So I got a new friend in the mail....
Yep, in the mail!
I have been wanting a machine with a bigger quilting area/throat so I can quilt bigger quilts a little easier.
I love my Bernina (Activa 230 PE) but the throat space is pretty small.
So on Tuesday, the Juki came in the mail. I ordered it here since we only have one local sewing machine shop and they are pretty pricey.
I paid less for it than what I paid for my Bernina.
OK so where do I start?
Boy is it heavy! But not in a bad way....in a "it's going to to be around for a while and sew through anything" kind of way.
I didn't realize when I bought it what a powerhouse this machine was. I just knew that it was reliable, had a large quilting area, had good reviews and Penny had one and loved it - ha ha! Yes, I take my research very seriously!
(oh and Penny's post here has great tips in the comments too!!)
It is so fast! And powerful! Wow!!
I'm amazed at the speed and how it just sews through zippers and layers with no problem. And with a regular foot too.
It came with a walking foot and I tried to quilt with it and had some puckering issues. Safieh told me to fiddle with the thread tension so I need to fool around with quilt sandwiches and thread tension and presser foot tension too.
I did some paper piecing too and that worked just fine. I need to get a zipper foot (Elizabeth already pointed me to the right one) and maybe a 1/4" foot if there is one? and I think I'm set.
I'm keeping my Bernina as the Juki is only straight-stitch and doesn't have a free arm so I can't topstitch small bags or ipad covers on it but other than that, I think I will be using it for almost everything.
Oh and my favorite part - automatic thread cutter!! Boy, I didn't know what I was missing!!!
The bobbin winder is super easy and winds really straight.
I actually really like the way the bobbin goes in on the side of the machine - it's really easy and when you pull the little handle/bobbin thingy (like my technical terms) to slide the bobbin in, it stays put! It's locked in - imagine that! No bobbin sliding out as you are trying to put it in!
There are two thread holders on the top of the machine - I have black and white thread up there right now.
It comes with a pretty big table attachment but my hubby is going to cut a bigger hole on my table so I can have the Juki sitting flush with my quilting table which will be so nice when I'm sewing quilts.
Did I cover everything? Anyone have any questions/tips for me about it?
