It's Sewing Machine Month at Sew, Mama, Sew! Check out the blog all month for machine-related articles and giveaways (including a sewing machine giveaway).
This post is me participating in the Sewing Machine Meme. My answers start below . . .
What brand and model do you have?
I have a Janome L-392. It's a basic all-metal, all-mechanical, model that is no longer being made. The closest contemporary Janome I was able to find is this one, which appears to be almost exactly like my machine with new branding.
How long have you had it?
Almost 12 years. My parents got if for my 22nd birthday. (Best gift ever.)
Approximately how much does your machine cost?
My machine is no longer being made, but the one I found that's similar retails for $400 - $600 which, if it sews anything like mine, is an amazing bargain.
What kinds of things do you sew?
Everything! I mostly sew quilts, but I've used it to sew clothing, home decor projects, bags, paper crafting projects and many, many Halloween costumes. I also do all my machine quilting on this machine.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I use my machine almost every day and have for years. It has gotten way more wear and tear and been put through more unusual stress tests (mostly associated with sewing excessive layers, different kinds of adhesive and other materials that probably shouldn't be sewn with a sewing machine in the first place) than any normal machine should and it still runs beautifully.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Does it have a name?
I really love my machine, but it doesn't have a name.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I love the fact that my machine is mechanical and that it's metal. It's very, very sturdy. As you can see in the photo above, it also has a decent sized bed, which makes machine quilting easier.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Not really. I'm so used to working on it that I don't miss a lot of the bells and whistles that I'm sure some people feel they couldn't live without. I had a lot of trouble with tension and timing during the first few years that I had the machine, but I eventually realized that it was caused entirely by dumb things I was doing, like not changing my needle enough, using cheap thread or trying to sew through cardboard covered in still slightly wet paint.
Now that I sort of know what I'm doing and get the machine serviced regularly (and especially since I got a walking foot) it really does everything that I want it to.
Do you have a great story about your machine to share?
Hmm . . . You'd think that, after 12 years, I'd have something fantastic to share, but I guess I don't.
Would you recommend your machine to others?
Yes. I would recommend my machine to anyone. I would especially recommend it to anyone like me who is inclined to be very hard on a machine. I also think it's an excellent choice for anyone who prefers not to use a plastic and/or electronic model.
In general, I would recommend Janome machines to anyone. I've sewn on several other models, including more contemporary quilting models, and they've all been wonderful. Even the little Hello Kitty version that I got for my niece works well enough that my sister has been using it for home dec projects.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I would encourage people to buy a machine from a local dealership that will be able to assist you in choosing a good machine for your needs and servicing it for years to come. Many dealerships even offer classes on how to use your new machine (and they're often free with the purchase). If buying a machine from a dealership isn't an option, I would still suggest finding a local dealership/repair shop that you can go to for service/classes/purchasing accessories.
Think of it this way: If you bring home a new kitten, you need to find it a vet. If you bring home a new sewing machine, you similarly need to find a place to take it for regular maintenance and when it's feeling sick.
Do you have a dream machine?
Of course! I'm still not sure about an electronic machine (and I'm quite sure that I will never, in a million years, need that many stitches) but I know I could get used to the automatic needle down control and having a knee-operated lever for the presser foot. I also love the even-feed technology on the newer Janome quilting machines. So, yes. This is what I eventually, someday, plan to buy.
Remember in Wayne's World how Wayne kept making the sales guy take the guitar out of the display case for him to play every time he went in the store? That's me with the MC6600 every time I take my machine in for service.
