Feed: Comments for Sewing Machines for Beginners - AggScore: 46.4

Comment on Sewing Machine Reviews by Erin

Pam – As I own the Janome Magnolia 7330 the one thing I constantly wish for is more decorative stitches so your concern about the buttonhole count makes complete sense.

As for the DC series and the 3050 compared to the 7330/8077, you get all the same stitches minus a couple of buttonholes PLUS some additional utility and decorative stitches.

The controls and 7 point feed dogs are the same in ALL six of these machines with two exceptions. The 3050 does not have the Start/Stop button while the others do but it does have four direct stitch select buttons and none of the others have that. The direct stitch selection buttons let you choose one of four, most used (and pre-set) utility stitches without having to scroll through the full set of stitches. A small time saver but I’d personally rather have the Start/Stop button.

The stitch patterns on the DC2010, 2011, 2012, and 3050 are identical and all have a more powerful, DC motor which the 7330/8077 do not.

The only other difference has to do with the included accessories. The DC2010 comes with 6 presser feet, the DC2011 with 7, and the DC2012 with 5. These usually come with a hard cover case, too. The 3050 only comes with 4 presser feet and no case.

This makes the DC2010/2011/2012 the better value package in most cases, completely comparable to the 7330/8077 and with a more powerful motor.

The DC2010 and DC2011 are retired and I see the 2010 isn’t even on Amazon anymore. Prices are the same for the other two here: 2011 and 2012. They come with the same accessories on Amazon so then it’s just a matter of color preference between the two – pink or green trim – unless you can find either of them at a discount at your local store.

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,

Erin

Comment on We Get A Facebook Fan Page by Erin

Susan – I’d love a resource like you! Where I really get hung up sometimes is understanding the application of some features and stitches as my experience only goes so far. Being able to explain how a certain set of stitches meets a set of needs or how to think about the inclusion of a particular presser foot because of the application of that foot is the kind of information that really helps someone choose between the wide variety of sewing machines.

I’ll be hanging on to your contact info and if you ever want to do a guest post and advertise your services, I’d love to put something on the site. You can reach me at erin AT sewing-machines-for-beginners DOT com (just remove all those spaces).

Thanks so much for the compliment. I’ve been at this for a couple of years now and there’s still so much left to add but I enjoy every second of it and to get recognition from someone with your expertise means so much to me!

Sincerely,

Erin

Comment on Sewing Machine Reviews by Pam

This is a great website for those returning to sewing as well as beginners. My skills are intermediate/advanced, but I haven’t sewn much other than general repairs in 20 years. I used to sew clothes for my kids and me, knit shirts for my husband, home decor and crafts. I’m interested in returning to sewing more from the craft/quilting perspective than garment making, but the controls on my 35 year old Viking have frozen from lack of use. It will cost about dollarsignr200 to repair so I’m opting for a new, more up-to-date machine instead. From your reviews, I’ve decided on a Janome. The 8077 seemed to be the one; but with all the buttonhole selections, it seems to be geared more toward garment sewing. Now, I’m trying to decide among the DC 2010, 2011, 2012 or 3050. Based on what I’ve described, what are your thoughts on what choice I should make? Do any of these have equivalents such as the Magnolia 7330~8077?

Comment on We Get A Facebook Fan Page by Susan Starr

Hi Erin~
I talked with you about a year ago about stabilizers for stretchy fabric and just re-found your page! I love it. Someone actually RESEARCHING the machines instead of just complaining about them when it’s usually operator error. Yay!! I am a sewing teacher here in Florida and do private lessons “in your home, on your machine” so I’ve seen many different machines–some good, some not so good. If ever you need advice that you can’t come up with about machines, sergers, embroidery or sewing, feel free to ask. I LOVE to share! Keep up the good work. There are so many people out there that need you!
Susan
Sew Private

Comment on We Get A Facebook Fan Page by Diane

Yes, that is exactly what I wanted to hear! I look forward to reading your review.

Comment on We Get A Facebook Fan Page by Erin

Diane – Your timing is PERFECT! I’ve been working on a review of the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist for the past week. The review should be posted today or tomorrow. In a nutshell, it’s a great machine and I don’t see any reason you wouldn’t be pleased with it’s performance and capabilities. Yes, Singer has managed to build a somewhat shaky reputation over the past several years but they have several models that work hard at regaining their previous reputation. The 7258 is one such model and the 9960 is certainly another.

The price alone for this set of features is absolutely jaw dropping, in my opinion. The original MSRP was around $1000, it had been selling for around $600+ not too long ago and now it’s under $330 in some places (like Amazon).

I imagine that’s what you were hoping to hear. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Erin

Comment on We Get A Facebook Fan Page by Diane

I love this website!!! I am in the market for my first sewing machine and have done so much research, I am even more confused than when I started! But, this site has really helped. You really know your stuff. However, the one machine I have narrowed my choice down to is not referenced on this site, and i would love to know your thoughts. What can you tell me about the Singer Quantum 9960? Everyone tells me to stay away from Singer, but this machine has EVERY feature I want, and some pretty good reviews. I would greatly appreciate you insights and expertise. Please help!! Thanks so much.

Comment on Brother LB6800PRW Taking Over for the SE400? by Erin

Ronni, you’re very welcome! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new machine. Quilt labels? What a great idea! I’ve never tackled a quilt but my mother-in-law and a friend of mine are heavy quilters and I don’t know that they’ve ever done labels. I’ll have to share with them!

Good luck and thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated!

Sincerely,

Erin

Comment on Brother LB6800PRW Taking Over for the SE400? by Ronni

Thanks you for the valuable info on your website & the quick response to questions. With what I found & read, I just purchased the 6800thrd from Costco, I want to make embroidered quilt labels for my quilts, I feel the hoop size will work for that. In the future I could buy the sa434 hoop for larger designs. Thank you Erin.

Comment on Brother LB6800PRW Taking Over for the SE400? by Erin

Hi, Ronni!

The Innov-is 950D uses the same hoop sizes as the SE400 and is compatible with the SA431 (2 x 1 1/2 in), SA432 (4 x 4 in), and SA434 (6 3/4 x 4 in) hoops.

Sincerely,

Erin