Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Sewing Machine Adultery: Juki TL2010Q Review [Part 1]

Sewing Machine Adultery
{click on image for previous SMA reviews}
I tried my mother-in-law's brand new, like literally out of the box Juki TL-2010Q.  (Talk about mad trust right?  I felt like I was cheating with the Juki on my mother-in-law by using it so extensively before her!) As happened to me with my review of the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900 I've been biting my lip and revising this post about a million times before posting.  As I wrote before that review I will repeat again here...

After using the Juki I wrote down my impressions, and took a pause before finalizing this post because I really wanted to think about what I thought of the machine so I can give an honest impression.  I am going to put my questions in pink, if you know the answer do tell!

First, let's be real here, I am not paid to review machines nor do I have any affiliation with any sewing machine manufacturer or shop.  There is a reason why the first piece of advice anyone gives you when machine shopping is go try them yourself.  Because, no matter this is only my opinion, and please, what the hell do I know anyway?

Secondly, keep in mind that I sew on a 15 year old sewing machine.  Now some of you may be thinking that in the scheme of things that really isn't that old.  True.  There are older machines.  I've sewn on lots of older machines and I learned to sew on industrial machines as a textile major in college.  However, when I bought my Bernina Activa 130 it was one of the few computerized machines available.  It was unique, a pioneer if you will, into the world of computerized sewing.  From my point of view I've always considered my machine to be cutting edge - until I recently realized that duh it isn't anymore!  That was such a shock and you can read about my impressions on that here.

Third, and most importantly, I am looking for insight here.  It is not my intention to offend.  I'm used to my Bernina after 15 years of using it.  So if you are a Juki lover and I mention something that I am on the fence about or am flat out negative towards please feel free to educate me!  That is the whole purpose behind Sewing Machine Adultery.  I encourage anyone reading this post later to peruse the comments and see what people add to my thoughts.

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There she is...that beautiful bed, delicious space, simple simple simple display.  And...
NO COMPUTER SCREEN.
In the photo below you can see the stitch length dial (straight stitch only of course), the needle up down button, the thread cutter, the speed control with the cute turtle to rabbit choices, the slightly enormous reverse stitch lever, and below that the switch to drop the feed dogs.  Clearly these knobs are Basic, Huge, and I doubt too many people will need to fumble for their glasses to find them.
This is not a machine interested in hiding the ball!
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Photo Below: closeup of the presser foot area.  Definitely a hardcore all metal solid industrial set up going on here.  One person wrote that it reminded them of "Duplo Legos" and "bulky" - I suppose that is one way of seeing it.  To me it means that this puppy is as solid as they come for a home machine.
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You can see the screw that secures the presser foot on.  I read that having to screw this in and out can be an annoyance...but I switched feet at one point and the damn thing is so substantial for a screw that it isn't like other machines where you are in danger of losing it or fumbling around to place it back in its spot.  The size of the screw is helpful when changing feet.
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Lever to place the presser foot down is substantial and easy to find.
There is a manual thread cutter as well.Untitled
Feed dogs up/down switch.  Can't miss it!
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Here is some playing around that I did.  When this fabric is flipped over you cannot tell which side is top or back.
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With the extension table on, there is a little entryway to get inside and access the bobbin.  Very convenient to not have to take the whole table off!
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Bobbin.  Metal.  There it is.
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Here is me using the Juki to straight stitch the Chevron baby quilt.  It literally went so quickly I couldn't believe it!  Using the thread cutter, the knee lifter, and the speed was awesome.UntitledUntitled
PROS
  • Speed glorious speed!  I couldn't get over how fast fast fast this machine is...
  • 9" throat space
    • No, not 11" but still a lot of space.  Plus there is slightly more height on this throat than on many other larger throated machines.
  • Mechanical Straight Stitch machine
    • No fuss, no muss.  This machine can weather anything you throw at it.
    • My mother in law has since sewn tougher materials for her sailboat with ease
    • I've read that other Juki industrial machine owners sew leather and various other tough materials quite easily with this machine
    • Fact/Myth? I've read on other sites that quilting on a computerized machine will eventually ruin the machine because they just aren't built as sturdily as an industrial machine.  So, does that mean I'm just throwing away money if I buy a *fancy computerized machine* to quilt?  No matter the brand etc. are all of us quilters just better off going with a mechanical straight stitch?
  • Thread cutter
    • Noisier than some of the others I have tried on other machines, but it works!
    • Also, you have the option of using the presser foot to cut threads as well.
  • Needle up/down - essential feature
    • My mother in law is using this also as a way to slow start the machine instead of a Start/Stop button which this machine doesn't have
  • Nice extension table
    • Ultimately I think having a machine in a table is the best solution if you are going to do serious FMQ but if that isn't an option for you then this table is very wide and useful
  • Metal Bobbin - again the debate between metal/plastic continues.  I'm a metal girl...
  • Solid!
    • Just solid.  Really very sturdy.  Metal feeling not plastic.
  • Comes with a lot of feet
    • Decent amount of feet come standard with this machine.  Given that it is a straight stitch machine you don't need too much variety in the way of feet although you can find multitudes of options online through the right dealers.
  • Needle Threader.  Tip: use a size 14 or 16 needles.  More on that below under Customer Service.
  • Digital and hardcopy manual.
  • Maintenance for Dummies
    • Meaning the manual gives you the whole mechanical breakdown of the machine.  
    • To use a car analysis: This is like an Old Chevy ladies and gents, you can lift up the hood and take a gander without having to go and bring her into the dealer like you do with them new fandangled models...
    • For sewing machine owners this means you can find a local sewing machine maintenance person and not have to go to a Juki dealer for tuneups/cleaning.
  • Again - FAST FAST FAST.
  • Price!  
    • At somewhere around $999 this machine for its throat size, thread cutter, capability to be put on a frame, useful thread cutting foot pedal (Janome 8900 has that ability but not the 8200 for instance), it is a machine that is tough to beat in price.
    • Anyone know any other machine with these features that rivals that price?
  • Easy, easy, easy to use.  
    • Anyone who knows how to use a sewing machine can sit down at this machine and start sewing.  Absolutely a no brainer!  As I said previously, this machine is not interested in hiding the ball!
  • Excellent customer service.  More on that below!
UNDECIDEDS/CONS?
  • Straight stitch only.  Make sure you don't need the other fancy stitches, or at least have another machine on hand to do them.
  • Oil.  Yes this baby needs its oil and in a number of places. (Top off my head I think 6?)
  • No storage mechanism built in to store your feet.
    • My Bernina has a tray to keep my feet in and I immediately noticed that lacking in the Juki when I went to change feet.  I don't know why this struck me as annoying given I rarely have my feet in the damn tray anyway...they are usually strewn across a set of drawers I have next to my sewing machine for easy access anyway.  Nevertheless, if that is something you like keep it in mind.
  • No computer fancy schmancy buttons, bells & whistles
    • This sewing machine is not going to satisfy your itch if you are looking for a bells & whistles type of toy.  It is meant to work and is a total workhorse.  Industrial - manufacturing - this machine is meant to make and get the job done.  ;)
  • Changing Feet
    • Not to sound like a whining brat...but I just really like the way my Bernina's feet hook in and off.  I made this same comment about the Janome snap on feet so clearly this is a Me Thing.  ;)  That said, these feet weren't hard to switch out, I'm just spoiled.
  • Buyers will find that Juki dealers are far and few between and will the debate over whether buying online is the right choice will ensue.
    • Online buying has never been an issue for me - I'm all for it.  Plus, I have a Juki dealer relatively near me at 1.5 hrs away.  However, for those of you interested I would do some research online regarding who is a trustworthy dealer.  Also, read my anecdote below re: customer service...
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Customer Service Anecdote: With a previous career in retail customer service is very very very important to me.  In fact, this is one reason why certain brands have a leg up over others who sell essentially identical machines from identical manufacturing plants...CUSTOMER SERVICE!  (Can anyone say Babylock versus Brother?  Or so it is said anyway, I cannot profess to have any personal experience myself...)  What happened with this very machine?  Well my mother in law bought it from an online retailer who have been great, very helpful, very accessible via telephone and email, just wonderful wonderful couple who have been answering all her questions etc.  But, one of the issues I was having when I tried the machine was the needle threader.  It wouldn't work.  It was kind of annoying but something I was willing to overlook because, whatever, I don't use one on my machine anyway so I don't care.  However, this is a NEW machine so what the hell was wrong with the damn needle threader?  My mother in law contacted...I think the dealer, maybe Juki, I don't really recall but ultimately Juki contacted her [btw, this was in a matter of a day, so serious turnaround here] and gave her a name/number of a local technician to call for assistance.  She contacted him and learned that the size 11 needle she was using was the problem because the needle threader hooky thing (I know, real technical here) is about the size of a size 11 needle opening and so it wasn't always going through.  But, by changing to a size 14 or larger it would work fine!  She has and there has been no issue since.  Bam.  Done.  Customer Service?  CHECK THE BOX.

Prior to my mother in law's purchasing this machine she and I did extensive research.  If you'd like to read other reviews or hear other perspectives on this machine here are some of the bloggers we found who use the Juki TL2010-Q or a similar version:  Stitched in ColorDon't Call Me Betsy, That girl...that quilt, Pile O Fabric (this link is missing? But worth googling in case it comes back up), Candied Fabrics, Nancy Wick, Mommy's Nap Time, Better Off Thread, Plum and June, Kim's Big Quilting Adventure    

I pretty much have the same questions I had after reviewing the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900...

For me these questions remain, and in this order:

  1. Do I want a non-computerized machine?  I like bells & whistles.  Damn me.  I'm such a gadget brat.
  2. What do I NEED?  i.e. What kind of sewing am I really going to do? (I know that is Sewing Machine 101 when you look for a sewing machine but my needs keep changing.  I don't just quilt, I don't just make clothes, I don't just do home dec - I do a little of everything!  So what, I need an everything machine?)
  3. Am I going to be happy having to use 2 machines.  Clearly I will still use my Bernina at times to do non-straight stitch sewing...is that going to drive me nuts?  Would I be happier with an all-purpose machine?  
  4. Will I turn to this machine over my Bernina?  I came home after my visit to sew on my Bernina and just fell in love all over again.  I know, I have had her forever and know her so of course she feels comfy.  But, shouldn't you just have that feeling right off the bat?
This review is Juki TL2010-Q Part 1 because I am going to give the Juki TL2010-Q another go when my mother in law visits this summer.  I had my heart set on absolutely loving this machine and I am still on the fence about whether it is everything that I want.  Don't get me wrong, it is awesome...I just didn't have a heart skipping a beat moment.  (To be fair I spent the day before trying the Juki TL2010-Q in bed with a very exhausting stomach virus and fever so maybe I wasn't in the best frame of mind to fall in love with anything...even a sewing machine!  But I was so determined to try it before I returned home that I woke up the next morning with sewing on the brain.  Dedicated much?)  I hope to play around with some piecing and FMQ.  I'll definitely link that review back to this one so stay tuned.  

If there are questions about the Juki TL2010-Q you'd like answered in Part 2 please leave me a comment below and I'll do my best to answer them in the next Juki post!

To check out all the Sewing Machine Adultery reviews click here!

- rebecca lynne

36 comments:

Trudi said...

I choose my juki over my Bernina every day! And after nearly 6 years of constant use on a frame too, it's still going strong :)

Unknown said...

I have the same Juki and have been using it for 6 months now. I love it with all my heart and I am thrilled that I bought it. I also have a 10 year old Kenmore that I turn to when I need the occasional zig zag or other fancy stitch. You mentioned you wondered how you'd feel flipping back and forth between machines. I personally enjoy it. I love that my Juki is always ready to fly with my straight stitching and my Kenmore is just a few steps away. My plan is to purchase another new machine next year, something with all the computerized bells and whistles. No idea yet what I will get...I need to do my research (and thank you so much for ALL your input). But whatever I get....it will not ever replace my workhorse Juki. Added bonus...my mom and sister come occasionally for sewing sessions. And with extra machines at my house they don't have to drag their machines with them :).

PS - I found your blog through the big giveaway and I'm so glad I did :)

Ann @thequiltingcats said...

Amazon sent an email to me with a Juki on sale for about $850. I'm not sure which one exactly, but it seems like maybe this one. Anyways, I started looking at it closely ans thinking... maybe. Reality is I only straight stitch, although lately I have used a decorative stitching on my 1991 Singer for binding. I would like to be able to drop feed dogs and do some FMQing. I find myself asking, "Do I need 600 stitches, when my current machine has 14 and I've only ever used 2???"
Decisions... decisions... decisions

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

It's going to be a difficult decision to make - I love the sturdiness of the Juki but only you can decide how many of the bells and whistles on a computerised machine you'll actually use on a regular basis...

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

I invested in this machine and a Juki F600 in January after deciding I wanted two machines instead of the Janome Horizon which I started out thinking I'd buy.

If you have the room - having two machines set up is really a delight! I do all of my quilting on the 2010Q and most of my piecing on the F60O and just roll my chair between them.

I feel like I'm set for years of happy quilting.

Donna said...

I have a similar love for my 15-yr-old machine also. A different brand would have to make my heart thump big time to replace my tried and true brand, even with comparable features. I love learning about what's out there, though!

Shootaay said...

It's a myth that quilting on a computerized machine will ruin it. That said, there can be some nuances to it, depending on the make/model. For the Janome 8900 you tested earlier, it's important to modulate speed at the speed control dial, not by modulating speed with the pedal while FMQ, which can confuse the machine and lead to error messages. It likes all or nothing. That's why dealers have you use the start stop button for FMQ and sewing (I like the pedal-the start stop is too awkward for my style of sewing and quilting-straight line quilting maybe!). There is less to go wrong on a lockstitch machine like the Juki 2010Q, so that may improve reliability. The main problem with computerized machines (especially older ones like your Bernina and my bernina artista 170) is built in obsolescence and parts availability when they're phased out. Also, I don't think there is one machine to rule them all (at least for me), but the Juki would be a great addition if you mostly quilt and do straight stitching, and you have a working zig zag machine to supplement.

Rebecca Lynne said...

Shootaay - I cannot email you directly as you are a no-comment blogger but I wanted to thank you for your thoughts on this! I think your point, about machines being phased out, is a significant issue with computerized machines when you are considering the amount of investment. The thought of spending $4000 on a machine which will only grow more obsolete versus $1000 for a machine that is more likely to retain its value as a mechanical machine because a mechanical machine is mechanical so the advancements are limited. Also, the cost of repairing a computerized machine versus a mechanical machine is also a consideration when deciding on what to invest in a new machine. Lots to consider!

FCSINAZ said...

I too just got my Juki TL-2010Q a few weeks ago. I really lucked out on the purchase of one. I originally couldn't afford the price tag on the TL-2010Q so I went looking for a gently used older model. I found a Juki TL-2000Qi listed as a customer return from Ken's Sewing & Vac in Alabama. According to a sales clerk I talked to, the customer had returned it after just 5 hours of use because it was too fast! A few days later it arrived, and Imagine my surprise when I opened the box and found a brand new TL-2010Q with the words "upgraded to TL-2010Q" hand-written on the invoice. No other explanation, no additional charge. What a wonderful dealer! I am one surprised and extremely happy customer. Now to your question about free motion quilting on a fancier machine. For the past 5 years I've been using a Babylock Ellageo ESG3 which I just upgraded (see my comment on your Bernina post about my upgrade experience). I originally used the Ellageo for everything my serger couldn't do. Now i use it for my smaller quilt piecing, design and embroidery projects. I use the Juki for my larger piecing, quilting and home decor projects and anything else that is just straight stitching. The Juki is definitely my go-to machine for regular and free motion quilting. I have always wanted a semi-industrial straight stitch machine but it really should be considered an addition to your sewing room. You will still need your Bernina for all the stuff a SS machine cannot do. Based on the types of projects you've written about, I think you'd be happiest buying the Juki TL-2010Q. The Juki is so well built it should last long enough to pass down to your children and then on to their children. You can always upgrade to a newer computerized sewing machine later on; maybe even trying one that has an embroidery unit which is a wonderful way to design some incredible projects. I can tell you from personal experience, I'm really glad I got the Juki SS machine.

Emily said...

I love this review! Thanks for linking me there! I love my juki! I see that this post is a bit old so maybe you've already made your decision, but either way here are my answers to your questions. I think juki is the way to go!

Do I want a non-computerized machine? - yes. It's so simple, no problems, no issues, no learning curve. Just perfect stitches EVERY time!

What do I need? - The juki will do so much. I can say after a year and a half I have barely looked back - I rarely need a different machine - very rarely use anything but the super fast, super perfect straight stitch!

Am i going to be happy using two machines? - yes. Set them up on opposite sides of the table and you'll love switching back and forth on a project (I occasionally use my old machine set with a regular foot - and my juki with a FMQ foot - so I can switch back and forth on a project without switching feet / without loosing time.

Will I turn to this over the bernina? Based on what you said here - probably. I heard you mention liking the SPEED a couple times there. The speed alone won me over to the Juki. I can't imagine wanting another machine (except perhaps the one you tested, since mine doesn't have the extra tensioner/speed control). I love my juki. :)

Klue said...

You might have purchased your new machine already but you might want to check out the Juki F600. I think you might find it to be a nice meeting of the middle between the Janome Horizon and the Juki 2010. I have the Juki 98Q (stretched to an 18 inch throat for frame quilting) and i juse the Juki F600 for piecing and quilting walling hangings and other smaller items. It has all the things the Janome Horizon has except the throat is 8.5 inches instead of 11 - but it only costs about $800.

5lilacs said...

I just got my Juki TL2010 from a local dealer and I was able to thread it and start sewing immediately. However, the manual is very sparse. I am not sure when to use some of the feet and what adjustments to tension, etc, are needed when I do use the feet.

Rebecca Lynne said...

5lilacs - I would love to help you but you haven't left an email for me to reply to! Please email me so that we can chat... emailrebeccalynne@gmail.com

artsycraftsyivy said...

The thing about the ss-only machines is that because they only do one stitch, they do it beautifully--and that is why I want one. As for a similar machine that is a lot cheaper, you can get the Brother PQ1500S at Allbrands.com for $599--and people absolutely rave about it. Similar is the Baby Lock Quilter's Pro/now Jane. Amazon sells the Brother version and the reviews are wonderful. And I belong to the Brother PQ1300/1500 BLQP Yahoo! group and people are bonkers over their Brother. Plus there's a really great blogger review over at Bad Ass Quilters Society if you're interested.

Rainbows in Wool said...

I researched this machine and the Brother equivalent that is less expensive. I took a sandwich to test on the Juki as well as the quilt I was going to be quilting. I worked on it for about 3 minutes and was sold, then I thought do I want to go test the Brother out. I decided I was so happy with the Juki if I could have the one I was road testing, that would do it for me. I've been home about 5 hours and have a full size quilt about half quilted. I've never spent that much for a machine and I can't remember when I've been this happy with a purchase. It was a stretch for my pocket book, I just won't be doing latte and lunch out for a while.

Martha said...

I'm in the UK and have a Juki TL98P and the Juki Exceed 600. I think that we need 2 machines because different jobs require different tools. I machine quilt on a frame and I need the extra height that the Juki TL98P gives. I also need the simplicity, strength and speed.I like to have a designated quilting machine that I can leave on the frame. I've loved the Juki Exceed 600 right from the first seam that I pieced. It was perfectly straight with no puckering due to their industrial style box feed system.It meant that I could go back to the strip pied project that I'd given up as a bad job and finish it beautifully.These machines are built to last and they're value for money. You could buy them both and still spend less than if you'd bought the computerized machine!

hydeeannsews said...

I'm yet another juki fanatic. I've had the tq2010 since june. I'm totally in love. at first I didn't use the thread cutter button or knee bar at all, but totally rely on them now. I've reviewed the machine twice on my blog: once straight out of the box and again last month. I am nothing but HAPPY with this machine! I wasn't coming off a machine I was in love with, so the transition was totally bliss for me. must be hard to get your heart racing after your passion for berni all these years. =) I did get out my old machine to zigzag something a few weeks ago. wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to switch back and forth. now I'm just leaving the other machine out, too, even though I don't anticipate using it very often at all. it's there if I need it or if someone else does.

tom said...

I got my Juki 2010 TL, this past November and I love it. I love the speed, the consistency, the durability. It seems to go and go. It does not break thread unnecessarily, it can run with the bottom thread not visible. I use my old machine for the zig zag. Overall, I would't trade it for any other machine at this point.

cdpquilter said...

Can anyone comment on the type of needle that can be used on the Juki TL2010? I just purchased a Juki and was told emphatically by the sales person to only use a certain brand of serger needle. It's also posted on the machine. I prefer a Schmetz Denim for quilting and now it seems I can't use it. Advice?

Martha said...

Hi cdpquilter - this is about the needle. I've been using a 100/16 Schmetz TOPSTITCH needle for the past 10 years for FMQ on a frame. Superior Threads do a titanium coated version of the Topstitch needle that stays sharp much,much longer. These are the needles that I use on the JukiTL98P which we have in England but I've used it on the Juki TL2010 while demonstrating the machine at the Houston Quilt Festival a few years ago.The eye of the Topstitch needle is nearly twice as big as any other needle, so it wont fray or break the threads while you're free-motion quilting.The Topstitch needle has a deep groove to protect the machine quilting threads too. The point of the needle is just the tiniest bit rounded so it slips through the fibres of the fabric without cutting them. Using the right needle makes a huge difference.

cdpquilter said...

Hi Martha -thanks for posting an answer to my question. I am definitely going to try the Schmetz Topstitch needle through Superior Threads. Using the right needle IS important. I appreciate your advice and will let you know how it works out.

Colleen said...

I'm answering another of your questions about a comparable machine for less.

I have a Brother PQ1500, which is the EXACT machine as this Juki. I bought it 5 years ago for around $600 and I see that that price has stayed about the same.

I LOVE my Brother machine!! It stitches a perfect, beautiful SS. I only quilt so a machine with lots of fancy stitches is a waste of money for me. I use this machine over my Janome 6600.

When I was growing up there were no computerized machines...only mechanical (OK...I've telling my age (67)...haha) so I was use to not having all the bells and whistles. I actually prefer a simple SS machine than these computerized ones.

Good review.

SueAnn W said...

Oh how I enjoyed your review on this machine.....I just finally took the leap after "thinking" it over for a year The Mid Atlantic quilt show was just a few weeks ago and I bought the machine I've wanted for at least a year. It's wonderful. I have 2 other machines to use for all the bells and whistles. In fact I have an embroidery machine that has less then 100 hours sewing time on it. I discovered I liked quilting more then embroidering shortly after buying the Babylock. I don't want to let go of either of my other machines so I'm very happy moving from one machine to another depending on my sewing mood.

Norine @ Five Baht Elephant said...

I have had my Juki 2010q for almost a year, and I love it. I do have a Janome that has 30+ stitches, and I use that when I'm constructing garmets. I also have a Juki serger that's pretty awesome too.

The 2010q is my quilting workhorse. I use it for piecing and FMQ. I do notice that certain thread/needle combinations can cause me quilting headaches and I've yet to crack the code on that. Thanks for posting the tip about the size 14 needles though. I'm going to try that!

:)

Anonymous said...

Norine, my 2010Q just came today, and I haven't used it yet, but tomorrow seems possible! Glad to join the group.

As for the thread needle combinations, and tension issues, the best help I've gotten is from Bob at Superior Threads. If you go to http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/docs/company-booklet-oct-2012.pdf You will find all the many kinds of Superior Threads. Keep going to the end of the book and you'll find charts, diagrams and everything you need to match fabric, thread, needles and tensions! What a resource, and it's free for the looking!

Norine @ Five Baht Elephant said...

Linda - Thank you so much for the link. I will definitely check it out!

norine

Sharon said...

Wow. I'm so glad I found you and your sewing machine reviews. I've got it in my head that I want a machine with a larger throat area for freemotion quilting. I am finding your reviews a good place to start. And the comments are also very helpful!

Teresa said...

I have the Brother PQ1500S and LOVE IT! I got it from All Brands. They have AWESOME customer service. When I had a question, the owner, who is also the technician, personally called me and walked me through a simple repair. My husband took a wood table we got at a thrift store for $10 and cut a hole in it. He then placed a shelf (adjustable with bolts) under the hole for my machine to sit on. It's the perfect set-up for quilting! That being said, the Brother PQ1500 IS a computerized machine. I know because we had a power surge and the mother-board got fried. It was a $200 part. Be sure to plug your machine into a surge protector and you should be fine. I love how sturdy the machine is. I've learned so much about tension by using this machine (you have to adjust bobbin and top tension to get the perfect tension depending on what thread, fabric, and batting you're using). Adjusting tension on all other machines (including my serger) is super easy now. I like to use this machine whenever I want to get something done fast, too. I made a bunch of pioneer skirts, and doing the hems was quick and easy. Chain piecing goes super fast, too! It's hard for me to take another light-weight machine to classes and retreats, because I know how much faster I could get it done at home on my Brother PQ1500.

NAABR said...

I would buy the Juki 2010 in a heart beat if it could zigzag. My only reservation being I do a lot of thread painting and for that you really need zig zag capability. For me the perfect machine would be the juki 2010 stretched to 11 inches with a zig zag that is 7mm wide.
Anyone know of something like that in a mechanical?

Mary W Quilts said...

Hi, I am a delighted Bernina 440QE owner and recently bought the Juki 2010Q. I love it! I've used it to make a quilt this week. I've only done a little free motion but a ton of piecing. Love it. The automatic thread cutter and not having to pull the thread away is great. IT is FAST! And much quieter than the Bernina. But it is very heavy. I will bring the Juki to classes and quilt camps and leave the Bernina at home to protect it from wear and tear. This means I have to get to the gym........

mrsmole said...

I bought this machine 2 months ago after using a Janome 11000 and Elna 720 both with drop-in bobbins. I was tired of hearing the bobbins chatter and do back spins and replace the bobbin cases every 2 years. Having always wanted an upright bobbin for the beauty of the stitches...this is the one!!!!
I alter wedding dresses 7 days a week and this machine just runs through anything and the bobbin never seems to run out...who enjoys filling bobbins anyway? It is quiet and will sew through anything and I love the foot pedal feature to clip the threads...when did they finally let a woman design the foot pedal...hooray!

Wendy said...

I really want this machine, but it is not available in the uk, I may have to visit the US and take one home as excess baggage

Martha said...

Hi Wendy, I'm here in the UK too. We have the Juki TL98P over here which is essentially the same machine as the 2010 on offer in America. The only real difference is the light. I've used both machines. The UK Juki distributor is Laurence Franklin, he's in Colchester tel: 01206 574758 Ring for a chat and he'll tell you the nearest Juki dealer to you. If you live near Lincolnshire you can come and test drive my TL98P :)

BakingReview.com said...

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Unknown said...

I am the sewing machine mechanic & once in a while sewer here, mostly supporting the wife's quilting habit. She has worn out two brothers. Now uses an old Elna embroidery machine once in a while, a Bernina Record 830 for most things and a Classic Singer Rocketeer is used for heavy tasks. All came from eBay and all were fantastic deals. Shopping for a long arm some day, thus your review.

All I want to say is that as a metal guy (and wild old turkey), I find your style to be refreshing and to the point. Thanks for being you!
Bob