Janome 6260QC

Here's my answers to the sewing machine meme by SewMamaSew.

What brand and model do you have?

I have a Janome 6260QC (Quilter's Companion). It's now discontinued, though and Janome only makes the lowest model in the series.

How long have you had it?

I purchased this machine in August 2006, before I knew how much sewing/quilting/crafting would take over my life.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

The machine was around $600.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

I use this machine for everything, but mostly quilting and making handbags. I bought this model because it was in the Quilter's Companion line and included a walking foot, darning foot, stitch guide and a few other quilting tools that I have yet to use.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

This machine has received lots of wear and tear in the past three years that I've been using it. When I'm in peak sewing moods, I would say that it gets used about 20 hours a week. It's made about 20 different quilts from piecing to quilting to binding and lots of different smaller projects and handled everything really well. I've sewn canvas, cotton, vinyl, denim, corduroy and lots of thick things and I've never had a problem with it.

I should note that I had the machine in for repair last fall and it was diagnosed with an overabundant amount of lint. Now, I've been vacuuming it out after large projects to keep the lint cleaned out and it runs smoothly all the time.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

This is a great machine and I haven't had any problems with it (other than the occasional user errors on my part). I really like it and the one thing that would make me like it more would be if it had a wider throat for fitting large quilts through it.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

I originally bought it because I liked that all of the feet are stored in the top part of it and because it has a handy stitch guide reference along with what foot to use on the inside of the top case. I also love the needle threader on it and the needle up/down option. It's got a ton of extra stitches on it and it's really easy to select the stitch (and foot), adjust the stitch length and width and start sewing. It's a computerized machine, but it's not overly complicated.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

The bobbin winder is a bit tricky to figure out. When I first got the machine, I had more fails than successes with it. Now that I have all of its quirks figured out, I only have a problem with the bobbin every 20 bobbins wound or so.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

I spent a lot of time shopping around for this machine. I was really afraid to spend so much money on something that was just a fleeting interest at the time. I'm really glad that I bought a mid range machine instead of a beginner model because my sewing skills have grown as I've used it and I haven't yet found anything that this machine can't handle.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

Yes, it's a great, solid, easy-to-use machine and it's got a wide range of capabilities.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Price

Basic stitches (straight, zig zag, etc.)

Automatic button hole

Needle up/down option

Location of repair

Access to sewing machine classes to get you started

Metal parts

Ease of Use

If you've never sewn before, try to take along someone who has some experience with sewing to try out the machines to point out things that you may not think of or be aware of.

Do you have a dream machine?

I would love to get a Juki. The wide throat on it thrills me and would make free motion quilting a lot easier to do. That being said, if I'm never able to purchase another machine, I will be happy using this machine forever.

Comments

[stephanie]

Good info and cute pics too! I agree - I would love more room to stuff those quilts through too!

[amandajean]

thanks for sharing about your machine!!! i'm glad to read all the info. i'm kind of considering buying a second machine and this is so helpful.

[jessica]

You've given me some serious sewing machine envy!

[Kellie]

Looking at your craft space makes me so happy - gorgeous colour scheme and so organised. I sold my Bernina 153QE to buy my Janome 6600p and haven't regretted it for a moment. A Juki would be awesome for quilting - especially if you had a frame for it too (dreams are free!).

[randi]

I just purchased a Janome and I love it! It is so much quieter than my Singer model!

[erica]

I'd love to try a janome. I have a love/hate relationship with my machine right now!

[georgia]

I completely agree with you about buying a machine that you can grow into, rather than getting a cheap one to start off and then ending up being frustrated with it.

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

I love my janome too! for many of the same reasons :)

[Clo]

I am happy to hear that you love this machine. I have the same machine purchased about 1 year ago and mine has given me too much trouble so I have decided maybe I got unlucky and got a "friday made" machine. My janome serviceman keeps telling me "this machine is not meant for lots of sewing" which seems absurd to me being a quilting companion.

[Dawn]

I am with you Clo-I bought this machine 4/08 and mine is a LEMON. Love it when it works, but never seems to work when I need it to. I am taking it in for repairs AGAIN. This is the third time.

[Sue Nelson]

I have this machine and love it, works like a gem. Would like to buy the Janome Horizon next for larger quilting space.

[Vivian Miller]

This is a great machine. I've never had trouble with it, other than human error! Was thinking on selling it, because I don't use it much. I have a Janome 10,000 that I usse almost every day. Now I'm not so sure I want to part with it, after reading reviews. We've had to down-size from our house to an apartment, so that was why I might sell it. But if something happens to the 10,000, I would still be able to sew. Need to find a better spot for holding on to it for awhile longer.