The Janome Skyline S9 is the third in the Janome Skyline S series that I have had the pleasure of reviewing.  The first was the S5, which I reviewed late in 2014. In the late summer of 2016, I reviewed the Skyline S7 at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida… the same place where I reviewed the Skyline S5.

Not long after reviewing that machine, I learned of the existence of the S9. At first, I thought the S9 was a similar machine, and could not for the life of me understand why Janome would put out another one so soon.

However, when I visited Sunshine to review this one, I was pleased to discover that, while there are lots of similarities, it is quite different. The Janome Skyline S9 is a combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine while the S7 is limited to sewing and quilting only.

At A Glance

The Janome Skyline S9 looks very much like the S7, but upon closer inspection, I realized that the S9 has a slightly larger footprint.  It is also equipped with Janome’s patented permanently attached embroidery unit which swing out when the machine is used in the embroidery mode.

There are also function buttons: start/stop; presser foot up/down; design stop; vertical mirror image; and thread tie-off/cut along with a variable speed control slider.

Janome Skyline S9

There is a free arm and a drop feed control lever on the right side of the machine, near the power switch.  The on board accessory case has a ruler on front along with a slot for inserting the knee lift.

Beneath the lid is a stitch selection guide and on the front of the column is a large LCD touch screen.  Under the needle is a bright LED light, a needle threader, a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with easy to see seam guides.

LCD Touch Screen

Features

• 300 On board utility/decorative stitches
  • 11 one step buttonholes
  • 250 Embroidery designs
  • 40 Exclusive Anna Maria Horner designs
  • 20 Monogramming fonts
• Free arm embroidery
• Design transfer via Wi-Fi, USB flash drive or direct PC connection
• On-screen editing
• Programmable jump thread trimming
• Adjustable speed while embroidering
• Flexible stitch traveling: 1, 10, 100 and 500 stitches
• Adjustable hoop position
• Cutwork enabled
• Embroidery couching
• Drop in rotary hook bobbin
• Automatic tension control
• Superior needle threader
• AcuFeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System
• Stitch tapering
• Variable zigzag
• AcuGuide automatic cloth guide
• Free arm
• Drop feed
• Function control buttons
  • Start/stop button
  • Locking stitch button
  • Automatic thread cutter
  • Reverse/lock stitch button
  • Presser foot up/down
• Variable speed control slider
• Programmable needle up/down
• Memory function
• Twin needle guard
• Last stitch recall
• Knee lift
• Auto declutch bobbin winder
• Extra high presser foot lift
• Full color LCD touchscreen
• Automatic presser foot pressure adjustment
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• 91 Needle positions
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Janome Skyline S9

The Janome Skyline S9 is identical to the S7 when it comes to threading the machine, winding the bobbin and setting it in place.  After that, however, the differences become to come into play.

If you choose to use the embroidery function, it is first necessary to go into the menu and select the embroidery function then flip a switch on the back of the machine to engage the arm embroidery unit.  After selecting one of the on board embroidery designs or a design of your own from your computer or flash drive, select the hoop which would best suit our purposes and simply place it on the extension arm and lock it into place.

For this review, I sampled a four thread on board design.  This machine is so quiet I barely heard it at all while my design was flawlessly produced.

Four Thread on Board Design

When in the sewing mode, the Janome Skyline S9 was just as quiet, even though it was set at the highest speed setting – 1000 stitches per minute.  Although I had a good sense and feeling that this is a very well built machine while it was operating in the embroidery mode, I was able to really experience its solid construction during the actual hands on part of the review while working in the sewing mode.

Even on a folding table and while sewing at the highest possible speed, there was absolutely no vibration.  In addition, each stitch came out with precise perfection.  For some reason, I started out working with yellow thread, but on the light colored fabric I chose for the review, I was concerned that the photographs would not adequately show the quality of the stitches.

Changing the upper thread took mere seconds.  Anyone who has limited time to spend in the sewing room could certainly appreciate that!

Perfect Stitching

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 19 Snap on presser feet
• ¼” Seam Foot (single)
• AcuFeed Flex™ ¼” seam foot (twin)
• AcuFeed Flex™ dual feed holder with ad foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ holder and foot (single)
• AcuFeed single zipper foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot with stabilizer plate
• Blind hem foot
• Button sewing foot
• Darning foot
• Embroidery couching foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Free motion quilting open toe foot
• free motion quilting zig-zag foot
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zigzag foot
• Zipper foot
• Embroidery hoops (3)
  • 100mm x 40mm
  • 170mm x 200mm
  • 140mm x 140mm
• Straight stitch needle plate
• Quilting guide bar
• Dust cover
• Extra needles
• 5 Bobbins
• Spool pin
• Spool caps
• Screwdriver
• Lint brush
• Seam ripper

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

I was genuinely surprised when I learned of the existence of the Janome Skyline S9 so soon after the release of the S7.  Anyone familiar with the way independent sewing machine dealers operate knows that machines are not automatically delivered upon released.

In this case, however, the S9 was delivered to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting just a few short hours after I finished reviewing the Skyline S7.  Fay Nicoll, the store owner was almost as surprised as I was.  She admitted that she was expecting delivery the following week.

User Friendly Embroidery Process

I was impressed by the fact that embroidery designs could be easily transferred from a computer via WiFi and that the embroidery process was so user-friendly.

Very seldom do I recommend a sewing, quilting and embroidery machine for use by a beginner, but the Janome Skyline S9 is so easy to operate, I believe this machine could be a very useful teaching machine for certain teens, young adults and even new sewers who are advanced in age.

I do not, however, recommend the use of this machine by children younger than 12 or 13 years of age. The very easy to follow on board guides and tutorials are very helpful for anyone who might be less familiar with the general operation of a sewing machine.

The solid construction are indicators that with proper care and maintenance, the Janome Skyline S9 will stand the test of time.  In my opinion, it is safe to assume that this machine will last more than just five to ten years.

My only concern in this regard is the fact that all sewing machine manufacturers have pretty much established a policy of not making replacement parts for any sewing machine that is more than 15 years old.  To me, this is a very unsavory business practice because it forces consumers to go out and buy new machines even though the machines they already have could be repaired if the parts were available.

This is something we simply cannot get around.  The only possible solution is to make friends with the owner and/or manager of shop that specializes in sewing machine repair and then cross our fingers, hoping that they will have a stockpile of the parts you need when the time comes.

With this awareness, I hesitate to recommend that anyone purchase an extremely expensive sewing machine.  However, with an MSRP of $3999, I believe that anyone who is serious about sewing, machine quilting and machine embroidery will certainly be able to get their money’s worth out of the Janome Skyline S9 before it becomes obsolete.

The post Janome Skyline S9 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

On a visit to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the Janome M7200.  The M720 is at the top of the new Janome M line of machines, the company’s newest line of affordably priced sewing machines specifically designed for beginners.

At A Glance

When I first saw it, my thought was that the Janome M7200 very much resembles the Janome DC 5100.  Upon closer examination, however, I discovered that while some things appeared the same, there are very definite differences between these two sewing machines.

Janome M7200

Unlike the DC 5100, the Janome M7200 a speed control lever, and function buttons start/stop; needle up/down; reverse stitch; mirror image; design stop; and thread tie off/cut.  Both machines are equipped with an on-board needle threader and a colorful panel on the column with buttons which give the user immediate access to the most frequently used utility stitches, stitch selection buttons and controls for adjusting stitch length and width.

M7200 Large Workspace

Other function buttons on the column include a stitch memory button; thread tie-off/cut; buttonhole selector; and mode.  Above this panel of buttons is a small LCD screen which displays the stitch number and other critical data like stitch length and width settings, and an icon that lets the user know which presser foot is best to use for a selected stitch pattern.

The M7200 also has a removeable accessories case which gives the user access to a free arm and a lever to control the drop feed function on the back of the bed. There is also a large, well-lit workspace, a large needle plate with seam guides etched on it and an on-board stitch selection chart which can be attached to the machine head above the needle.

Features

• Horizontal rotary hook
• 200 built-in utility and decorative stitches
  • 1 Alphanumeric font
  • 12 one-step buttonholes
• Manual thread tension control
• Built-in, one-hand needle threader
• Snap-on presser feet
• 7-piece feed dog
• Free arm
• Function buttons:
  • Drop feed
  • Start/stop
  • Locking stitch
  • Automatic tie off/thread cutter
  • Reverse stitch
  • Needle up/down [default setting-down]
• Extra high presser foot lift
• Backlit LCD screen
• Easy navigation keys

Backlit LCD Screen

Working on the Janome M7200

Following the easy, user friendly numerical threading guide on the Janome M7200 is literally as simple as one, two three. Helpful on-board guides make winding the drop-in bobbin and putting it into place equally uncomplicated.

Threading Guide

After the machine is threaded, the next step is to determine which stitch to use.  The reversible stitch selection chart located on top of the machine head is not only conveniently situated, it is designed in such a way that it is easy to understand and use.  It is important to note here that the stitch selection guide is divided into three distinct modes:

Mode 1 – utility and basic decorative stitches;

Mode 2 – larger, more elaborate decorative stitches;

Mode 3 – block alphanumeric font

If you select a stitch number but do not first select the correct mode, you will not get the stitch you want. The mode is chosen by pressing the Mode button on the column until the light identifying the desired mode is lit next to the +/- button on the right.

After selecting the proper mode, the next step is to use the up and down arrows on the column in order to choose the desired stitch number within the mode grouping.  Buttons with plus and minus signs on the column are used to adjust the stitch length and width.

Stitch Adjustment

The middle row of buttons are used to access most frequently utility stitches – straight; zigzag and buttonholes.

The buttons at the bottom are for setting the M7200 to automatically tie off and cut the thread at every stop; to store and clear memory and to select the mode.

During this review, I observed a quiet hum while the machine was running at both the middle and high-speed settings.  Even though it was sitting on one of those plastic folding utility tables with nothing beneath it except an Olfa mat, there was absolutely no vibration whatsoever.  Each of the decorative and utility stitches sampled were perfectly formed, balanced and secure.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 8 Snap on presser feet

• • 1/4″ Seam Foot
  • Automatic Buttonhole Foot
  • Blind Hem
  • Even Feed Foot
  • Overedge Foot
  • Satin Stitch Foot
  • Zig-Zag Foot
  • Zipper Foot

• Spool pins (2 large; 2small)
• 4 Bobbins
• Needles
• Seam ripper/Buttonhole opener
• Lint brush
• Screwdriver
• Reversible stitch selection chart
• Owner’s manual
• Instructional DVD
• Hard cover
• Large extension table

Accessories

Optional accessories:

• 3-Way cording foot
• Applique foot
• Beading foot set
• Binder foot
• Blind hem foot
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Border guide foot
• Button sewing foot
• Manual buttonhole foot
• Closed toe darning foot
• Concealed zipper foot
• Convertible even feed foot
• Convertible free-motion quilting foot set
• Open toe darning foot [high shank]

• Open toe darning foot [low shank]

• Ditch quilting foot
• Edge guide foot
• Free motion quilting foot [low shank]
• Fringing foot
• Gathering foot
• Hemmer feet set
• Horizontal spool holder
• Manual needle threader
• Open toe foot with quilting guide
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot
• Pintucking cord guide
• Pintucking foot
• Piping foot
• Ribbon / sequin foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Roller foot
• Rotary even foot
• Satin stitch foot [open toe]
• Sliding buttonhole foot
• Sliding guide foot
• Straight stitch foot
• Ultraglide foot
• Zipper foot [screw on]
• Straight stitch needle plate
• Spool stand
• 9 Piece scissor kit
• Ruffler
• Ribbon sewing guide
• Ready-to-quilt training panels by PatternJam
• Extra large foot controller
• Flower stitching attachment
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Quilting attachment kit
• Quilting guide

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Overall, I believe the Janome M7200 is an excellent machine for home sewers at all levels. I hesitate to recommend it for use by young children or beginners of any age who are intimidated by having too many choices or who may not be comfortable going through the extra step of changing from one mode to another when move from one stitch selection group to another.

While many young children are computer savvy and able to operate machines that are somewhat highly technical in nature, I don’t believe the M7200 is a good choice for children who are still at the elementary school level. Youngsters who are in middle school and higher are, in my opinion, more adaptable to following multiple steps in order to accomplish a specific task.

I am inclined to have the same reservation when considering use of the Janome M7200 by anyone who is challenged with following more the series of steps required to successfully move through the stitch selection process.  This includes adults who may be intimidated by technology.

One very good feature the of design built into the positioning of stitch selection chart on the Janome M7200 is that it can be folded behind the machine when it is not in use.  This feature is particularly useful for storing or moving the machine because it is not necessary to remove the chart in order to put the hard cover over it. With the chart permanently in place, the likelihood of its getting lost or damaged is practically eliminated altogether.

I observed that the drop feed control lever is behind the free arm.  While this is an ongoing personal peeve for me, I must concede that this one is a bit easier to access because of the overall design of the M7200.  The detachable accessories case is mounted on the front of the free arm only, leaving the back completely accessible at all times.

Drop Feed Control Lever

I continue to campaign for all drop feed controls be located on the column or someplace on front of all sewing machines.  However, I have also come to recognize that placing the drop feed control on back of the machine is more economical, and therefore, more desirable for keeping costs lower on more affordable sewing machines. In the long run, this concession is probably a fair compromise when compared with the overall quality of a sewing machine at any price point.

While all of the stitches sampled during this review were flawless, the owner’s manual suggests that depending upon fabric type, thickness and number of fabric layers, the stretch stitch may not come out perfectly.  The manual offers a solution to the problem by using the screwdriver tool to adjust a screw behind the accessories storage compartment.

This sent up a red flag for me… albeit not because of anything I observed during this specific review. I cannot, however, help but wonder if this unusual adjustment of the feed balance dial may be required for one stitch, is it possible that the same type of adjustment may be required for other stitches a well?

I have repeatedly said that almost every brand new sewing machine works perfectly right out of the box.  It is only after use in a real home situation over several months and sometimes even years before the true reliability and dependability of a sewing machine can be determined.

My experience has been that the manual tension dial is normally all that is needed to adjust the appearance and formation of any sewing machine stitch.  The need for this additional adjustment feature makes me wonder if perhaps it will be necessary to make adjustments when using other stitch options as well. As they say… only time will tell.

With this in mind, I am comfortable recommending the purchase of the Janome M7200 with the aviso ‘buyer be aware’.  When considering how many machines are sold with defects that are known to the manufacturer and deliberately withheld, I am inclined to trust that the folks at Janome are doing their very best to not only cover their bases, but to honestly and candidly inform consumers of possible unanticipated performance problems in advance.

Given the trend to try to cover up and even deny product defects, even when loss of life is a very real prospect, I commend Janome for putting this in the owner’s manual, making the consumer aware of this possibility at the very beginning. The challenge is that some people tend to take the sewing machine out of the carton and begin working on it immediately without taking the time to read the manual in its entirety.

Accessories Compartment

According to information available through the Janome website, the Janome M7200 has an MSRP of $1199. Anyone who might be interested in purchasing this light weight, solidly built sewing and quilting machine should contact the authorized Janome dealer in their area and ask for a demonstration.  If this is truly the machine for you, I have very little doubt you will be happy with your selection after you get it home.

The post Janome M7200 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

While visiting Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the new Janome M7050, a lightweight, affordable fully computerized sewing and quilting machine.

At A Glance

The Janome M7050 is identical to the M7200 with two very distinct differences.  First of all, the most obvious difference is the color on the column. The column on the M7200 is purple while it is bright green on the M7050.

The most significant difference, however, is not the color, but the number of stitches available on these two machines.  The M 7050 offers only 50 decorative and utility stitches while the M7200 comes with 200 on board stitch options. In addition, the M7200 has the capacity to store stitch settings and combinations in its memory and to clear them when they are no longer needed by the user.

Janome M750

Each of these machines is equipped with an LCD backlit window which displays stitch number, stitch length and width settings and an image of the correct presser foot to use for the selected stitch.  On the column, there are three rows of buttons that are used to make stitch selections; automatically tie off and cut thread with each stop; and adjust stitch length and width.

There is also a series of function buttons above the needle and on the machine head: start/stop; reverse stitch; stitch design stop; mirror stitch; thread tie off and cut; and a speed control slider. The Janome M7200 and M7050 also have dials at the top left corner to adjust the presser foot height and a manual tension control dial above the needle.

In comparison, the M7200 has three additional buttons on its column – memory store; clear memory; and stitch mode selection. There is also a series of three tiny lights to indicate the mode selection on the column of the M7200 that is not found on the M7050.

M7050 Stitch Selection

Beneath the needle is a large needle plate with seam guides and a clear cover for the drop-in bobbin and an on board accessory case.  The drop feed control is located behind the arm. Both the M7050 and the M7200 come with an extension table that can be attached to the machine when the accessory case is removed.

It should be noted here that the drop feed control is accessible while the accessory case is attached, but not so easily when the extension table is in place.

There is also an on-board stitch selection guide which can be folded behind the machine head when it is necessary to store or transport the machine in the standard hard cover. This is a major advantage because the risk of losing the stitch selection guide is greatly reduced since it is not necessary to remove it when it is not in use.

Features

• Horizontal rotary hook
• 50 built-in stitches
  • 3 one-step buttonholes
• Manual tension control
• On board needle threader
• Needle up/down [down as default setting]
• 7-piece feed dog
• Free arm
• Drop feed
• Start/stop button
• Locking stitch button
• Automatic thread cutter
• Easy reverse button
• Extra high presser foot lift
• Backlit LCD screen

50 Built in Stitches

Working on the Janome M7050

The numerical threading guide is possibly the most user-friendly threading guide available on any sewing machine.  The process for winding the bobbin and securely putting it in place is quite easy providing the user follows the on-board guides.

After the Janome M7050 is threaded and the bobbin is securely in place, the only thing left to do is to select the desired stitch and sew.  Unlike the M7200, it is not necessary to go through the steps of identifying and selecting a mode.  With only 50 utility and decorative stitches from which to choose, the M7050 is even less complicated and more user-friendly than its counterpart with 200 stitch options.

M7050 Numerical Threading Guide

The good news is even though the Janome M7050 has fewer standard features, it is just as sturdy and solidly built as the M7200.  During this review, I tested several of the available stitches and was pleased to discover that each stitch was perfectly formed, even and secure.  There is almost no noise at all when sewing even at the highest speed setting and absolutely no vibration whatsoever.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 8 Snap-on presser feet
• ¼ ” Seam Foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem
• Even feed foot
• Overedge foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zigzag foot
• Zipper foot

M7050 Accesories

Optional accessories:

• 3-Way cording foot
• Applique foot
• Beading foot set
• Binder foot
• Blind hem foot
• Closed toe darning foot
• Concealed zipper foot
• Convertible even feed foot
• Convertible freemotion quilting foot set
• Open toe darning foot
• Ditch quilting foot
• Edge guide foot
• Free motion quilting foot low shank
• Fringing foot
• Gathering foot
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot
• Pintucking foot
• Piping foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Roller foot
• Rotary even foot
• Satin stitch foot open toe
• Sliding buttonhole foot
• Open toe darning foot [low shank]
• Ultraglide foot
• Zipper foot [screw on]
• Straight stitch foot
• Border guide foot
• Button sewing foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Ribbon / sequin foot
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Bobbins
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Extra large foot controller
• Flower stitching attachment
• Free motion quilting low shank
• Hemmer feet set
• Horizontal spool holder
• Needle threader
• Needles
• Open toe with quilting guide
• Pincushion
• Pintucking cord guide
• Quilting attachment kit
• Quilting guide
• Ready-to-quilt training panels by Patternjam
• Ribbon sewing guide
• Ruffler
• 9 Piece scissor kit
• Seam ripper
• Sliding guide foot – 7mm models
• Spool stand
• Straight stitch needle plate

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

While the Janome M7050 is very much like the M7200, the differences are significant enough that I am comfortable recommending the use of this machine by children in elementary school.  I withheld that recommendation for the M7200 because of the mere step of identifying and choosing the mode prior to making a stitch selection.

This one additional step is, in my opinion, enough to frustrate a younger child or even an adult who may be intimidated by having to remember to follow a series of unnecessary steps in order to accomplish a basic task.

Janome M7050

Like the Janome M7200, the M7050 is quite affordable.  In fact, with an MSRP of just $799, I believe it is the least costly brand new sewing and quilting machine I have seen for sale by an authorized Janome dealer. The fact that it is so well built is definitely an advantage.

Although I do am not enthusiastic about the placement of the drop feed control, I am willing to concede that placing it behind the workspace is a smart move, all things considered.  Since the accessory case is mounted on the front only, the drop feed control is accessible by reaching behind the needle. However, if the extension table is in use, getting to this lever is far more challenging.

The Janome M7050 is an ideal choice for almost any sewing student who is at least six or seven years of age.  A child as young as six could easily learn to master the operating of the M7050 with close supervision of an adult. An older student would be very comfortable learning the basics of sewing machine operation on this uncomplicated, user-friendly machine.

Weighing in at just a little over 14 pounds, the Janome M7050 is perfect for taking to sewing class.  It can be an excellent travel companion for anyone who likes to take their hobby on vacation or for an extended stay with friends or family.

While the Janome M7200 offers more in terms of standard features and stitch options, there is a definite place for the M7050.  Depending upon the user’s specific sewing interest and their prospects for future sewing projects, the M7050 could be perfect fit for the advanced home sewer who does not require a lot in terms of stitch options and a stitch memory.

In reality, the Janome M7050 is nothing more than a basic sewing machine… one that gets the job done and does it well.  Not only is it a sturdy, well-built workhorse, it is whisper quiet and runs smoothly, even when sewing at the highest speed setting.

Sturdy Built

One thing I noticed in the owner’s manual of both the M7200 and the M7050 is a section which helps the user correct ‘deformed’ stitches. The user is advised to use the screwdriver to adjust a screw that is situated beneath the accessory case. While I did not encounter any problems with stitch formation during this review, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the manufacturer is proactive about problems that may arise once the machine is in a real home sewing situation.

Bearing in mind that almost all sewing machines work perfectly when they are first put into use in any home setting, I think the fact that the folks at Janome are taking steps up front to help users if and when problems arise is a good thing.  Far too often, manufacturers put products on the market fully aware of potential performance flaws without attempting to take any steps to help the end user in the event a problem occurs.

If you are in the market for a dependable sewing machine that doesn’t have a lot of non-essential bells and whistles for yourself or to give to someone as a gift, the Janome M7050 might be the solution you are looking for.  Before making a final decision as to which machine to purchase, you owe it to yourself to set aside an afternoon to visit an authorized Janome dealer in your area.

Ask for a demonstration of both the Janome M7200 and the M7050.  Compare the two machines side by side and see for yourself if one of these lightweight, affordable machines fits your personal sewing needs.

The post Janome M7050 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

I got a chance to review the Juki DDL 5550N by a stroke of luck as my neighbor received it in a huge box just as I was heading out. Read on…

Imagine what it might be like to learn that the person who bought a house directly across the street from you is a semi-retired professional tailor.  That is almost the case with Kennedy Samuel, my new neighbor who lived in New York and worked in the garment district for many years as a cutter and pattern maker before moving to South Florida.

One day, I happened to be heading out when a Fed Ex truck delivered a huge box from WAWAK.  Knowing that WAWAK specializes in sewing machines and accessories, I couldn’t help but let my curiosity take charge.

The box contained a brand spanking new Juki DDL 5550N, a straight stitch only industrial sewing machine. When I got my nerve up, I asked Kennedy for permission to review his new acquisition, I am very grateful that permission was granted.

At A Glance

The Juki DDL 5550N is mounted on its own table with a dual cone thread holder, an on board lamp and bobbin winder as well as a 30 inch ruler along the front.  It has a whisper quiet Servo motor and a needle plate with etched seam guides.

Dual cone thread holder

There is also a finger guard, a manual spring tension adjustment dial and a large reverse stitch lever on the right column.  The on/off switch is located on font of the table on the right side and there is also a knee lift which is used to raise and lower the presser foot.

Juki DDL 5550N

Since the Juki DDL 5550N is a straight stitch only machine, one might be tempted to think the needle plate and presser foot were permanently attached, but they are not. Some of the key features that I tend to like best on this machine are not even visible to the naked eye.

The Juki DDL 5550N is equipped with a thread trimmer that is embedded beneath the needle plate along with a fabric edge sensor which automatically stops the machine and trims the thread when the needle runs off the edge of the fabric. Another invisible feature that makes working on the Juki DDC 5550N even more time efficient is the bobbin thread sensor, which buzzes when the bobbin thread is running low. 

Features

• Sews up to 5500 stitches per minute
• Adjustable stitch length up to 5mm
• Finger guard
• Knee lift
• Reverse/lock stitch control
• On board bobbin winder with separate motor
• Servo motor
• Needle plate with seam guides
• On board 30 inch ruler
• Bobbin thread sensor
• On board thread trimmer
• Fabric edge sensor
• Adjustable presser foot pressure

Working on the Juki DDL 5550N

Anyone who has prior knowledge or experience in working on industrial sewing machines will have no problem threading the Juki DDL 5550N or winding the bobbin.  However, if you are new to working on an industrial sewing machine, or even if you have been away from it for a long time, you might need assistance.

The instruction manual is helpful and will take users through the step by step process.  The manual, however, is written in such a way that anyone who is not already adept at sewing machine operation, and the proper names for the basic parts of a sewing machine will be completely lost.

Well formed stitches

Once threaded and bobbin wound and put in place, I discovered that the Juki DDL 5550N is not only lightning fast, it is also surprisingly quiet.  The Servo motor on this machine is smaller, yet seemingly more powerful than the Servo motors mounted on industrial sewing machines that I had the opportunity to review in the past.

Prior to allowing me to review his new acquisition, Kennedy had only set it up and sewed a few test stitches to make sure it was operating properly.   When it was time for me to actually test the sewing performance of the Juki DDL 5550N, Kennedy gave me a piece of medium weight woven cotton blend fabric.

I discovered that the tension needed to be adjusted a little in order for the stitches to be properly balanced.  It took only a slight turn of the tension dial to achieve the perfect setting for the particular fabric he gave me to work with.

After that task was successfully accomplished, the stitches produced were not only well formed, they were secure in every way.  It was possible for me to change stitch length while sewing and the large reverse/lock stitch lever moved easily and effortlessly.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

When it comes to industrial sewing machines, one can never expect to find the large number of standard accessories we have come to expect when unpacking a sewing machine for home use.  The accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550N are somewhat limited.

Aside from the on board lamp, cone thread stands and table mounted bobbin winder, the only accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550D are screwdrivers, an oil dispenser and an owner’s manual.

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Juki DDL 5550N is loaded with all the standard features anyone in the market for a well -built industrial sewing machine would want and then more.  The newly added sensors that warn you when the bobbin thread is running low or when the needle sews beyond the edge of the fabric are features that in my opinion only enhance the value of this straight stitch only industrial sewing machine for anyone who uses it.

Bobbin thread sensor

According to the Juki website, this machine is recommended for apparel construction, using medium weight fabrics.  I concur with that recommendation, and might add that heavy weight apparel fabrics would be suitable as well.  This includes apparel weight leather, suede and vinyl as well as light to medium weight upholstery fabric.  Solely based upon the manufacturer’s recommendation, I hesitate to recommend this machine for excessive use with heavy upholstery fabrics, leather or suede.

My only guess is that there is something about this machine that is not readily apparent to the naked eye that precludes its long term use with fabrics heavier than this.With this in mind, I strongly recommend the Juki DDL 5550N for use in a tailor shop, an alteration shop or like my neighbor, a home based business focused on clothing construction.

With the exception of having to stop to adjust the tension – which is to be expected when working with any machine with a manual tension adjustment – I found the Juki DDL 5550N to be exceptionally user friendly when compared with other industrial sewing machines.

I especially like the automatic tie off feature that I have not observed on any other industrial sewing machine.  Snipping threads is certainly not a time consuming task, but when you have a machine that sews up to 5500 stitches per minute and cuts threads as well, you can really appreciate the time savings in a major way.

I do not recommend this machine for use by anyone who is not  comfortable working on high speed sewing machines… which definitely eliminates anyone who is new to sewing.  However, in my opinion, I believe the Juki DDL 5550N could very well be a good choice for use in vocational programs where tailoring is a course of study.

Learning the skills needed to be a successful and productive tailor or alteration specialist on a machine like this is a major advantage for students whose experience is limited to standard home or classroom sewing machines.

If, like Kennedy, you find yourself in the market for a straight stitch only high speed industrial sewing machine, I strongly recommend that you visit your local Juki dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Juki DDL 5550N and compare the way it operates and feels with other industrial machines on the market before making a final decision.

Kennedy said he purchased his machine via the internet for a couple of rather significant reasons. First of all, after having spent so much time in the garment industry, he was confident that WAWAK is a reputable source and that Juki is a reliable brand; and he has not yet purchased a car, so he gets around on a bicycle.

Obviously, he couldn’t bring a machine of any type home on a bike.  He is in the process of establishing his own pattern making business here in South Florida and is eager to establish relationships with lots and lots of new clients.

He confided in me that he is also available to do alterations for people in the Palm Beach-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami tri-county region.  Kennedy can be reached via telephone at 718.641.9277, and his e-mail address is kennedysamuel94@yahoo.com.

The post Juki DDL 5550N Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

In the development where I live, new neighbors are greeted and invited over for coffee, dessert or cocktails.  Recently, our new neighbor reciprocated by inviting my husband and me over for dinner.

You will never know how fascinated I was to discover that behind a folding screen separating his dining area was an area devoted to sewing.  On a small desk next to the screen sits a Consew 14TU serger, apparently one of the earlier models in this line, a predecessor of the Consew 14TU854.

As it turns out, Kennedy Samuel, the new neighbor is a semi-retired pattern maker who worked as a tailor on the side before moving from New York to South Florida.

At A Glance

At first, I thought the Consew 14TU was identical to the Consew 14TU854 which I had actually reviewed some time ago.

Upon closer examination, however, I discovered that there are several differences between the two machines. For starters, the Consew 14TU doesn’t have nearly as many features, bells and whistles as the Consew 14TU854.

In fact, the 14TU is ideal for someone who has never before used as serger or uses a serger only for the bare essentials, like finishing seams.

Compartment for accessories

Like the Consew 14TU854, the Consew 14TU features user-friend lay in threading. There is also a latch that unlocks a door that opens on the left side of the machine which reveals a compartment for storing accessories.

A second door inside the first allows for easy access when threading the lower looper.  Inside the front looper door is an easy to follow and understand threading guide.

Differential feed control dial

Unlike the 14TU854, however, the presser foot lift is in the traditional location, not on the right side of the machine.  Instead, on the right side you will find only three dials, the hand wheel, differential feed control dial and the stitch length adjustment dial.

Features

• Color coded lay in threading
• Sews with one or two needles; 2, 3 or 4 threads
• Easy access to the lower looper through a side door
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Consew 14TU

For this review, I used the one needle option.  The existence of a color coded on board threading guide, lay in threading system and the ability to open the side door to access the lower looper made threading the Consew 14TU much easier than many other older sergers I have had an opportunity to review.

That side door opening made all the difference in the world when it was time to thread the lower looper.  That simple feature made it possible for me to accomplish the task without feeling as though I needed an extra hand, skinnier fingers and shorter nails.

I am almost tempted to say that threading the Consew 14TU was actually easy.

Threading the lower looper

After threading the machine, I discovered that the stitch quality was excellent, smooth and even.  The Consew 14TU is a solid, well-built machine, which is one of the most prominent features of all the Consew sewing machines and sergers that I have been able to review.

Excellent stitch quality

This particular machine does is relatively noise free, but there was a little more vibration than I had expected.  I believe, however, that the vibration issue could easily be addressed by putting a small rubber mat under the machine.

The small desk that this serger is sitting on is an old wooden writing desk with a drawer immediately beneath it.  While I did not experience any significant noise, and only a little vibration, it is entirely possible that the cause for the vibration is the table, not the machine itself.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Kennedy admitted that he had been using his Consew 14TU for so long that he wasn’t absolutely certain which items were included as standard accessories when it was first purchased.   When pressed, he surmised that the original list of accessories included all of the standard items that come with nearly every other brand new serger.

Accessories compartment

Those items are:

• Tweezers
• Needle threader
• Screwdriver
• Needles
• Lint brush
• Oil dispenser
• Extra needles

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

My new neighbor uses his Consew 14TU exclusively for finishing seams. When it comes to sergers, this machine is ideal for finishing seams and for working with knits.

It is not capable of performing many of the tasks that lots of the newer sergers can execute.  It is, however, in my opinion, an excellent choice for someone who has never before used a serger and wants to start out with a user friendly machine before diving into the deep end of the pool of multi-purpose sergers and overlock machines.

With this in mind, I do not think the Consew 14TU would be a good choice for someone who is in the market for a machine that can not only perform the functions of a basic serger, but also execute other tasks as well.  I find that people who are serious about tailoring and classic clothing construction, regardless of their skill level, are interested in using sergers primarily for finishing seams and occasionally working with knits.  Those are the people for whom the Consew 14TU and others like it are made.

It is indeed rare to find out that you live just across the street from some who shares your passion for sewing and creating great clothes.  Kennedy’s specialty is designing and drafting patterns for tailored casual and formal men’s clothes.

However, he is capable of designing and drafting patterns for one of a kind dresses, shirts, jackets and slacks for both men and women.

The last time I lived in close proximity to a sewing buddy was back in the late 1980s and early 1990s when I bonded with my first real sewing buddy who lived directly across the hall from my Washington, DC apartment.  Back then it wasn’t unusual for one of us to get a phone call or a knock on the door in the middle of the night, accompanied with a request for bias tape, seam binding, interfacing or some other sewing notion that we found ourselves in need of to finish a nocturnal sewing project.

We are still dear friends and come together as often as we can to share great memories about our fabric runs [hunting for the best fabric deals from Baltimore to Richmond] or road trips and excursions to classes and workshops all over the mid-Atlantic region.

My new neighbor and sewing buddy has decided that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to and is now launching his own pattern making and tailoring business here in South Florida.  I have seen some of the clothes he has made and can confirm that this guy really knows his stuff when it comes to customized sewing patterns and garments.

In his sewing area is a dress form draped with one of his stunning original designs.  Unfortunately, that dazzling dress is much too small for me.

Otherwise, I would have offered to purchase from him.  This is a huge departure for me because I have been making nearly all of my own clothes for at least the last 20-25 years.

We don’t spend a lot of time running in and out of each other’s houses, but it is great to know that I have a sewing buddy close by.

Anyone who is interested in talking with Kennedy about his work or engaging him to create a customized pattern for them can reach him via e-mail at kennedysamuel94@yahoo.com or give him a call at 718.641.9277.

The post Consew 14TU Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame is a quilting frame that can be attached to a home sewing machine, giving the user the flexibility and all the benefits of having a real three by five foot quilting frame in a small space without the expense and the need for a lot of extra space.  Until seeing the Brother Dream Fabric Frame in use on a television show called It’s Sew Easy, I never even knew such a machine existed.

As soon as I saw how easy to use and versatile this machine actually is and how easy it seemed to be to operate, however, I set out on a campaign to find someplace where I could review it.

The opportunity to review this versatile quilt frame finally presented itself during a visit to Laura’s Sewing and Fabric in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

At A Glance

If you don’t look too closely, you would be inclined to believe that the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is merely a smaller version of any other quilt frame with the stitching apparatus permanently attached.

Upon closer examination, though, it is clear that the frame is not only smaller, but it is also attached to one of several compatible Brother computerized sewing and quilting machines.

Computerized Sewing and Quilting

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame has a single large black ratchet crank handle on the right side that is used to move the fabric from one position to the next.  There are several large clamps that are used to hold the fabric in place.

Stitch Regulator

The sewing machine is mounted on the rear of the frame with the stitch regulator attached to the back of the machine column.

On front of the sewing machine is a large handlebar with comfortable black foam pads on the handles and a small blue control box which allows the user to set the machine speed and stitch length.

The start/stop function buttons are also situated in easy to reach positions on the control box.

Features

• Expanded work space
• Compact – 3 feet x 5 feet
• SureStitch^™ Stitch Regulator
• Multi-function control capabilities
• Compatible with most Brother-made sewing and quilting machines and accessories
• Capable of thread painting, free-motion couching, appliqué, needle felting and more!
• Adjustable height
• Easy to mount a new Brother sewing or quilting machine
• Smooth gliding carriage system
• Floating take up fabric
• Ergonomically designed Easy Grip handles
• Ratchet wheel

Working on the Brother Dream Fabric Frame

It seems to me that the most difficult part of being an owner of the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is assembly. However, a reputable authorized Brother dealer can alleviate that challenge by putting it together and making sure you are comfortable with the height setting and installation of your sewing machine for you.

Even if you are stuck with having to attach the sewing machine on your own, the process doesn’t appear to be overly complicated.

According to the video on the Brother site all that is necessary is for you to place the machine on the platform, lock it into place, connect the sewing machine to the Dream Fabric Frame control box and attach the Stitch Regulator to the back of the column.

Fabric Clamp and Ratchet Wheel

When I arrived at Laura’s Sewing and Fabric to review the Brother Dream Fabric Frame it was already set up with a Brother PQ 1500 SL straight stitch only quilting machine and loaded with fabric and quilt batting.  I did, however, get a chance to work with the fabric clamps and ratchet wheel when adjusting the fabric before attempting to sew.

I found the process to be a little awkward at first, but by the time I was on the third clamp, I had the procedure down pat.  Once all of the clamps were in place, tightening the frame and stretching the fabric was quite easy to accomplish.

During the review, I found that operating the control box is extremely easy.  When the unit is in operation, the control box is capable of performing all the tasks of a multi-functional foot control, providing the sewing machine is equipped with that particular feature.

The control box is used to set the stitch length, start and stop sewing and to cut and tie off the thread – as long as this feature is available on the sewing machine in use.  Users are able to control how fast the machine sews simply by moving the handle bars slow or fast.

The faster you move the handle bars, the faster the machine sews.  In just a few short minutes, I was very comfortable working with the smooth gliding motion of the Brother Dream Frame as I created my very own freehand quilt designs.

Freehand Quilt Designs

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• Five fabric hooks underneath to keep fabric off the floor
• Seven large plastic fabric grips to hold fabric in place on top and on each side
• Straps and clamps to hold the fabric in place on top of the frame
• Bungee cords with attached clips to hold small pieces of fabric in place
• Dream Frame Starter Kit
  • Quilt batting
  • Quilting thread
  • Top and backing fabric
  • Free motion quilting template
  • Needles
• Leader cloth to help align small projects

Starter Kit

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

At first, I was a bit timid and moved very slowly, but as I became accustomed to the feel, I was able to comfortably increase the speed with which I was able to create a freehand design. I was also quite impressed by Laura’s son who was extremely helpful in demonstrating the Brother Dream Fabric Frame and its operation.

My only real challenge was the discovery that the sewing range is limited by the distance between the needle and the column.  The larger the work space on the sewing machine, the greater the work space on the Brother Dream Fabric Frame.

The machines with the longest distance from needle to column which are compatible with the Dream Fabric Frame are the Brother Dream Weaver, the Brother Dream Machine, and the Baby Lock Destiny.

Floral Pattern

While it only took me a few minutes to get accustomed to working with the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, it will no doubt take lots and lots of practice to be able to create the beautiful roses and other floral pattern he made as well as many of the designs and patterns displayed on the website and in the starter kit.

I was pleased to learn that in addition to the usual quilting tasks, the Brother Dream Fabric Frame can be used for couching, felting and fabric painting as well.

Fabric Painting

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame has its limitations.  The most important of which is the limited range between the needle and the column, necessitating frequent readjustment of the fabric.

The clamps and grips were at first a little bit of a challenge for me, but once I got the hang of it, the process went rather smoothly.

Although I’m not a quilter, and very seldom perform some of the other tasks that can be accomplished with the Dream Fabric Frame, I enjoyed my experience with it.

In my opinion, it is a good choice for someone who already owns one of the compatible Brother or Baby Lock sewing machines and wants to experience frame quilting before investing in a full size quilting frame.

If, however, you do not already own one of these machines, you might be better off purchasing a sit down table mounted quilting system like the Baby Lock Tiara II, which does not require as much floor space as the Dream Fabric Frame.

On the other hand, if your sewing room is already filled to capacity with machines, cutting table, dress form, and other sewing necessities, you might want to consider replacing one of your sewing machines with a compatible Brother or Baby lock to accommodate the Dream Fabric Frame and a smaller sewing table to use when you want to use your new Brother or Baby Lock for tasks that do not involve quilting.

Quilt Frame

Quilt frames are not for all machine quilters.  If your quilting experience is limited to small jobs like small wall hangings, clothing, table runners and place mats, a quilt frame isn’t necessary.  Those tasks can easily be completed on practically any sewing and quilting machine.

But for those people who like to create large projects like quilts for use on a bed, and wall large hangings, a quilt frame is the best accessory to have available.  If you are working with limited space in your sewing room and spend most of your time working on large quilting projects, the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is very likely your best option.

If this description fits you, I strongly advise you to go ahead and make an investment in the Brother Dream Fabric Frame and one of the compatible machines if you have not done so already.

The post Brother Dream Fabric Frame Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

When I visited Laura’s Sewing and Fabric in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to review the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, it was attached to the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW sewing and quilting machine.  During the course of reviewing the Dream Fabric Frame, it was impossible to avoid reviewing the PQ 1500SL PRW as well.

During the course of this review, I witnessed how this straight stitch only sewing and quilting machine operates in the quilting mode.  I was able to personally judge the stitch quality, the workmanship, the feel and the ease of operation, including the level of noise and vibration.

At A Glance

The Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is a basic sewing and quilting machine with on board telescoping thread guides which make it possible to easily use cone thread.

Brother PQ 1500SL PRW

The stitch length adjustment dial is located on front of the column.  Directly beneath that dial is a lever which enables the user to adjust the drop feed level. This is an important feature when you are NOT using the Brother Dream Fabric Frame because it makes it possible for users to work with varying thicknesses of fabric with ease.

The knee lifter, which is also not necessary when using the Dream Fabric Frame, is essential for any home machine quilter because their hands are free while adjusting small or large quilting projects on a smaller work space.

There is a large reverse stitch lever on the lower edge of the column which allows the user to lock stitches and have greater flexibility when working on freehand sewing projects. Above the needle is a manual tension adjustment dial.

Large Reverse Stitch Lever

Features

• Sews up to 1500 stitches per minute
• Adjustable stitch length up to 7mm
• Built-in knee lifter
• Automatic thread cutter button
• Side loaded bobbin
• Manual tension adjustment
• 4 Position drop feed
• Pin Feed – allows the user to exchange the feed dogs for a single pin that extends from beneath the machine to advance fabric without leaving feed dog marks on delicate fabrics
• Extending thread guide bar to accommodate cone thread
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Needle plate with etched seam guides

Working on the BROTHER PQ 1500SL PRW 

While there are on board threading guides, they are not as clearly defined as on some other models.  They are, however, easy to follow for anyone who is already familiar with basic sewing machine operation. For those who are new to working on a sewing machine, the process is, in my opinion, easy to learn.

Since the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is a straight stitch only machine, the only stitch selection step is to determine the desired stitch length in advance and set the dial to the proper setting.

During this review, sewing with the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW while attached to the Dream Fabric Frame was accomplished by pressing the start/stop button on the control box attached to the handlebar on the Dream Fabric Frame.

Since there is no start/stop button on the PQ 1500SL PRW, it is necessary to engage the foot pedal when the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is not in use.  The on thread cutting option is, however, a standard feature on the PL 1500SL PRW.

With the Dream Fabric in place, the sewing speed is dictated by the speed with which the user moves the handlebar.  When the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is operating on its own, the speed is regulated by the pressure the user applies to the foot pedal.

Perfect Stitch Quality

When using the Dream Fabric Frame, the stitch quality is only as good as the quality of the stitches produced by the machine you use.  During this review, I observed that not only were the stitches perfect in every way, the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is unexpectedly quiet.

Regardless of the speed with which I moved the handlebars, the noise level remained the same.  In addition, I did not detect any vibration whatsoever as I moved the handlebars at varying speeds.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 7 Presser feet
  • General purpose foot
  • Rolled hem foot
  • Adjustable zipper foot
  • Invisible zipper foot
  • 1/4″ Foot
  • Spring action quilting foot
  • Walking foot
• Extra-large extension table
• Spool net
• Knee lifter
• Accessory kit
  • Extra needles
  • Spool cap
  • Fabric separator
  • Feed pin
  • Feed pin changer
  • 5 Metal bobbins
  • Seam guide
  • Lint brush
  • 2 screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
  • Spool cushion
• Owner’s manual
• Dust cover

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Whether you use the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW as a stand alone sewing and quilting machine or attached to the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, I believe that this sewing and quilting machine is a strong contender for one of the best straight stitch sewing machines on the market.

This machine does not have any of the bells and whistles that are available on lots of other sewing machines, and very few features aside from the thread cutter. It is a very basic, well-built sewing and quilting machine with a larger than average work space – 5.7 x 8.6 needle to column – that is capable of working with lots of different types of fabrics.

Of course, if the extension table is attached, the work area is expanded to 11 x 23, but the needle to column, of course remains the same.

Since there is no zigzag stitch capability with this machine, the only way I would recommend it for garment construction is if you have one of those old fashioned buttonhole makers which can be attached to almost any sewing machine and a serger to finish seams.

If you decide you want to purchase the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW and use for clothing construction as well as quilting, you must be prepared to add these two items to your sewing room if you do not also have them.

Fashioned Buttonhole Makers

I love the buttonholes produced by these old sewing machine attachments because the finished project is always consistently perfect.  You just choose a template based upon the size and style buttonhole you want, insert it in the machine, attach it to your sewing machine and drop the feed dogs.

If you do not have a drop feed feature on your sewing machine, the buttonhole maker comes with a feed dog cover which you must put in place before attaching the buttonhole maker.  The only challenge is that buttonhole makers are no longer being made.

There are, however, several places both online as well as brick and mortar stores that specialize in parts for vintage sewing machines where you will be able to find buttonhole makers of all types.  Both my sewing machines are capable of rendering zigzag stitches.

However, I have three buttonhole makers – one for each of my sewing machines and one that I just keep on hand for spare parts.

Buttonhole makers were made to fit three basic types of sewing machines – long shank, short shank and slant shank.  If you decide to invest in a buttonhole maker, make sure you purchase one that fits your machine shank.

Since the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is a separate piece of equipment that is ideal for use when working on large quilt projects, it is not essential for you to purchase one to make very good use of the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW.

It is indeed possible to use the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW for projects other than those large quilts for king size beds and the like without ever having to invest in the Dream Fabric Frame.

The PQ 1500SL PRW is ideal for anyone who likes to create smaller quilt projects like small wall hangings, quilted table runners and placemats, quilted accents on clothing items and gift items.

If the majority of your sewing involves small quilting projects and gift items, and some clothing construction from time to time or if even if you work on larger machine quilting projects but simply do not have space to set up a quilt frame – even one as small and versatile as the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, you owe it to yourself to take a long hard look at the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW before making a final decision when shopping for a new sewing and quilting machine.

The post Brother PQ 1500SL PRW Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

When I reviewed the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I first thought it was just another combination sewing and quilting machine.  It is, however, more than that. The folks at Janome have added some features that I had never before seen on a sewing machine made for home or industrial use.

At A Glance

For starters, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a small dial on the right side of the column is the drop feed control, which is in my opinion an answer to a prayer.  Anyone who is familiar with reviews on this website knows that the placement of the drop feed control has been a pet peeve of mine for quite a while.

Drop Feed Control

In addition to this very important change, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP has a stitch adjuster and stitch creator, which allow the user to create and customize stitches to suite their individual needs.  There is also a USB port on the side of the column, and a large full color touchscreen on the front.

Stitch Selection Guide

The on board stitch selection guide is inside the lid cover along with the numerical threading and bobbin winding guides.

The removable dual compartment accessory case reveals a convenient free arm.  Beneath the needle is a large needle plate with seam guides etched all around and on the see through bobbin cover which makes it possible to see the thread supply on the drop in bobbin.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP comes with three separate needle plates: a zigzag plate; a straight stitch and quarter inch plate; and a professional grade straight stitch plate which is designed to work with the needle in the left position only.  That needle plate also comes with its own separate snap on presser foot and ankle.

Large Needle Plate

Across the machine head and above the needle is a series of function buttons: start/stop; thread tie-off and cut; reverse/lock stitch; needle up/down; presser foot up/down; design stop and a variable speed slider.  There is also an advanced needle threader and a bright LED light that extends from the top of the machine adding extra illumination to the area around the needle.

Features

• 350 On board utility, decorative and quilting stitches
• 4 Alphanumeric fonts
• Drop in bobbin with see through cover
• Automatic tension control
• Adjustable stitch length and width – up to 9mm wide
• Independent bobbin motor
• Full color touchscreen
• More than 1000 stitches per minute
• USB Port
• Variable zigzag
• Advanced needle plate seam guides
• Stitch Composer Software allows users to design their own stitches
• 9 On board LED lights
• Automatic needle threader
• On board threading guides
• 2 On board accessory storage compartments
• Free arm
• Adjustable high light extends above the needle
• Function buttons:
  • o Start/stop
  • o Reverse/lock stitch
  • o Presser foot up/down
  • o Needle up/down
  • o Thread tie-off/cut
• Variable speed control slider
• Work with single or double needle
• On board stitch selection guide
• On board ruler
• 4 Way mirror imaging
• Stitch memory
• 13 Languages
• Choice of three different background colors:
  • o White
  • o Pink
  • o Yellow

Working on the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP

The on board numerical threading and bobbin winding guides make getting started a piece of cake.  Once the machine is threaded, selecting a stitch is simplified by a clearly defined menu.

Users have the option of choosing a stitch from one of six menu categories all depicted by graphic icons… utility stitches; decorative stitches; alphanumeric fonts or a tee-shirt icon which when opened reveals an extremely interesting menu of helps for applying practically every imaginable sewing application.

For this review, I sampled several of the utility and decorative stitch options, some of which I believe have never before been available on earlier models of sewing and quilting machines.

Precise and Perfect Stitches

Not only did the stitches all come out with precision and perfection, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is extremely quiet. There was no vibration at all and the ergonomic design makes for a very comfortable feeling, reducing the possibility for neck, wrist, shoulder and back strain when working for long periods of time without a break.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard Accessories

Standard Accessories:

• 13 snap on Presser feet
• 1/4 Inch Seam foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ dual feed foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem foot
• Button sewing foot
• Cloth guide
• Darning foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot m
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zipper foot
• 3 Interchangeable needle plates
  • Zigzag
  • Straight stitch/quarter inch
  • Professional straight stitch (left needle position only) with presser foot
• Seam ripper
• Lint brush
• Extra needles
• Bobbins
• Extension table
• Knee lift
• Owner’s manual
• Stitch composer software disc
• Instructional disc

Optional Accessories:

• 1/4 Inch seam foot for Acufeed
• 3-Way cording foot
• Acufeed open toe foot
• Applique foot
• Beading foot (2 – 1 narrow/1 wide)
• Binder foot
• Border guide foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Clear view 1/4 seam foot 9mm
• Clear view quilting foot and guide set
• Concealed zipper foot
• Ditch quilting foot
• Edge guide foot
• Extra-large buttonhole foot and stabilizer plate
• Free motion couching foot
• Gathering foot
• Blue tip needles
• Purple tip Needle
• Red tip needle
• Bobbin (specialized)
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Extra-large foot controller with thread cutter
• Horizontal spool holder
• Insert plate
• Long quilting guide bar set
• Optic magnifier
• Remote thread cutter switch
• Ruffler
• Single Acufeed holder and foot
• Ultraglide needle plate and Foot set

Optional Accessories

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Fay Nicoll, owner of Sunshine Sewing and quilting aptly describes the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCQ as a machine that does “everything up to embroidery”.  I couldn’t help but agree with her.  This combination sewing and quilting machine really does do everything but there is no embroidery hoop, no embroidery software and no embroidery designs.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400 is definitely the dawn of the next generation of sewing and quilting machines from Janome.  I must say, I was so happy to see that the folks at Janome took heed of my complaints and put the drop feed control in a very easily accessible place that I almost jumped for joy.

In addition to that very crucial feature, I really like the way the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP handles.  The stitch selection process is only a little bit of a challenge because there are so many choices.  Once the user understands the process, however, selecting stitches and creating new ones is possibly one of the greatest features this machine has to offer.

I do not believe the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is a good choice for anyone who has never worked on a sewing machine before or is still in the process of learning the basics of sewing machine operation because of the many advanced features that are standard on this machine.

There are interesting new features that I hesitate to recommend it for certain home sewers whose skills are good, but not what some would consider to be at a strong intermediate level.

Stitch Selection Process

Anyone who decides that they want to add the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP to their sewing room should be ready to spend some time getting to know this machine and working with all of the features before actually working on a major sewing or quilting project.

The good news is I don’t believe it will take long for a seasoned home sewer to learn to use these new features and be able to create fabulous clothes and quilts after just a few short hours of experimentation and practicing to determine preferences and favorite stitch combinations, which can be stored and saved for repeated use.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is more than just efficient, user-friendly and ergonomically designed.  It is also affordably priced.  With a MSRP of just $4999, this machine is within reach of many home budgets.

If you think you want to take home a Janome Memory Craft 9400 QCP of your own, set aside some time to visit an authorized independent Janome dealer near you. Ask a sales associate for a demonstration of this well designed sewing and quilting and be prepared to discuss flexible pricing and financing options.

The post Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

During a visit to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting, I had an opportunity to review the Janome MB-7, a seven needle embroidery machine designed for home use.  No doubt, this machine could also be used in a home based business as well as a professional embroidery studio where it is not the only machine in the shop.

At A Glance

The very first thing I noticed on the Janome MB-7 was the optional remote computer screen.  When attached, it is capable of giving the user a visual image of the 50 on board designs and monogramming fonts along with a read-out of the thread colors, the time it takes to complete the design and the number of stitches required for each color.

Optional Remote Computer Screen

The bobbin housing is located directly beneath the needles.  There is also a separate bobbin winding motor, which can be engaged while the MB-7 is creating an embroidery design.

The model I reviewed was sitting atop an optional MB-4 table, which is very conveniently designed with shelves, drawers with racks to hold thread cones and all the other accessories one might need when working on either the MB-7 or the MB-4.

Features

• 7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS)
• Extra large bobbin
• 6 white LED lamps
• 50 built-in designs
• 10 monogramming fonts
• 2 and 3 letter monogramming
• Maximum embroidery area 9.4″ x 7.9″
• USB port
• Maximum embroidery speed 800 stitches per minute
• Programmable jump thread trimming
• Flexible stitch traveling
• Auto return after a thread break
• Adjustable hoop positioning
• 2 Sensors

• Upper thread
• Presser foot

• Stitch-out time indicator
• Stitch counter
• Independent bobbin winder
• Embroidery area tracing

Working on the Janome MB-7

While threading the Janome MB-7 is quite easy, winding and inserting the bobbin is not quite as simple.  Properly inserting the new open bobbin case presented a little bit of a challenge, but after several references to the owner’s manual, Fay Nicoll, owner of Sunshine Sewing and Quilting and I were able to figure it out.

The trick is to carefully follow each step exactly as written in the manual.  In all honesty, that is the only difference in setting up the new MB-7 and its predecessor, the MB-4.

If the optional remote computer screen is not attached, the Janome MB-7 can be connected to a desktop or laptop computer via the USB cable that is included as a standard accessory.  Embroidery designs and all the other data that appears on the remote computer screen will appear on the computer monitor.

Even with the removable Janome optional remote computer screen in place, you can import an embroidery design from our computer via a USB port on the side of the removable screen.

Crisp and Clean Stitch-out

Like the MB-4, the Janome MB-7 sews monograms, one of 50 on board embroidery designs or an embroidery design downloaded from the internet at speeds up to 800 stitches per minute.  In the interest of time I selected a small two color design for this review.

The Janome MB-7 is solid and although not as quiet as many home embroidery machines, it is quieter than I had expected for a machine of its size.  The actual stitch-out when completed was crisp and clean with even, well-formed stitches throughout.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Open metal bobbin
• 3 Embroidery hoops and grids

• M1: 9.4″ x 7.9″
• M2: 5″ x 4.3″
• M3: 2″ x 2″

• Seam Ripper
• Instructional DVD
• Spool pads
• USB cable
• Owner’s manual

Standard Accessories

Optional accessories:

• Remote computer screen
• Bobbin Cases (multi-needle embroidery)
• CD-Rom Drive
• Lettering Hoop Holder Unit
• MB-4 Support Table
• Needle Threader
• Embroidery needles
• Lettering hoops:
  • 1 J7 (110mm x 95mm)
  • 2 J6 (66mm x 66mm)
  • 3 J5 (25mm x 54mm)
  • 6 J2 (25 mm x 54mm)
  • 7 J8 #7 (120mm x 121mm)
  • 8 J4 (42mm x 67mm)
  • 9 J6 (66mm x 66mm)
  • 11 J1 (30mm)
  • 12 J1 (30mm)
  • 13 J3 (64mm x 28mm)
• Sock Hoop Kit
• Spool stand

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The MB-7 is the next generation of the multi-needle embroidery machine from Janome.  When compared to the Janome MB-4, the MB-7 can deliver embroidery designs faster with its capacity to work with up to seven threads while the MB-4 can handle only 4.

The MB-7 weighs 50 pounds, approximately five pounds more than the MB-4.  The MB-7 allows users to resize, rotate and flip embroidery designs as well as group, re-edit, combine and duplicate designs.  With the MB-4 users can perform all of these tasks with the exception of grouping and duplicating designs.

Both machines come with 50 on board embroidery designs and 10 monogramming fonts. They both have a maximum embroidery field of 9.4” x 7.9”, come with three embroidery hoops as standard accessories and both machines are compatible with JEF; JEF+ and DST embroidery formats.

The only other difference I could detect between the two machines is the fact that the MB-7 comes with that open bobbin case and the MB-4 has a standard bobbin case.

I honestly cannot say why the manufacturer switched to the open bobbin case.  In my opinion, it is the only flaw in the design.  As Fay and I struggled with inserting the bobbin so that it seated properly and did not create birds’ nests, I couldn’t help but wonder why in the world it didn’t have a closed bobbin case.

If you ask me, an open bobbin case is a) a chicken way of trying to save a few cents in production costs; and b) a good way to create unnecessary headaches with birds’ nests and worse in the bobbin area.  If you are not careful when winding and inserting the bobbin, you could potentially create a very bad situation which might very well result in you taking land your MB-7 in for servicing.

Open Bobbin Case

As I said in the above section, however, when you follow the instructions to the letter, the bobbin goes in and works perfectly.  It’s just a matter of mastering a new technique.  No doubt, people who are not as accustomed to working with traditional closed bobbin cases will have much greater ease in getting acclimated to working with this new type of bobbin case.

I have no doubt that some people will say that the Janome MB-7 is a machine that can be used by beginners.  I disagree because I believe that knowing more than just the basics of sewing machine operation will make learning to use this machine much easier.

Someone with little or no sewing machine knowledge or experience, even an adult, will have a very difficult time learning how to work with any machine with this many needles. Anyone who has never used a sewing machine or has no experience with machine embroidery at all should first start with a single needle machine before even attempting to use a multi-needle embroidery machine.

If your sewing skills are strong enough, and you are a machine embroidery enthusiast, you might very well be a viable candidate for moving up to the Janome MB-7. The only other consideration, in my opinion, is space.  If your sewing room is large enough to accommodate a traditional size sewing machine, you will be able to accommodate the MB-7 with very little adjustment to your sewing space.

The Janome MB-7 is not for everybody.  In fact, I do not recommend it for anyone who is beginning to create machine embroidery projects.  Nor do I recommend it for anyone who is not serious about machine embroidery and only engage in machine embroidery on an occasional basis.

I do, however, believe the Janome MB-7 is an excellent choice for anyone who spends at least 50 percent of their time in the sewing room on machine embroidery projects of all sizes.

Before making a decision to add the Janome MB-7 to your sewing room, however, you should first visit our authorized Janome dealer.  Ask a sales associate for a demonstration and see for yourself is this is, indeed, the multi-needle embroidery machine for you.

The post Janome MB-7 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

After several months of hearing and reading about the Janome Skyline S7, I finally had an opportunity to review it at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, FL.  This computerized sewing and quilting machine has been highly praised, and is very popular.

So popular, in fact, that when I was forced to postpone reviewing this machine due to illness, they had sold out by the time I had recovered.  After that, I had to wait until a new shipment was delivered.  On the day I did this review, there were only a few left in stock.

At A Glance

In all honesty, the Janome Skyline S7 looks almost exactly like the Skyline S5 to me.

When I asked Sunshine owner and manager Fay Nicoll to explain the difference between the two machines, she quickly pointed out that that the major external difference between these two machines is the advanced needle threader.

On the S5, the needle threader moves the thread from left to right.   The thread moves to the front of the needle on the S7.

Bright LED beneath machine head

An online comparison revealed that the S5 is equipped with the Superior Feed System Plus (SFS) while the S7 has the more up to date AccuFeed.  Finally, the Janome website revealed that the stitch selection process is different.  The S7 has a touch screen stitch selection process.

Selecting stitches on the S5 is accomplished with direct selection buttons. The final difference between the S5 and the S7 is the number of stitch options. 

The S5 has 170 decorative and utility stitches including 10 one step buttonholes.  The S7 brings with it 11 buttonholes and a total of 236 stitch options.

On Board Stitch Selection Guide

The Janome Skyline S7 has an on board stitch selection guide inside the top lid. When it’s closed, the machine has the appearance of a sleek opened, it has the appearance of a sleek 21^st Century machine with practically a minimum of visible controls or switches: start/stop; presser foot up/down; thread tie-off/cut; design stop and a three level speed control slider.

The USB port is on the right column with the balance wheel and power switch.  Opening the lid not only reveals the stitch selection guide but also the thread and bobbin winder along with detailed threading and bobbin winding guides.

One thing that I noticed that was of particular interest to me was the placement of the drop feed control lever.  Rather than hiding it, the folks at Janome seem to have heard my complaints and placed the drop feed control lever on the right side of the machine, beneath the balance wheel.

Beneath the machine head are bright LED lights and a large workspace that features an oversized needle plate that is easily removed with just one hand.  Two needle plates come with the S7, one for straight stitches and the other for working with zigzag and decorative stitches.

Rather than the numerical keypad that is found on the S5, the S7 has a large touchpad which is used to select stitches, lock the machine, access the stitch memory and all of the other on board functions that make working on this machine user friendly.

Features

• 240 Onboard decorative and utility stitches
• 11 One-step buttonholes
• 7 Alphanumeric fonts
• Top loading 9mm full rotary hook
• USB port
• Stitch composer stitch creation program
• Automatic thread tension
• On board advanced needle threader
• Easy set bobbin
• Bobbin winding plate with thread cutter
• Function buttons:
  • Needle Up/Down
  • Presser Foot Lift
  • Thread Cutter
• AcuFeed™ flex layered fabric feeding system
• Variable zig-zag for free motion quilting
• One-step needle plate conversion
• Free arm
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Janome Skyline S7

Threading the Janome Skyline S7 and winding the bobbin are completely routine.  If you are accustomed to threading any other modern day sewing machine and winding its bobbin, you will have no difficulty in preparing this machine to get down to doing some serious sewing and/or quilting.

The addition of a safety lock is one of the most functional safety features this machine has to offer.  By locking the Janome Skyline S7, users are able to thread the needle, change the needle plate and perform other non-sewing tasks without having to worry about injury caused by inadvertently touching he start/stop button in the process.

On Board Decorative and Utility Stitch Menu

After the Janome is threaded and the bobbin in place, the next step is to select a stitch option from one of the six on board decorative and utility stitch menus.  The needle up/down position and thread tie-off/cut functions can be preprogrammed to increase the efficiency and decrease the time spent performing routine sewing machine tasks.

Superior Stitch Quality

For this review, I sampled several stitch options and discovered that the quality of the stitches produced by the Janome Skyline S7 is superior to many other sewing and quilting machines in its class.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard Accessories

• 9 Snap on presser feet

• ¼” Seam Foot
• Zigzag foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ dual feed holder with AD foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem foot
• Darning foot
• Overedge foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot

• Seam ripper
• Extra large foot controller
• Spool pins
• Screwdrivers
• Owner’s manual
• Extra needles
• Spool caps

Standard Accesories

Optional accessories

• Snap on presser feet
• 3-way cording foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ ¼” seam foot (twin)
• AcuFeed Flex™ holder and foot (single)
• AcuFeed open toe foot
• AcuFeed straight stitch foot
• AcuFeed zipper foot (single)
• Applique foot
• Beading foot narrow
• Beading foot wide
• Binder foot
• Blue tip needles
• Bobbin (specialized)
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Bobbins
• Bobbins (plastic)
• Border guide foot
• Button sewing foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Clear view 1/4 seam foot 9mm
• Clear view quilting foot and guide set
• Concealed zipper foot
• Crafting and home decor accessory kit
• Ditch quilting foot
• Ditch quilting foot for AcuFeed Flex™
• Edge guide foot
• Fashion and finishing kit
• Free motion couching foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Free motion quilting holder
• Free motion quilting open toe foot
• Free motion quilting zig-zag foot
• Gathering foot
• Ultraglide foot
• 9 Piece scissor kit
• Horizontal spool holder
• Long quilting guide bar set
• Needle set
• Needle threader
• Needles
• Optic magnifier
• Pink and white pincushion
• Purple tip needle
• Quilt binder set
• Quilting accessory kit
• Red tip needle
• Remote thread cutter switch
• Ruffler
• Skyline accessory case
• Sliding guide foot 9mm
• Spool stand (2 threads)
• Ultraglide needle plate and foot set
• Universal sewing table

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

To sum it all up, I find the Janome Skyline S7 to be a superior sewing and quilting machine.  The machine is extremely quiet.  I didn’t notice any vibration until the speed setting was set at its highest level, and even then, the amount of vibration was minimal.

This could have been caused by the fact that it was not set up on a sewing table, but on a folding worktable instead.  My guess is that if this machine were mounted on a more stable surface, especially a table or desk designed to support a sewing machine, there would be no vibration whatsoever.

Janome Skyline S7

The Janome Skyline S7 is an excellent choice for someone who is learning how to sew.  I hesitate, however, to recommend it for use by a child younger than 10 or 12 years of age.  It isn’t the least bit complicated, but it could be a bit intimidating for a young child.

I believe an older child, teenager or adult would be quite comfortable learning the art of sewing on this very sturdy sewing machine. An experienced home sewer or someone who has taken a break from sewing for a few years and returning to the sewing machine would have no problem adjusting to the features found on the Janome Skyline S7 that may not have been available on machines they operated in the past.

The workspace is extra-large, making it possible to quite handle on small to medium size quilting projects with ease.  The free arm and on board accessory storage are merely added advantages.

When compared with the Janome Skyline S5, the S7 is a comparable machine, offering a few additional stitch options and a little more convenience.  While the advanced needle threader is a significant difference between the two machines, I feel that the biggest difference is the stitch selection process.

Some people prefer to dial up a stitch on a numerical keypad while others are more comfortable with a touchscreen.  In my opinion, the decision between purchasing the S5 or the S7 rests largely with that one consideration.

Before making a decision to purchase the S5 or the S7, I recommend that you take the time to visit an authorized Janome dealer in your area and try them both for yourself.  Ask for a demonstration and make your own comparison.  I have no doubt that you will be happy with either one.

The Janome Skyline S7 is definitely a well-built, reliable sewing and quilting machine.  You cannot imagine my surprise when I learned that Janome has already released the Skyline S9.  My first response was to wonder whether or not folks at Janome were losing it until I discovered that it is a step above the S7.

The S9 is a combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine that has all the features of the S7, but comes with additional utility and decorative stitch options along with three embroidery hoops

The post Janome Skyline S7 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

The Janome Skyline S9 is the third in the Janome Skyline S series that I have had the pleasure of reviewing.  The first was the S5, which I reviewed late in 2014. In the late summer of 2016, I reviewed the Skyline S7 at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida… the same place where I reviewed the Skyline S5.

Not long after reviewing that machine, I learned of the existence of the S9. At first, I thought the S9 was a similar machine, and could not for the life of me understand why Janome would put out another one so soon.

However, when I visited Sunshine to review this one, I was pleased to discover that, while there are lots of similarities, it is quite different. The Janome Skyline S9 is a combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine while the S7 is limited to sewing and quilting only.

At A Glance

The Janome Skyline S9 looks very much like the S7, but upon closer inspection, I realized that the S9 has a slightly larger footprint.  It is also equipped with Janome’s patented permanently attached embroidery unit which swing out when the machine is used in the embroidery mode.

There are also function buttons: start/stop; presser foot up/down; design stop; vertical mirror image; and thread tie-off/cut along with a variable speed control slider.

Janome Skyline S9

There is a free arm and a drop feed control lever on the right side of the machine, near the power switch.  The on board accessory case has a ruler on front along with a slot for inserting the knee lift.

Beneath the lid is a stitch selection guide and on the front of the column is a large LCD touch screen.  Under the needle is a bright LED light, a needle threader, a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with easy to see seam guides.

LCD Touch Screen

Features

• 300 On board utility/decorative stitches
  • 11 one step buttonholes
  • 250 Embroidery designs
  • 40 Exclusive Anna Maria Horner designs
  • 20 Monogramming fonts
• Free arm embroidery
• Design transfer via Wi-Fi, USB flash drive or direct PC connection
• On-screen editing
• Programmable jump thread trimming
• Adjustable speed while embroidering
• Flexible stitch traveling: 1, 10, 100 and 500 stitches
• Adjustable hoop position
• Cutwork enabled
• Embroidery couching
• Drop in rotary hook bobbin
• Automatic tension control
• Superior needle threader
• AcuFeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System
• Stitch tapering
• Variable zigzag
• AcuGuide automatic cloth guide
• Free arm
• Drop feed
• Function control buttons
  • Start/stop button
  • Locking stitch button
  • Automatic thread cutter
  • Reverse/lock stitch button
  • Presser foot up/down
• Variable speed control slider
• Programmable needle up/down
• Memory function
• Twin needle guard
• Last stitch recall
• Knee lift
• Auto declutch bobbin winder
• Extra high presser foot lift
• Full color LCD touchscreen
• Automatic presser foot pressure adjustment
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• 91 Needle positions
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Janome Skyline S9

The Janome Skyline S9 is identical to the S7 when it comes to threading the machine, winding the bobbin and setting it in place.  After that, however, the differences become to come into play.

If you choose to use the embroidery function, it is first necessary to go into the menu and select the embroidery function then flip a switch on the back of the machine to engage the arm embroidery unit.  After selecting one of the on board embroidery designs or a design of your own from your computer or flash drive, select the hoop which would best suit our purposes and simply place it on the extension arm and lock it into place.

For this review, I sampled a four thread on board design.  This machine is so quiet I barely heard it at all while my design was flawlessly produced.

Four Thread on Board Design

When in the sewing mode, the Janome Skyline S9 was just as quiet, even though it was set at the highest speed setting – 1000 stitches per minute.  Although I had a good sense and feeling that this is a very well built machine while it was operating in the embroidery mode, I was able to really experience its solid construction during the actual hands on part of the review while working in the sewing mode.

Even on a folding table and while sewing at the highest possible speed, there was absolutely no vibration.  In addition, each stitch came out with precise perfection.  For some reason, I started out working with yellow thread, but on the light colored fabric I chose for the review, I was concerned that the photographs would not adequately show the quality of the stitches.

Changing the upper thread took mere seconds.  Anyone who has limited time to spend in the sewing room could certainly appreciate that!

Perfect Stitching

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 19 Snap on presser feet
• ¼” Seam Foot (single)
• AcuFeed Flex™ ¼” seam foot (twin)
• AcuFeed Flex™ dual feed holder with ad foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ holder and foot (single)
• AcuFeed single zipper foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot with stabilizer plate
• Blind hem foot
• Button sewing foot
• Darning foot
• Embroidery couching foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Free motion quilting open toe foot
• free motion quilting zig-zag foot
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zigzag foot
• Zipper foot
• Embroidery hoops (3)
  • 100mm x 40mm
  • 170mm x 200mm
  • 140mm x 140mm
• Straight stitch needle plate
• Quilting guide bar
• Dust cover
• Extra needles
• 5 Bobbins
• Spool pin
• Spool caps
• Screwdriver
• Lint brush
• Seam ripper

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

I was genuinely surprised when I learned of the existence of the Janome Skyline S9 so soon after the release of the S7.  Anyone familiar with the way independent sewing machine dealers operate knows that machines are not automatically delivered upon released.

In this case, however, the S9 was delivered to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting just a few short hours after I finished reviewing the Skyline S7.  Fay Nicoll, the store owner was almost as surprised as I was.  She admitted that she was expecting delivery the following week.

User Friendly Embroidery Process

I was impressed by the fact that embroidery designs could be easily transferred from a computer via WiFi and that the embroidery process was so user-friendly.

Very seldom do I recommend a sewing, quilting and embroidery machine for use by a beginner, but the Janome Skyline S9 is so easy to operate, I believe this machine could be a very useful teaching machine for certain teens, young adults and even new sewers who are advanced in age.

I do not, however, recommend the use of this machine by children younger than 12 or 13 years of age. The very easy to follow on board guides and tutorials are very helpful for anyone who might be less familiar with the general operation of a sewing machine.

The solid construction are indicators that with proper care and maintenance, the Janome Skyline S9 will stand the test of time.  In my opinion, it is safe to assume that this machine will last more than just five to ten years.

My only concern in this regard is the fact that all sewing machine manufacturers have pretty much established a policy of not making replacement parts for any sewing machine that is more than 15 years old.  To me, this is a very unsavory business practice because it forces consumers to go out and buy new machines even though the machines they already have could be repaired if the parts were available.

This is something we simply cannot get around.  The only possible solution is to make friends with the owner and/or manager of shop that specializes in sewing machine repair and then cross our fingers, hoping that they will have a stockpile of the parts you need when the time comes.

With this awareness, I hesitate to recommend that anyone purchase an extremely expensive sewing machine.  However, with an MSRP of $3999, I believe that anyone who is serious about sewing, machine quilting and machine embroidery will certainly be able to get their money’s worth out of the Janome Skyline S9 before it becomes obsolete.

The post Janome Skyline S9 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

On a visit to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the Janome M7200.  The M720 is at the top of the new Janome M line of machines, the company’s newest line of affordably priced sewing machines specifically designed for beginners.

At A Glance

When I first saw it, my thought was that the Janome M7200 very much resembles the Janome DC 5100.  Upon closer examination, however, I discovered that while some things appeared the same, there are very definite differences between these two sewing machines.

Janome M7200

Unlike the DC 5100, the Janome M7200 a speed control lever, and function buttons start/stop; needle up/down; reverse stitch; mirror image; design stop; and thread tie off/cut.  Both machines are equipped with an on-board needle threader and a colorful panel on the column with buttons which give the user immediate access to the most frequently used utility stitches, stitch selection buttons and controls for adjusting stitch length and width.

M7200 Large Workspace

Other function buttons on the column include a stitch memory button; thread tie-off/cut; buttonhole selector; and mode.  Above this panel of buttons is a small LCD screen which displays the stitch number and other critical data like stitch length and width settings, and an icon that lets the user know which presser foot is best to use for a selected stitch pattern.

The M7200 also has a removeable accessories case which gives the user access to a free arm and a lever to control the drop feed function on the back of the bed. There is also a large, well-lit workspace, a large needle plate with seam guides etched on it and an on-board stitch selection chart which can be attached to the machine head above the needle.

Features

• Horizontal rotary hook
• 200 built-in utility and decorative stitches
  • 1 Alphanumeric font
  • 12 one-step buttonholes
• Manual thread tension control
• Built-in, one-hand needle threader
• Snap-on presser feet
• 7-piece feed dog
• Free arm
• Function buttons:
  • Drop feed
  • Start/stop
  • Locking stitch
  • Automatic tie off/thread cutter
  • Reverse stitch
  • Needle up/down [default setting-down]
• Extra high presser foot lift
• Backlit LCD screen
• Easy navigation keys

Backlit LCD Screen

Working on the Janome M7200

Following the easy, user friendly numerical threading guide on the Janome M7200 is literally as simple as one, two three. Helpful on-board guides make winding the drop-in bobbin and putting it into place equally uncomplicated.

Threading Guide

After the machine is threaded, the next step is to determine which stitch to use.  The reversible stitch selection chart located on top of the machine head is not only conveniently situated, it is designed in such a way that it is easy to understand and use.  It is important to note here that the stitch selection guide is divided into three distinct modes:

Mode 1 – utility and basic decorative stitches;

Mode 2 – larger, more elaborate decorative stitches;

Mode 3 – block alphanumeric font

If you select a stitch number but do not first select the correct mode, you will not get the stitch you want. The mode is chosen by pressing the Mode button on the column until the light identifying the desired mode is lit next to the +/- button on the right.

After selecting the proper mode, the next step is to use the up and down arrows on the column in order to choose the desired stitch number within the mode grouping.  Buttons with plus and minus signs on the column are used to adjust the stitch length and width.

Stitch Adjustment

The middle row of buttons are used to access most frequently utility stitches – straight; zigzag and buttonholes.

The buttons at the bottom are for setting the M7200 to automatically tie off and cut the thread at every stop; to store and clear memory and to select the mode.

During this review, I observed a quiet hum while the machine was running at both the middle and high-speed settings.  Even though it was sitting on one of those plastic folding utility tables with nothing beneath it except an Olfa mat, there was absolutely no vibration whatsoever.  Each of the decorative and utility stitches sampled were perfectly formed, balanced and secure.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 8 Snap on presser feet

• • 1/4″ Seam Foot
  • Automatic Buttonhole Foot
  • Blind Hem
  • Even Feed Foot
  • Overedge Foot
  • Satin Stitch Foot
  • Zig-Zag Foot
  • Zipper Foot

• Spool pins (2 large; 2small)
• 4 Bobbins
• Needles
• Seam ripper/Buttonhole opener
• Lint brush
• Screwdriver
• Reversible stitch selection chart
• Owner’s manual
• Instructional DVD
• Hard cover
• Large extension table

Accessories

Optional accessories:

• 3-Way cording foot
• Applique foot
• Beading foot set
• Binder foot
• Blind hem foot
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Border guide foot
• Button sewing foot
• Manual buttonhole foot
• Closed toe darning foot
• Concealed zipper foot
• Convertible even feed foot
• Convertible free-motion quilting foot set
• Open toe darning foot [high shank]

• Open toe darning foot [low shank]

• Ditch quilting foot
• Edge guide foot
• Free motion quilting foot [low shank]
• Fringing foot
• Gathering foot
• Hemmer feet set
• Horizontal spool holder
• Manual needle threader
• Open toe foot with quilting guide
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot
• Pintucking cord guide
• Pintucking foot
• Piping foot
• Ribbon / sequin foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Roller foot
• Rotary even foot
• Satin stitch foot [open toe]
• Sliding buttonhole foot
• Sliding guide foot
• Straight stitch foot
• Ultraglide foot
• Zipper foot [screw on]
• Straight stitch needle plate
• Spool stand
• 9 Piece scissor kit
• Ruffler
• Ribbon sewing guide
• Ready-to-quilt training panels by PatternJam
• Extra large foot controller
• Flower stitching attachment
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Quilting attachment kit
• Quilting guide

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Overall, I believe the Janome M7200 is an excellent machine for home sewers at all levels. I hesitate to recommend it for use by young children or beginners of any age who are intimidated by having too many choices or who may not be comfortable going through the extra step of changing from one mode to another when move from one stitch selection group to another.

While many young children are computer savvy and able to operate machines that are somewhat highly technical in nature, I don’t believe the M7200 is a good choice for children who are still at the elementary school level. Youngsters who are in middle school and higher are, in my opinion, more adaptable to following multiple steps in order to accomplish a specific task.

I am inclined to have the same reservation when considering use of the Janome M7200 by anyone who is challenged with following more the series of steps required to successfully move through the stitch selection process.  This includes adults who may be intimidated by technology.

One very good feature the of design built into the positioning of stitch selection chart on the Janome M7200 is that it can be folded behind the machine when it is not in use.  This feature is particularly useful for storing or moving the machine because it is not necessary to remove the chart in order to put the hard cover over it. With the chart permanently in place, the likelihood of its getting lost or damaged is practically eliminated altogether.

I observed that the drop feed control lever is behind the free arm.  While this is an ongoing personal peeve for me, I must concede that this one is a bit easier to access because of the overall design of the M7200.  The detachable accessories case is mounted on the front of the free arm only, leaving the back completely accessible at all times.

Drop Feed Control Lever

I continue to campaign for all drop feed controls be located on the column or someplace on front of all sewing machines.  However, I have also come to recognize that placing the drop feed control on back of the machine is more economical, and therefore, more desirable for keeping costs lower on more affordable sewing machines. In the long run, this concession is probably a fair compromise when compared with the overall quality of a sewing machine at any price point.

While all of the stitches sampled during this review were flawless, the owner’s manual suggests that depending upon fabric type, thickness and number of fabric layers, the stretch stitch may not come out perfectly.  The manual offers a solution to the problem by using the screwdriver tool to adjust a screw behind the accessories storage compartment.

This sent up a red flag for me… albeit not because of anything I observed during this specific review. I cannot, however, help but wonder if this unusual adjustment of the feed balance dial may be required for one stitch, is it possible that the same type of adjustment may be required for other stitches a well?

I have repeatedly said that almost every brand new sewing machine works perfectly right out of the box.  It is only after use in a real home situation over several months and sometimes even years before the true reliability and dependability of a sewing machine can be determined.

My experience has been that the manual tension dial is normally all that is needed to adjust the appearance and formation of any sewing machine stitch.  The need for this additional adjustment feature makes me wonder if perhaps it will be necessary to make adjustments when using other stitch options as well. As they say… only time will tell.

With this in mind, I am comfortable recommending the purchase of the Janome M7200 with the aviso ‘buyer be aware’.  When considering how many machines are sold with defects that are known to the manufacturer and deliberately withheld, I am inclined to trust that the folks at Janome are doing their very best to not only cover their bases, but to honestly and candidly inform consumers of possible unanticipated performance problems in advance.

Given the trend to try to cover up and even deny product defects, even when loss of life is a very real prospect, I commend Janome for putting this in the owner’s manual, making the consumer aware of this possibility at the very beginning. The challenge is that some people tend to take the sewing machine out of the carton and begin working on it immediately without taking the time to read the manual in its entirety.

Accessories Compartment

According to information available through the Janome website, the Janome M7200 has an MSRP of $1199. Anyone who might be interested in purchasing this light weight, solidly built sewing and quilting machine should contact the authorized Janome dealer in their area and ask for a demonstration.  If this is truly the machine for you, I have very little doubt you will be happy with your selection after you get it home.

The post Janome M7200 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

While visiting Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the new Janome M7050, a lightweight, affordable fully computerized sewing and quilting machine.

At A Glance

The Janome M7050 is identical to the M7200 with two very distinct differences.  First of all, the most obvious difference is the color on the column. The column on the M7200 is purple while it is bright green on the M7050.

The most significant difference, however, is not the color, but the number of stitches available on these two machines.  The M 7050 offers only 50 decorative and utility stitches while the M7200 comes with 200 on board stitch options. In addition, the M7200 has the capacity to store stitch settings and combinations in its memory and to clear them when they are no longer needed by the user.

Janome M750

Each of these machines is equipped with an LCD backlit window which displays stitch number, stitch length and width settings and an image of the correct presser foot to use for the selected stitch.  On the column, there are three rows of buttons that are used to make stitch selections; automatically tie off and cut thread with each stop; and adjust stitch length and width.

There is also a series of function buttons above the needle and on the machine head: start/stop; reverse stitch; stitch design stop; mirror stitch; thread tie off and cut; and a speed control slider. The Janome M7200 and M7050 also have dials at the top left corner to adjust the presser foot height and a manual tension control dial above the needle.

In comparison, the M7200 has three additional buttons on its column – memory store; clear memory; and stitch mode selection. There is also a series of three tiny lights to indicate the mode selection on the column of the M7200 that is not found on the M7050.

M7050 Stitch Selection

Beneath the needle is a large needle plate with seam guides and a clear cover for the drop-in bobbin and an on board accessory case.  The drop feed control is located behind the arm. Both the M7050 and the M7200 come with an extension table that can be attached to the machine when the accessory case is removed.

It should be noted here that the drop feed control is accessible while the accessory case is attached, but not so easily when the extension table is in place.

There is also an on-board stitch selection guide which can be folded behind the machine head when it is necessary to store or transport the machine in the standard hard cover. This is a major advantage because the risk of losing the stitch selection guide is greatly reduced since it is not necessary to remove it when it is not in use.

Features

• Horizontal rotary hook
• 50 built-in stitches
  • 3 one-step buttonholes
• Manual tension control
• On board needle threader
• Needle up/down [down as default setting]
• 7-piece feed dog
• Free arm
• Drop feed
• Start/stop button
• Locking stitch button
• Automatic thread cutter
• Easy reverse button
• Extra high presser foot lift
• Backlit LCD screen

50 Built in Stitches

Working on the Janome M7050

The numerical threading guide is possibly the most user-friendly threading guide available on any sewing machine.  The process for winding the bobbin and securely putting it in place is quite easy providing the user follows the on-board guides.

After the Janome M7050 is threaded and the bobbin is securely in place, the only thing left to do is to select the desired stitch and sew.  Unlike the M7200, it is not necessary to go through the steps of identifying and selecting a mode.  With only 50 utility and decorative stitches from which to choose, the M7050 is even less complicated and more user-friendly than its counterpart with 200 stitch options.

M7050 Numerical Threading Guide

The good news is even though the Janome M7050 has fewer standard features, it is just as sturdy and solidly built as the M7200.  During this review, I tested several of the available stitches and was pleased to discover that each stitch was perfectly formed, even and secure.  There is almost no noise at all when sewing even at the highest speed setting and absolutely no vibration whatsoever.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 8 Snap-on presser feet
• ¼ ” Seam Foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem
• Even feed foot
• Overedge foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zigzag foot
• Zipper foot

M7050 Accesories

Optional accessories:

• 3-Way cording foot
• Applique foot
• Beading foot set
• Binder foot
• Blind hem foot
• Closed toe darning foot
• Concealed zipper foot
• Convertible even feed foot
• Convertible freemotion quilting foot set
• Open toe darning foot
• Ditch quilting foot
• Edge guide foot
• Free motion quilting foot low shank
• Fringing foot
• Gathering foot
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot
• Pintucking foot
• Piping foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Roller foot
• Rotary even foot
• Satin stitch foot open toe
• Sliding buttonhole foot
• Open toe darning foot [low shank]
• Ultraglide foot
• Zipper foot [screw on]
• Straight stitch foot
• Border guide foot
• Button sewing foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Ribbon / sequin foot
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Bobbins
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Extra large foot controller
• Flower stitching attachment
• Free motion quilting low shank
• Hemmer feet set
• Horizontal spool holder
• Needle threader
• Needles
• Open toe with quilting guide
• Pincushion
• Pintucking cord guide
• Quilting attachment kit
• Quilting guide
• Ready-to-quilt training panels by Patternjam
• Ribbon sewing guide
• Ruffler
• 9 Piece scissor kit
• Seam ripper
• Sliding guide foot – 7mm models
• Spool stand
• Straight stitch needle plate

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

While the Janome M7050 is very much like the M7200, the differences are significant enough that I am comfortable recommending the use of this machine by children in elementary school.  I withheld that recommendation for the M7200 because of the mere step of identifying and choosing the mode prior to making a stitch selection.

This one additional step is, in my opinion, enough to frustrate a younger child or even an adult who may be intimidated by having to remember to follow a series of unnecessary steps in order to accomplish a basic task.

Janome M7050

Like the Janome M7200, the M7050 is quite affordable.  In fact, with an MSRP of just $799, I believe it is the least costly brand new sewing and quilting machine I have seen for sale by an authorized Janome dealer. The fact that it is so well built is definitely an advantage.

Although I do am not enthusiastic about the placement of the drop feed control, I am willing to concede that placing it behind the workspace is a smart move, all things considered.  Since the accessory case is mounted on the front only, the drop feed control is accessible by reaching behind the needle. However, if the extension table is in use, getting to this lever is far more challenging.

The Janome M7050 is an ideal choice for almost any sewing student who is at least six or seven years of age.  A child as young as six could easily learn to master the operating of the M7050 with close supervision of an adult. An older student would be very comfortable learning the basics of sewing machine operation on this uncomplicated, user-friendly machine.

Weighing in at just a little over 14 pounds, the Janome M7050 is perfect for taking to sewing class.  It can be an excellent travel companion for anyone who likes to take their hobby on vacation or for an extended stay with friends or family.

While the Janome M7200 offers more in terms of standard features and stitch options, there is a definite place for the M7050.  Depending upon the user’s specific sewing interest and their prospects for future sewing projects, the M7050 could be perfect fit for the advanced home sewer who does not require a lot in terms of stitch options and a stitch memory.

In reality, the Janome M7050 is nothing more than a basic sewing machine… one that gets the job done and does it well.  Not only is it a sturdy, well-built workhorse, it is whisper quiet and runs smoothly, even when sewing at the highest speed setting.

Sturdy Built

One thing I noticed in the owner’s manual of both the M7200 and the M7050 is a section which helps the user correct ‘deformed’ stitches. The user is advised to use the screwdriver to adjust a screw that is situated beneath the accessory case. While I did not encounter any problems with stitch formation during this review, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the manufacturer is proactive about problems that may arise once the machine is in a real home sewing situation.

Bearing in mind that almost all sewing machines work perfectly when they are first put into use in any home setting, I think the fact that the folks at Janome are taking steps up front to help users if and when problems arise is a good thing.  Far too often, manufacturers put products on the market fully aware of potential performance flaws without attempting to take any steps to help the end user in the event a problem occurs.

If you are in the market for a dependable sewing machine that doesn’t have a lot of non-essential bells and whistles for yourself or to give to someone as a gift, the Janome M7050 might be the solution you are looking for.  Before making a final decision as to which machine to purchase, you owe it to yourself to set aside an afternoon to visit an authorized Janome dealer in your area.

Ask for a demonstration of both the Janome M7200 and the M7050.  Compare the two machines side by side and see for yourself if one of these lightweight, affordable machines fits your personal sewing needs.

The post Janome M7050 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

I got a chance to review the Juki DDL 5550N by a stroke of luck as my neighbor received it in a huge box just as I was heading out. Read on…

Imagine what it might be like to learn that the person who bought a house directly across the street from you is a semi-retired professional tailor.  That is almost the case with Kennedy Samuel, my new neighbor who lived in New York and worked in the garment district for many years as a cutter and pattern maker before moving to South Florida.

One day, I happened to be heading out when a Fed Ex truck delivered a huge box from WAWAK.  Knowing that WAWAK specializes in sewing machines and accessories, I couldn’t help but let my curiosity take charge.

The box contained a brand spanking new Juki DDL 5550N, a straight stitch only industrial sewing machine. When I got my nerve up, I asked Kennedy for permission to review his new acquisition, I am very grateful that permission was granted.

At A Glance

The Juki DDL 5550N is mounted on its own table with a dual cone thread holder, an on board lamp and bobbin winder as well as a 30 inch ruler along the front.  It has a whisper quiet Servo motor and a needle plate with etched seam guides.

Dual cone thread holder

There is also a finger guard, a manual spring tension adjustment dial and a large reverse stitch lever on the right column.  The on/off switch is located on font of the table on the right side and there is also a knee lift which is used to raise and lower the presser foot.

Juki DDL 5550N

Since the Juki DDL 5550N is a straight stitch only machine, one might be tempted to think the needle plate and presser foot were permanently attached, but they are not. Some of the key features that I tend to like best on this machine are not even visible to the naked eye.

The Juki DDL 5550N is equipped with a thread trimmer that is embedded beneath the needle plate along with a fabric edge sensor which automatically stops the machine and trims the thread when the needle runs off the edge of the fabric. Another invisible feature that makes working on the Juki DDC 5550N even more time efficient is the bobbin thread sensor, which buzzes when the bobbin thread is running low. 

Features

• Sews up to 5500 stitches per minute
• Adjustable stitch length up to 5mm
• Finger guard
• Knee lift
• Reverse/lock stitch control
• On board bobbin winder with separate motor
• Servo motor
• Needle plate with seam guides
• On board 30 inch ruler
• Bobbin thread sensor
• On board thread trimmer
• Fabric edge sensor
• Adjustable presser foot pressure

Working on the Juki DDL 5550N

Anyone who has prior knowledge or experience in working on industrial sewing machines will have no problem threading the Juki DDL 5550N or winding the bobbin.  However, if you are new to working on an industrial sewing machine, or even if you have been away from it for a long time, you might need assistance.

The instruction manual is helpful and will take users through the step by step process.  The manual, however, is written in such a way that anyone who is not already adept at sewing machine operation, and the proper names for the basic parts of a sewing machine will be completely lost.

Well formed stitches

Once threaded and bobbin wound and put in place, I discovered that the Juki DDL 5550N is not only lightning fast, it is also surprisingly quiet.  The Servo motor on this machine is smaller, yet seemingly more powerful than the Servo motors mounted on industrial sewing machines that I had the opportunity to review in the past.

Prior to allowing me to review his new acquisition, Kennedy had only set it up and sewed a few test stitches to make sure it was operating properly.   When it was time for me to actually test the sewing performance of the Juki DDL 5550N, Kennedy gave me a piece of medium weight woven cotton blend fabric.

I discovered that the tension needed to be adjusted a little in order for the stitches to be properly balanced.  It took only a slight turn of the tension dial to achieve the perfect setting for the particular fabric he gave me to work with.

After that task was successfully accomplished, the stitches produced were not only well formed, they were secure in every way.  It was possible for me to change stitch length while sewing and the large reverse/lock stitch lever moved easily and effortlessly.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

When it comes to industrial sewing machines, one can never expect to find the large number of standard accessories we have come to expect when unpacking a sewing machine for home use.  The accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550N are somewhat limited.

Aside from the on board lamp, cone thread stands and table mounted bobbin winder, the only accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550D are screwdrivers, an oil dispenser and an owner’s manual.

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Juki DDL 5550N is loaded with all the standard features anyone in the market for a well -built industrial sewing machine would want and then more.  The newly added sensors that warn you when the bobbin thread is running low or when the needle sews beyond the edge of the fabric are features that in my opinion only enhance the value of this straight stitch only industrial sewing machine for anyone who uses it.

Bobbin thread sensor

According to the Juki website, this machine is recommended for apparel construction, using medium weight fabrics.  I concur with that recommendation, and might add that heavy weight apparel fabrics would be suitable as well.  This includes apparel weight leather, suede and vinyl as well as light to medium weight upholstery fabric.  Solely based upon the manufacturer’s recommendation, I hesitate to recommend this machine for excessive use with heavy upholstery fabrics, leather or suede.

My only guess is that there is something about this machine that is not readily apparent to the naked eye that precludes its long term use with fabrics heavier than this.With this in mind, I strongly recommend the Juki DDL 5550N for use in a tailor shop, an alteration shop or like my neighbor, a home based business focused on clothing construction.

With the exception of having to stop to adjust the tension – which is to be expected when working with any machine with a manual tension adjustment – I found the Juki DDL 5550N to be exceptionally user friendly when compared with other industrial sewing machines.

I especially like the automatic tie off feature that I have not observed on any other industrial sewing machine.  Snipping threads is certainly not a time consuming task, but when you have a machine that sews up to 5500 stitches per minute and cuts threads as well, you can really appreciate the time savings in a major way.

I do not recommend this machine for use by anyone who is not  comfortable working on high speed sewing machines… which definitely eliminates anyone who is new to sewing.  However, in my opinion, I believe the Juki DDL 5550N could very well be a good choice for use in vocational programs where tailoring is a course of study.

Learning the skills needed to be a successful and productive tailor or alteration specialist on a machine like this is a major advantage for students whose experience is limited to standard home or classroom sewing machines.

If, like Kennedy, you find yourself in the market for a straight stitch only high speed industrial sewing machine, I strongly recommend that you visit your local Juki dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Juki DDL 5550N and compare the way it operates and feels with other industrial machines on the market before making a final decision.

Kennedy said he purchased his machine via the internet for a couple of rather significant reasons. First of all, after having spent so much time in the garment industry, he was confident that WAWAK is a reputable source and that Juki is a reliable brand; and he has not yet purchased a car, so he gets around on a bicycle.

Obviously, he couldn’t bring a machine of any type home on a bike.  He is in the process of establishing his own pattern making business here in South Florida and is eager to establish relationships with lots and lots of new clients.

He confided in me that he is also available to do alterations for people in the Palm Beach-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami tri-county region.  Kennedy can be reached via telephone at 718.641.9277, and his e-mail address is kennedysamuel94@yahoo.com.

The post Juki DDL 5550N Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

In the development where I live, new neighbors are greeted and invited over for coffee, dessert or cocktails.  Recently, our new neighbor reciprocated by inviting my husband and me over for dinner.

You will never know how fascinated I was to discover that behind a folding screen separating his dining area was an area devoted to sewing.  On a small desk next to the screen sits a Consew 14TU serger, apparently one of the earlier models in this line, a predecessor of the Consew 14TU854.

As it turns out, Kennedy Samuel, the new neighbor is a semi-retired pattern maker who worked as a tailor on the side before moving from New York to South Florida.

At A Glance

At first, I thought the Consew 14TU was identical to the Consew 14TU854 which I had actually reviewed some time ago.

Upon closer examination, however, I discovered that there are several differences between the two machines. For starters, the Consew 14TU doesn’t have nearly as many features, bells and whistles as the Consew 14TU854.

In fact, the 14TU is ideal for someone who has never before used as serger or uses a serger only for the bare essentials, like finishing seams.

Compartment for accessories

Like the Consew 14TU854, the Consew 14TU features user-friend lay in threading. There is also a latch that unlocks a door that opens on the left side of the machine which reveals a compartment for storing accessories.

A second door inside the first allows for easy access when threading the lower looper.  Inside the front looper door is an easy to follow and understand threading guide.

Differential feed control dial

Unlike the 14TU854, however, the presser foot lift is in the traditional location, not on the right side of the machine.  Instead, on the right side you will find only three dials, the hand wheel, differential feed control dial and the stitch length adjustment dial.

Features

• Color coded lay in threading
• Sews with one or two needles; 2, 3 or 4 threads
• Easy access to the lower looper through a side door
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Consew 14TU

For this review, I used the one needle option.  The existence of a color coded on board threading guide, lay in threading system and the ability to open the side door to access the lower looper made threading the Consew 14TU much easier than many other older sergers I have had an opportunity to review.

That side door opening made all the difference in the world when it was time to thread the lower looper.  That simple feature made it possible for me to accomplish the task without feeling as though I needed an extra hand, skinnier fingers and shorter nails.

I am almost tempted to say that threading the Consew 14TU was actually easy.

Threading the lower looper

After threading the machine, I discovered that the stitch quality was excellent, smooth and even.  The Consew 14TU is a solid, well-built machine, which is one of the most prominent features of all the Consew sewing machines and sergers that I have been able to review.

Excellent stitch quality

This particular machine does is relatively noise free, but there was a little more vibration than I had expected.  I believe, however, that the vibration issue could easily be addressed by putting a small rubber mat under the machine.

The small desk that this serger is sitting on is an old wooden writing desk with a drawer immediately beneath it.  While I did not experience any significant noise, and only a little vibration, it is entirely possible that the cause for the vibration is the table, not the machine itself.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Kennedy admitted that he had been using his Consew 14TU for so long that he wasn’t absolutely certain which items were included as standard accessories when it was first purchased.   When pressed, he surmised that the original list of accessories included all of the standard items that come with nearly every other brand new serger.

Accessories compartment

Those items are:

• Tweezers
• Needle threader
• Screwdriver
• Needles
• Lint brush
• Oil dispenser
• Extra needles

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

My new neighbor uses his Consew 14TU exclusively for finishing seams. When it comes to sergers, this machine is ideal for finishing seams and for working with knits.

It is not capable of performing many of the tasks that lots of the newer sergers can execute.  It is, however, in my opinion, an excellent choice for someone who has never before used a serger and wants to start out with a user friendly machine before diving into the deep end of the pool of multi-purpose sergers and overlock machines.

With this in mind, I do not think the Consew 14TU would be a good choice for someone who is in the market for a machine that can not only perform the functions of a basic serger, but also execute other tasks as well.  I find that people who are serious about tailoring and classic clothing construction, regardless of their skill level, are interested in using sergers primarily for finishing seams and occasionally working with knits.  Those are the people for whom the Consew 14TU and others like it are made.

It is indeed rare to find out that you live just across the street from some who shares your passion for sewing and creating great clothes.  Kennedy’s specialty is designing and drafting patterns for tailored casual and formal men’s clothes.

However, he is capable of designing and drafting patterns for one of a kind dresses, shirts, jackets and slacks for both men and women.

The last time I lived in close proximity to a sewing buddy was back in the late 1980s and early 1990s when I bonded with my first real sewing buddy who lived directly across the hall from my Washington, DC apartment.  Back then it wasn’t unusual for one of us to get a phone call or a knock on the door in the middle of the night, accompanied with a request for bias tape, seam binding, interfacing or some other sewing notion that we found ourselves in need of to finish a nocturnal sewing project.

We are still dear friends and come together as often as we can to share great memories about our fabric runs [hunting for the best fabric deals from Baltimore to Richmond] or road trips and excursions to classes and workshops all over the mid-Atlantic region.

My new neighbor and sewing buddy has decided that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to and is now launching his own pattern making and tailoring business here in South Florida.  I have seen some of the clothes he has made and can confirm that this guy really knows his stuff when it comes to customized sewing patterns and garments.

In his sewing area is a dress form draped with one of his stunning original designs.  Unfortunately, that dazzling dress is much too small for me.

Otherwise, I would have offered to purchase from him.  This is a huge departure for me because I have been making nearly all of my own clothes for at least the last 20-25 years.

We don’t spend a lot of time running in and out of each other’s houses, but it is great to know that I have a sewing buddy close by.

Anyone who is interested in talking with Kennedy about his work or engaging him to create a customized pattern for them can reach him via e-mail at kennedysamuel94@yahoo.com or give him a call at 718.641.9277.

The post Consew 14TU Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame is a quilting frame that can be attached to a home sewing machine, giving the user the flexibility and all the benefits of having a real three by five foot quilting frame in a small space without the expense and the need for a lot of extra space.  Until seeing the Brother Dream Fabric Frame in use on a television show called It’s Sew Easy, I never even knew such a machine existed.

As soon as I saw how easy to use and versatile this machine actually is and how easy it seemed to be to operate, however, I set out on a campaign to find someplace where I could review it.

The opportunity to review this versatile quilt frame finally presented itself during a visit to Laura’s Sewing and Fabric in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

At A Glance

If you don’t look too closely, you would be inclined to believe that the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is merely a smaller version of any other quilt frame with the stitching apparatus permanently attached.

Upon closer examination, though, it is clear that the frame is not only smaller, but it is also attached to one of several compatible Brother computerized sewing and quilting machines.

Computerized Sewing and Quilting

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame has a single large black ratchet crank handle on the right side that is used to move the fabric from one position to the next.  There are several large clamps that are used to hold the fabric in place.

Stitch Regulator

The sewing machine is mounted on the rear of the frame with the stitch regulator attached to the back of the machine column.

On front of the sewing machine is a large handlebar with comfortable black foam pads on the handles and a small blue control box which allows the user to set the machine speed and stitch length.

The start/stop function buttons are also situated in easy to reach positions on the control box.

Features

• Expanded work space
• Compact – 3 feet x 5 feet
• SureStitch Stitch Regulator
• Multi-function control capabilities
• Compatible with most Brother-made sewing and quilting machines and accessories
• Capable of thread painting, free-motion couching, appliqué, needle felting and more!
• Adjustable height
• Easy to mount a new Brother sewing or quilting machine
• Smooth gliding carriage system
• Floating take up fabric
• Ergonomically designed Easy Grip handles
• Ratchet wheel

Working on the Brother Dream Fabric Frame

It seems to me that the most difficult part of being an owner of the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is assembly. However, a reputable authorized Brother dealer can alleviate that challenge by putting it together and making sure you are comfortable with the height setting and installation of your sewing machine for you.

Even if you are stuck with having to attach the sewing machine on your own, the process doesn’t appear to be overly complicated.

According to the video on the Brother site all that is necessary is for you to place the machine on the platform, lock it into place, connect the sewing machine to the Dream Fabric Frame control box and attach the Stitch Regulator to the back of the column.

Fabric Clamp and Ratchet Wheel

When I arrived at Laura’s Sewing and Fabric to review the Brother Dream Fabric Frame it was already set up with a Brother PQ 1500 SL straight stitch only quilting machine and loaded with fabric and quilt batting.  I did, however, get a chance to work with the fabric clamps and ratchet wheel when adjusting the fabric before attempting to sew.

I found the process to be a little awkward at first, but by the time I was on the third clamp, I had the procedure down pat.  Once all of the clamps were in place, tightening the frame and stretching the fabric was quite easy to accomplish.

During the review, I found that operating the control box is extremely easy.  When the unit is in operation, the control box is capable of performing all the tasks of a multi-functional foot control, providing the sewing machine is equipped with that particular feature.

The control box is used to set the stitch length, start and stop sewing and to cut and tie off the thread – as long as this feature is available on the sewing machine in use.  Users are able to control how fast the machine sews simply by moving the handle bars slow or fast.

The faster you move the handle bars, the faster the machine sews.  In just a few short minutes, I was very comfortable working with the smooth gliding motion of the Brother Dream Frame as I created my very own freehand quilt designs.

Freehand Quilt Designs

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• Five fabric hooks underneath to keep fabric off the floor
• Seven large plastic fabric grips to hold fabric in place on top and on each side
• Straps and clamps to hold the fabric in place on top of the frame
• Bungee cords with attached clips to hold small pieces of fabric in place
• Dream Frame Starter Kit
  • Quilt batting
  • Quilting thread
  • Top and backing fabric
  • Free motion quilting template
  • Needles
• Leader cloth to help align small projects

Starter Kit

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

At first, I was a bit timid and moved very slowly, but as I became accustomed to the feel, I was able to comfortably increase the speed with which I was able to create a freehand design. I was also quite impressed by Laura’s son who was extremely helpful in demonstrating the Brother Dream Fabric Frame and its operation.

My only real challenge was the discovery that the sewing range is limited by the distance between the needle and the column.  The larger the work space on the sewing machine, the greater the work space on the Brother Dream Fabric Frame.

The machines with the longest distance from needle to column which are compatible with the Dream Fabric Frame are the Brother Dream Weaver, the Brother Dream Machine, and the Baby Lock Destiny.

Floral Pattern

While it only took me a few minutes to get accustomed to working with the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, it will no doubt take lots and lots of practice to be able to create the beautiful roses and other floral pattern he made as well as many of the designs and patterns displayed on the website and in the starter kit.

I was pleased to learn that in addition to the usual quilting tasks, the Brother Dream Fabric Frame can be used for couching, felting and fabric painting as well.

Fabric Painting

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame has its limitations.  The most important of which is the limited range between the needle and the column, necessitating frequent readjustment of the fabric.

The clamps and grips were at first a little bit of a challenge for me, but once I got the hang of it, the process went rather smoothly.

Although I’m not a quilter, and very seldom perform some of the other tasks that can be accomplished with the Dream Fabric Frame, I enjoyed my experience with it.

In my opinion, it is a good choice for someone who already owns one of the compatible Brother or Baby Lock sewing machines and wants to experience frame quilting before investing in a full size quilting frame.

If, however, you do not already own one of these machines, you might be better off purchasing a sit down table mounted quilting system like the Baby Lock Tiara II, which does not require as much floor space as the Dream Fabric Frame.

On the other hand, if your sewing room is already filled to capacity with machines, cutting table, dress form, and other sewing necessities, you might want to consider replacing one of your sewing machines with a compatible Brother or Baby lock to accommodate the Dream Fabric Frame and a smaller sewing table to use when you want to use your new Brother or Baby Lock for tasks that do not involve quilting.

Quilt Frame

Quilt frames are not for all machine quilters.  If your quilting experience is limited to small jobs like small wall hangings, clothing, table runners and place mats, a quilt frame isn’t necessary.  Those tasks can easily be completed on practically any sewing and quilting machine.

But for those people who like to create large projects like quilts for use on a bed, and wall large hangings, a quilt frame is the best accessory to have available.  If you are working with limited space in your sewing room and spend most of your time working on large quilting projects, the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is very likely your best option.

If this description fits you, I strongly advise you to go ahead and make an investment in the Brother Dream Fabric Frame and one of the compatible machines if you have not done so already.

The post Brother Dream Fabric Frame Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

When I visited Laura’s Sewing and Fabric in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to review the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, it was attached to the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW sewing and quilting machine.  During the course of reviewing the Dream Fabric Frame, it was impossible to avoid reviewing the PQ 1500SL PRW as well.

During the course of this review, I witnessed how this straight stitch only sewing and quilting machine operates in the quilting mode.  I was able to personally judge the stitch quality, the workmanship, the feel and the ease of operation, including the level of noise and vibration.

At A Glance

The Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is a basic sewing and quilting machine with on board telescoping thread guides which make it possible to easily use cone thread.

Brother PQ 1500SL PRW

The stitch length adjustment dial is located on front of the column.  Directly beneath that dial is a lever which enables the user to adjust the drop feed level. This is an important feature when you are NOT using the Brother Dream Fabric Frame because it makes it possible for users to work with varying thicknesses of fabric with ease.

The knee lifter, which is also not necessary when using the Dream Fabric Frame, is essential for any home machine quilter because their hands are free while adjusting small or large quilting projects on a smaller work space.

There is a large reverse stitch lever on the lower edge of the column which allows the user to lock stitches and have greater flexibility when working on freehand sewing projects. Above the needle is a manual tension adjustment dial.

Large Reverse Stitch Lever

Features

• Sews up to 1500 stitches per minute
• Adjustable stitch length up to 7mm
• Built-in knee lifter
• Automatic thread cutter button
• Side loaded bobbin
• Manual tension adjustment
• 4 Position drop feed
• Pin Feed – allows the user to exchange the feed dogs for a single pin that extends from beneath the machine to advance fabric without leaving feed dog marks on delicate fabrics
• Extending thread guide bar to accommodate cone thread
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Needle plate with etched seam guides

Working on the BROTHER PQ 1500SL PRW 

While there are on board threading guides, they are not as clearly defined as on some other models.  They are, however, easy to follow for anyone who is already familiar with basic sewing machine operation. For those who are new to working on a sewing machine, the process is, in my opinion, easy to learn.

Since the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is a straight stitch only machine, the only stitch selection step is to determine the desired stitch length in advance and set the dial to the proper setting.

During this review, sewing with the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW while attached to the Dream Fabric Frame was accomplished by pressing the start/stop button on the control box attached to the handlebar on the Dream Fabric Frame.

Since there is no start/stop button on the PQ 1500SL PRW, it is necessary to engage the foot pedal when the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is not in use.  The on thread cutting option is, however, a standard feature on the PL 1500SL PRW.

With the Dream Fabric in place, the sewing speed is dictated by the speed with which the user moves the handlebar.  When the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is operating on its own, the speed is regulated by the pressure the user applies to the foot pedal.

Perfect Stitch Quality

When using the Dream Fabric Frame, the stitch quality is only as good as the quality of the stitches produced by the machine you use.  During this review, I observed that not only were the stitches perfect in every way, the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is unexpectedly quiet.

Regardless of the speed with which I moved the handlebars, the noise level remained the same.  In addition, I did not detect any vibration whatsoever as I moved the handlebars at varying speeds.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 7 Presser feet
  • General purpose foot
  • Rolled hem foot
  • Adjustable zipper foot
  • Invisible zipper foot
  • 1/4″ Foot
  • Spring action quilting foot
  • Walking foot
• Extra-large extension table
• Spool net
• Knee lifter
• Accessory kit
  • Extra needles
  • Spool cap
  • Fabric separator
  • Feed pin
  • Feed pin changer
  • 5 Metal bobbins
  • Seam guide
  • Lint brush
  • 2 screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
  • Spool cushion
• Owner’s manual
• Dust cover

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Whether you use the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW as a stand alone sewing and quilting machine or attached to the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, I believe that this sewing and quilting machine is a strong contender for one of the best straight stitch sewing machines on the market.

This machine does not have any of the bells and whistles that are available on lots of other sewing machines, and very few features aside from the thread cutter. It is a very basic, well-built sewing and quilting machine with a larger than average work space – 5.7 x 8.6 needle to column – that is capable of working with lots of different types of fabrics.

Of course, if the extension table is attached, the work area is expanded to 11 x 23, but the needle to column, of course remains the same.

Since there is no zigzag stitch capability with this machine, the only way I would recommend it for garment construction is if you have one of those old fashioned buttonhole makers which can be attached to almost any sewing machine and a serger to finish seams.

If you decide you want to purchase the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW and use for clothing construction as well as quilting, you must be prepared to add these two items to your sewing room if you do not also have them.

Fashioned Buttonhole Makers

I love the buttonholes produced by these old sewing machine attachments because the finished project is always consistently perfect.  You just choose a template based upon the size and style buttonhole you want, insert it in the machine, attach it to your sewing machine and drop the feed dogs.

If you do not have a drop feed feature on your sewing machine, the buttonhole maker comes with a feed dog cover which you must put in place before attaching the buttonhole maker.  The only challenge is that buttonhole makers are no longer being made.

There are, however, several places both online as well as brick and mortar stores that specialize in parts for vintage sewing machines where you will be able to find buttonhole makers of all types.  Both my sewing machines are capable of rendering zigzag stitches.

However, I have three buttonhole makers – one for each of my sewing machines and one that I just keep on hand for spare parts.

Buttonhole makers were made to fit three basic types of sewing machines – long shank, short shank and slant shank.  If you decide to invest in a buttonhole maker, make sure you purchase one that fits your machine shank.

Since the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is a separate piece of equipment that is ideal for use when working on large quilt projects, it is not essential for you to purchase one to make very good use of the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW.

It is indeed possible to use the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW for projects other than those large quilts for king size beds and the like without ever having to invest in the Dream Fabric Frame.

The PQ 1500SL PRW is ideal for anyone who likes to create smaller quilt projects like small wall hangings, quilted table runners and placemats, quilted accents on clothing items and gift items.

If the majority of your sewing involves small quilting projects and gift items, and some clothing construction from time to time or if even if you work on larger machine quilting projects but simply do not have space to set up a quilt frame – even one as small and versatile as the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, you owe it to yourself to take a long hard look at the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW before making a final decision when shopping for a new sewing and quilting machine.

The post Brother PQ 1500SL PRW Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

When I reviewed the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I first thought it was just another combination sewing and quilting machine.  It is, however, more than that. The folks at Janome have added some features that I had never before seen on a sewing machine made for home or industrial use.

At A Glance

For starters, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a small dial on the right side of the column is the drop feed control, which is in my opinion an answer to a prayer.  Anyone who is familiar with reviews on this website knows that the placement of the drop feed control has been a pet peeve of mine for quite a while.

Drop Feed Control

In addition to this very important change, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP has a stitch adjuster and stitch creator, which allow the user to create and customize stitches to suite their individual needs.  There is also a USB port on the side of the column, and a large full color touchscreen on the front.

Stitch Selection Guide

The on board stitch selection guide is inside the lid cover along with the numerical threading and bobbin winding guides.

The removable dual compartment accessory case reveals a convenient free arm.  Beneath the needle is a large needle plate with seam guides etched all around and on the see through bobbin cover which makes it possible to see the thread supply on the drop in bobbin.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP comes with three separate needle plates: a zigzag plate; a straight stitch and quarter inch plate; and a professional grade straight stitch plate which is designed to work with the needle in the left position only.  That needle plate also comes with its own separate snap on presser foot and ankle.

Large Needle Plate

Across the machine head and above the needle is a series of function buttons: start/stop; thread tie-off and cut; reverse/lock stitch; needle up/down; presser foot up/down; design stop and a variable speed slider.  There is also an advanced needle threader and a bright LED light that extends from the top of the machine adding extra illumination to the area around the needle.

Features

• 350 On board utility, decorative and quilting stitches
• 4 Alphanumeric fonts
• Drop in bobbin with see through cover
• Automatic tension control
• Adjustable stitch length and width – up to 9mm wide
• Independent bobbin motor
• Full color touchscreen
• More than 1000 stitches per minute
• USB Port
• Variable zigzag
• Advanced needle plate seam guides
• Stitch Composer Software allows users to design their own stitches
• 9 On board LED lights
• Automatic needle threader
• On board threading guides
• 2 On board accessory storage compartments
• Free arm
• Adjustable high light extends above the needle
• Function buttons:
  • o Start/stop
  • o Reverse/lock stitch
  • o Presser foot up/down
  • o Needle up/down
  • o Thread tie-off/cut
• Variable speed control slider
• Work with single or double needle
• On board stitch selection guide
• On board ruler
• 4 Way mirror imaging
• Stitch memory
• 13 Languages
• Choice of three different background colors:
  • o White
  • o Pink
  • o Yellow

Working on the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP

The on board numerical threading and bobbin winding guides make getting started a piece of cake.  Once the machine is threaded, selecting a stitch is simplified by a clearly defined menu.

Users have the option of choosing a stitch from one of six menu categories all depicted by graphic icons… utility stitches; decorative stitches; alphanumeric fonts or a tee-shirt icon which when opened reveals an extremely interesting menu of helps for applying practically every imaginable sewing application.

For this review, I sampled several of the utility and decorative stitch options, some of which I believe have never before been available on earlier models of sewing and quilting machines.

Precise and Perfect Stitches

Not only did the stitches all come out with precision and perfection, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is extremely quiet. There was no vibration at all and the ergonomic design makes for a very comfortable feeling, reducing the possibility for neck, wrist, shoulder and back strain when working for long periods of time without a break.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard Accessories

Standard Accessories:

• 13 snap on Presser feet
• 1/4 Inch Seam foot
• AcuFeed Flex dual feed foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem foot
• Button sewing foot
• Cloth guide
• Darning foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot m
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zipper foot
• 3 Interchangeable needle plates
  • Zigzag
  • Straight stitch/quarter inch
  • Professional straight stitch (left needle position only) with presser foot
• Seam ripper
• Lint brush
• Extra needles
• Bobbins
• Extension table
• Knee lift
• Owner’s manual
• Stitch composer software disc
• Instructional disc

Optional Accessories:

• 1/4 Inch seam foot for Acufeed
• 3-Way cording foot
• Acufeed open toe foot
• Applique foot
• Beading foot (2 – 1 narrow/1 wide)
• Binder foot
• Border guide foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Clear view 1/4 seam foot 9mm
• Clear view quilting foot and guide set
• Concealed zipper foot
• Ditch quilting foot
• Edge guide foot
• Extra-large buttonhole foot and stabilizer plate
• Free motion couching foot
• Gathering foot
• Blue tip needles
• Purple tip Needle
• Red tip needle
• Bobbin (specialized)
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Extra-large foot controller with thread cutter
• Horizontal spool holder
• Insert plate
• Long quilting guide bar set
• Optic magnifier
• Remote thread cutter switch
• Ruffler
• Single Acufeed holder and foot
• Ultraglide needle plate and Foot set

Optional Accessories

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Fay Nicoll, owner of Sunshine Sewing and quilting aptly describes the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCQ as a machine that does “everything up to embroidery”.  I couldn’t help but agree with her.  This combination sewing and quilting machine really does do everything but there is no embroidery hoop, no embroidery software and no embroidery designs.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400 is definitely the dawn of the next generation of sewing and quilting machines from Janome.  I must say, I was so happy to see that the folks at Janome took heed of my complaints and put the drop feed control in a very easily accessible place that I almost jumped for joy.

In addition to that very crucial feature, I really like the way the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP handles.  The stitch selection process is only a little bit of a challenge because there are so many choices.  Once the user understands the process, however, selecting stitches and creating new ones is possibly one of the greatest features this machine has to offer.

I do not believe the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is a good choice for anyone who has never worked on a sewing machine before or is still in the process of learning the basics of sewing machine operation because of the many advanced features that are standard on this machine.

There are interesting new features that I hesitate to recommend it for certain home sewers whose skills are good, but not what some would consider to be at a strong intermediate level.

Stitch Selection Process

Anyone who decides that they want to add the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP to their sewing room should be ready to spend some time getting to know this machine and working with all of the features before actually working on a major sewing or quilting project.

The good news is I don’t believe it will take long for a seasoned home sewer to learn to use these new features and be able to create fabulous clothes and quilts after just a few short hours of experimentation and practicing to determine preferences and favorite stitch combinations, which can be stored and saved for repeated use.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is more than just efficient, user-friendly and ergonomically designed.  It is also affordably priced.  With a MSRP of just $4999, this machine is within reach of many home budgets.

If you think you want to take home a Janome Memory Craft 9400 QCP of your own, set aside some time to visit an authorized independent Janome dealer near you. Ask a sales associate for a demonstration of this well designed sewing and quilting and be prepared to discuss flexible pricing and financing options.

The post Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

During a visit to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting, I had an opportunity to review the Janome MB-7, a seven needle embroidery machine designed for home use.  No doubt, this machine could also be used in a home based business as well as a professional embroidery studio where it is not the only machine in the shop.

At A Glance

The very first thing I noticed on the Janome MB-7 was the optional remote computer screen.  When attached, it is capable of giving the user a visual image of the 50 on board designs and monogramming fonts along with a read-out of the thread colors, the time it takes to complete the design and the number of stitches required for each color.

Optional Remote Computer Screen

The bobbin housing is located directly beneath the needles.  There is also a separate bobbin winding motor, which can be engaged while the MB-7 is creating an embroidery design.

The model I reviewed was sitting atop an optional MB-4 table, which is very conveniently designed with shelves, drawers with racks to hold thread cones and all the other accessories one might need when working on either the MB-7 or the MB-4.

Features

• 7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS)
• Extra large bobbin
• 6 white LED lamps
• 50 built-in designs
• 10 monogramming fonts
• 2 and 3 letter monogramming
• Maximum embroidery area 9.4″ x 7.9″
• USB port
• Maximum embroidery speed 800 stitches per minute
• Programmable jump thread trimming
• Flexible stitch traveling
• Auto return after a thread break
• Adjustable hoop positioning
• 2 Sensors

• Upper thread
• Presser foot

• Stitch-out time indicator
• Stitch counter
• Independent bobbin winder
• Embroidery area tracing

Working on the Janome MB-7

While threading the Janome MB-7 is quite easy, winding and inserting the bobbin is not quite as simple.  Properly inserting the new open bobbin case presented a little bit of a challenge, but after several references to the owner’s manual, Fay Nicoll, owner of Sunshine Sewing and Quilting and I were able to figure it out.

The trick is to carefully follow each step exactly as written in the manual.  In all honesty, that is the only difference in setting up the new MB-7 and its predecessor, the MB-4.

If the optional remote computer screen is not attached, the Janome MB-7 can be connected to a desktop or laptop computer via the USB cable that is included as a standard accessory.  Embroidery designs and all the other data that appears on the remote computer screen will appear on the computer monitor.

Even with the removable Janome optional remote computer screen in place, you can import an embroidery design from our computer via a USB port on the side of the removable screen.

Crisp and Clean Stitch-out

Like the MB-4, the Janome MB-7 sews monograms, one of 50 on board embroidery designs or an embroidery design downloaded from the internet at speeds up to 800 stitches per minute.  In the interest of time I selected a small two color design for this review.

The Janome MB-7 is solid and although not as quiet as many home embroidery machines, it is quieter than I had expected for a machine of its size.  The actual stitch-out when completed was crisp and clean with even, well-formed stitches throughout.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Open metal bobbin
• 3 Embroidery hoops and grids

• M1: 9.4″ x 7.9″
• M2: 5″ x 4.3″
• M3: 2″ x 2″

• Seam Ripper
• Instructional DVD
• Spool pads
• USB cable
• Owner’s manual

Standard Accessories

Optional accessories:

• Remote computer screen
• Bobbin Cases (multi-needle embroidery)
• CD-Rom Drive
• Lettering Hoop Holder Unit
• MB-4 Support Table
• Needle Threader
• Embroidery needles
• Lettering hoops:
  • 1 J7 (110mm x 95mm)
  • 2 J6 (66mm x 66mm)
  • 3 J5 (25mm x 54mm)
  • 6 J2 (25 mm x 54mm)
  • 7 J8 #7 (120mm x 121mm)
  • 8 J4 (42mm x 67mm)
  • 9 J6 (66mm x 66mm)
  • 11 J1 (30mm)
  • 12 J1 (30mm)
  • 13 J3 (64mm x 28mm)
• Sock Hoop Kit
• Spool stand

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The MB-7 is the next generation of the multi-needle embroidery machine from Janome.  When compared to the Janome MB-4, the MB-7 can deliver embroidery designs faster with its capacity to work with up to seven threads while the MB-4 can handle only 4.

The MB-7 weighs 50 pounds, approximately five pounds more than the MB-4.  The MB-7 allows users to resize, rotate and flip embroidery designs as well as group, re-edit, combine and duplicate designs.  With the MB-4 users can perform all of these tasks with the exception of grouping and duplicating designs.

Both machines come with 50 on board embroidery designs and 10 monogramming fonts. They both have a maximum embroidery field of 9.4” x 7.9”, come with three embroidery hoops as standard accessories and both machines are compatible with JEF; JEF+ and DST embroidery formats.

The only other difference I could detect between the two machines is the fact that the MB-7 comes with that open bobbin case and the MB-4 has a standard bobbin case.

I honestly cannot say why the manufacturer switched to the open bobbin case.  In my opinion, it is the only flaw in the design.  As Fay and I struggled with inserting the bobbin so that it seated properly and did not create birds’ nests, I couldn’t help but wonder why in the world it didn’t have a closed bobbin case.

If you ask me, an open bobbin case is a) a chicken way of trying to save a few cents in production costs; and b) a good way to create unnecessary headaches with birds’ nests and worse in the bobbin area.  If you are not careful when winding and inserting the bobbin, you could potentially create a very bad situation which might very well result in you taking land your MB-7 in for servicing.

Open Bobbin Case

As I said in the above section, however, when you follow the instructions to the letter, the bobbin goes in and works perfectly.  It’s just a matter of mastering a new technique.  No doubt, people who are not as accustomed to working with traditional closed bobbin cases will have much greater ease in getting acclimated to working with this new type of bobbin case.

I have no doubt that some people will say that the Janome MB-7 is a machine that can be used by beginners.  I disagree because I believe that knowing more than just the basics of sewing machine operation will make learning to use this machine much easier.

Someone with little or no sewing machine knowledge or experience, even an adult, will have a very difficult time learning how to work with any machine with this many needles. Anyone who has never used a sewing machine or has no experience with machine embroidery at all should first start with a single needle machine before even attempting to use a multi-needle embroidery machine.

If your sewing skills are strong enough, and you are a machine embroidery enthusiast, you might very well be a viable candidate for moving up to the Janome MB-7. The only other consideration, in my opinion, is space.  If your sewing room is large enough to accommodate a traditional size sewing machine, you will be able to accommodate the MB-7 with very little adjustment to your sewing space.

The Janome MB-7 is not for everybody.  In fact, I do not recommend it for anyone who is beginning to create machine embroidery projects.  Nor do I recommend it for anyone who is not serious about machine embroidery and only engage in machine embroidery on an occasional basis.

I do, however, believe the Janome MB-7 is an excellent choice for anyone who spends at least 50 percent of their time in the sewing room on machine embroidery projects of all sizes.

Before making a decision to add the Janome MB-7 to your sewing room, however, you should first visit our authorized Janome dealer.  Ask a sales associate for a demonstration and see for yourself is this is, indeed, the multi-needle embroidery machine for you.

The post Janome MB-7 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

After several months of hearing and reading about the Janome Skyline S7, I finally had an opportunity to review it at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, FL.  This computerized sewing and quilting machine has been highly praised, and is very popular.

So popular, in fact, that when I was forced to postpone reviewing this machine due to illness, they had sold out by the time I had recovered.  After that, I had to wait until a new shipment was delivered.  On the day I did this review, there were only a few left in stock.

At A Glance

In all honesty, the Janome Skyline S7 looks almost exactly like the Skyline S5 to me.

When I asked Sunshine owner and manager Fay Nicoll to explain the difference between the two machines, she quickly pointed out that that the major external difference between these two machines is the advanced needle threader.

On the S5, the needle threader moves the thread from left to right.   The thread moves to the front of the needle on the S7.

Bright LED beneath machine head

An online comparison revealed that the S5 is equipped with the Superior Feed System Plus (SFS) while the S7 has the more up to date AccuFeed.  Finally, the Janome website revealed that the stitch selection process is different.  The S7 has a touch screen stitch selection process.

Selecting stitches on the S5 is accomplished with direct selection buttons. The final difference between the S5 and the S7 is the number of stitch options. 

The S5 has 170 decorative and utility stitches including 10 one step buttonholes.  The S7 brings with it 11 buttonholes and a total of 236 stitch options.

On Board Stitch Selection Guide

The Janome Skyline S7 has an on board stitch selection guide inside the top lid. When it’s closed, the machine has the appearance of a sleek opened, it has the appearance of a sleek 21^st Century machine with practically a minimum of visible controls or switches: start/stop; presser foot up/down; thread tie-off/cut; design stop and a three level speed control slider.

The USB port is on the right column with the balance wheel and power switch.  Opening the lid not only reveals the stitch selection guide but also the thread and bobbin winder along with detailed threading and bobbin winding guides.

One thing that I noticed that was of particular interest to me was the placement of the drop feed control lever.  Rather than hiding it, the folks at Janome seem to have heard my complaints and placed the drop feed control lever on the right side of the machine, beneath the balance wheel.

Beneath the machine head are bright LED lights and a large workspace that features an oversized needle plate that is easily removed with just one hand.  Two needle plates come with the S7, one for straight stitches and the other for working with zigzag and decorative stitches.

Rather than the numerical keypad that is found on the S5, the S7 has a large touchpad which is used to select stitches, lock the machine, access the stitch memory and all of the other on board functions that make working on this machine user friendly.

Features

• 240 Onboard decorative and utility stitches
• 11 One-step buttonholes
• 7 Alphanumeric fonts
• Top loading 9mm full rotary hook
• USB port
• Stitch composer stitch creation program
• Automatic thread tension
• On board advanced needle threader
• Easy set bobbin
• Bobbin winding plate with thread cutter
• Function buttons:
  • Needle Up/Down
  • Presser Foot Lift
  • Thread Cutter
• AcuFeed flex layered fabric feeding system
• Variable zig-zag for free motion quilting
• One-step needle plate conversion
• Free arm
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Janome Skyline S7

Threading the Janome Skyline S7 and winding the bobbin are completely routine.  If you are accustomed to threading any other modern day sewing machine and winding its bobbin, you will have no difficulty in preparing this machine to get down to doing some serious sewing and/or quilting.

The addition of a safety lock is one of the most functional safety features this machine has to offer.  By locking the Janome Skyline S7, users are able to thread the needle, change the needle plate and perform other non-sewing tasks without having to worry about injury caused by inadvertently touching he start/stop button in the process.

On Board Decorative and Utility Stitch Menu

After the Janome is threaded and the bobbin in place, the next step is to select a stitch option from one of the six on board decorative and utility stitch menus.  The needle up/down position and thread tie-off/cut functions can be preprogrammed to increase the efficiency and decrease the time spent performing routine sewing machine tasks.

Superior Stitch Quality

For this review, I sampled several stitch options and discovered that the quality of the stitches produced by the Janome Skyline S7 is superior to many other sewing and quilting machines in its class.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard Accessories

• 9 Snap on presser feet

• ¼” Seam Foot
• Zigzag foot
• AcuFeed Flex dual feed holder with AD foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem foot
• Darning foot
• Overedge foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot

• Seam ripper
• Extra large foot controller
• Spool pins
• Screwdrivers
• Owner’s manual
• Extra needles
• Spool caps

Standard Accesories

Optional accessories

• Snap on presser feet
• 3-way cording foot
• AcuFeed Flex ¼” seam foot (twin)
• AcuFeed Flex holder and foot (single)
• AcuFeed open toe foot
• AcuFeed straight stitch foot
• AcuFeed zipper foot (single)
• Applique foot
• Beading foot narrow
• Beading foot wide
• Binder foot
• Blue tip needles
• Bobbin (specialized)
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Bobbins
• Bobbins (plastic)
• Border guide foot
• Button sewing foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Clear view 1/4 seam foot 9mm
• Clear view quilting foot and guide set
• Concealed zipper foot
• Crafting and home decor accessory kit
• Ditch quilting foot
• Ditch quilting foot for AcuFeed Flex
• Edge guide foot
• Fashion and finishing kit
• Free motion couching foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Free motion quilting holder
• Free motion quilting open toe foot
• Free motion quilting zig-zag foot
• Gathering foot
• Ultraglide foot
• 9 Piece scissor kit
• Horizontal spool holder
• Long quilting guide bar set
• Needle set
• Needle threader
• Needles
• Optic magnifier
• Pink and white pincushion
• Purple tip needle
• Quilt binder set
• Quilting accessory kit
• Red tip needle
• Remote thread cutter switch
• Ruffler
• Skyline accessory case
• Sliding guide foot 9mm
• Spool stand (2 threads)
• Ultraglide needle plate and foot set
• Universal sewing table

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

To sum it all up, I find the Janome Skyline S7 to be a superior sewing and quilting machine.  The machine is extremely quiet.  I didn’t notice any vibration until the speed setting was set at its highest level, and even then, the amount of vibration was minimal.

This could have been caused by the fact that it was not set up on a sewing table, but on a folding worktable instead.  My guess is that if this machine were mounted on a more stable surface, especially a table or desk designed to support a sewing machine, there would be no vibration whatsoever.

Janome Skyline S7

The Janome Skyline S7 is an excellent choice for someone who is learning how to sew.  I hesitate, however, to recommend it for use by a child younger than 10 or 12 years of age.  It isn’t the least bit complicated, but it could be a bit intimidating for a young child.

I believe an older child, teenager or adult would be quite comfortable learning the art of sewing on this very sturdy sewing machine. An experienced home sewer or someone who has taken a break from sewing for a few years and returning to the sewing machine would have no problem adjusting to the features found on the Janome Skyline S7 that may not have been available on machines they operated in the past.

The workspace is extra-large, making it possible to quite handle on small to medium size quilting projects with ease.  The free arm and on board accessory storage are merely added advantages.

When compared with the Janome Skyline S5, the S7 is a comparable machine, offering a few additional stitch options and a little more convenience.  While the advanced needle threader is a significant difference between the two machines, I feel that the biggest difference is the stitch selection process.

Some people prefer to dial up a stitch on a numerical keypad while others are more comfortable with a touchscreen.  In my opinion, the decision between purchasing the S5 or the S7 rests largely with that one consideration.

Before making a decision to purchase the S5 or the S7, I recommend that you take the time to visit an authorized Janome dealer in your area and try them both for yourself.  Ask for a demonstration and make your own comparison.  I have no doubt that you will be happy with either one.

The Janome Skyline S7 is definitely a well-built, reliable sewing and quilting machine.  You cannot imagine my surprise when I learned that Janome has already released the Skyline S9.  My first response was to wonder whether or not folks at Janome were losing it until I discovered that it is a step above the S7.

The S9 is a combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine that has all the features of the S7, but comes with additional utility and decorative stitch options along with three embroidery hoops

The post Janome Skyline S7 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.