops in holland. if you know a shop for materials please share that too:-))

[tonya dyce]

Mieke Noor said:

Hey Ayala, how nice you've bought the Janome. Congrats! Did you know you can do an online course needlefelting at texpertise.nl. I did that and learned a lot about my machine. Maybe you enjoy that course, too!