Nice, but not nice enough...
Written: Jan 16 '08 (Updated Jan 16 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lots of great features without useless overload.
Cons: Presser foot was always too tight and was not adjustable.
The Bottom Line: I'm told my problems with this machine are not normal. If so, then this machine is great for both beginners and advanced users. I've not time to find out.
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| mothra3's Full Review: Janome 3022 Computerized Sewing Machine |
Never having used a computerized machine before, I don't think I would have picked one myself. My current machine is a Morse 4100 from the sixties that is so heavy I don't trust myself to carry it up and down the stairs. But DH was kind enough to get me a new machine for Christmas, and this is what the salesman sold him. So I was expecting this to be fancy but wimpy. Not so. Now I'm hooked. It is so nice to be able to sit down and just SEW, for goodness sake. No fussing around, tearing out stitches, re-sewing skipped stitches...you name it.
Plus, never having had the privilege of using a machine that comes WITH INSTRUCTIONS, it has been a treat to finally learn how to do a blind hem and sew on buttons, etc. I know a lot of people have complained about Janome instruction manuals leaving a lot to be desired, but I'm tellin' ya, having any instructions at all is great!
Now, lest you all think that I am just easy to please, (and those of you who know me already know...) I am also about as picky as they come. But in the past three weeks, I've sewn a silk slip, a heavy cotton corset, a pinwale corduroy dress and am currently working on a muslin. It has handled them all without even breaking into a sweat, with the one exception listed in the section below. (OK, it threatened to sweat a little when sewing through 8 layers of heavy cotton twill...) I especially like being able to limit the speed on the important parts so that it doesn't run away with me.
The main features of this machine:
30 built-in stitches
60 stitch functions
Computerized stitch selection with LED display
Automatic tension
Up-down needle stop
Electronic foot controller
Speed control setting
Auto lock key
7 section feed mechanism
Built-in needle threader
Auto 1-Step Buttonhole
6 Buttonhole styles
See-through bobbin cover plate
Top loading bobbin
Jam-proof magnetic rotary hook
15 needle positions
Seam allowance markings On both sides of needle
Auto-declutch bobbin winder
Horizontal spool pin
Lay-in threading
Self-threading take-up lever
Free Arm
Extra-high presser foot lift
Snap-on presser feet
Drop feed
Up to 820 stitches per minute
Digital Width adjustment
Digital Length adjustment
One-hand thread cutter
Extra presser feet
Automatic pressure adjustment
Warranty 25 year warranty; 2 years electrical; 1 year labor
OK, now that you are all snoring loudly, let's get to the nitty gritty, also called...
What I dislike about the machine:
First and foremost, the machine is idiot-proof, which is good if you're an idiot. I like to be able to tinker around with things, so I am put off by that. Don't get me wrong, I love auto tension, and the simple fact of not having to worry about anything. Unfortunately, it ends up giving me fits.
For example, the presser foot automatically adjusts to the thickness of your fabric. I've heard that it usually works well on other machines, but not this one. My presser foot unrelentingly shifted everything I sewed--sometimes so much that I ended up with more than an inch leftover in a long seam. I took it to the repairman at my local Hancock Fabrics (where DH got the machine) and he said the only thing that could be done about it was to use a walking foot.
If you think this lady is going to spend $300 on a brand new sewing machine and have it only work properly with a $30 walking foot--you are dead wrong. I have been putting up with mickey mouse machines all my life. I can tell you horror stories of sewing velvet on a machine that would do nothing but chew up everything it touched. If I'm going to finally have a new machine, it is going to be a dream or else.
So this hunk-a-junk is going back. In its place is now sitting a Janome Heart Truth. And if it doesn't work better, I will keep looking.
For all I know, and from what I am told, it very well may be not this model, but this particular machine that is defective. But I don't have the time to go through 2, 3, 4 different machines to find out for sure.
Either way, I can't get rid of my old clunker, because these darn newfangled computerized doodads are so high-tech that I'm afraid to teach my daughters how to sew on them. How will they ever know how to work a real machine if they ever encounter one???
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mothra3
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: oblivion, awaiting a heroic rescue
Reviews written: 48
Trusted by: 27 members
About Me:
Loss of mind now complete. I am, however, feeling much better...
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