Thank you so much to everyone that posted on the sewing machine thread. Everyone touched on things I had thought of, as well as things I didn’t. If you just want to know who won the $25 voucher, skip to the bottom of the post – otherwise, just keep reading and we’ll get to the winner that way too.
The large harp space and needle down function is something I have on my sewing machine wishlist too. I never even thought of Juki machines. Made a note of that!
Good to know that the feet can be interchanged between Janomes. A separate bobbin winder is something I didn’t think of – in fact, didn’t even know existed! A fact that ended up on my wishlist. The Janome Yahoo group is something that makes another case for having a closer look at Janomes.
Needle down is something else on my wishlist. Thanks for mentioning the blanket stitch. I’m so used to doing that by hand, that I didn’t even think of that! Now I want blanket stitch! Like you, I also prefer a machine that is simple to operate and use, but it seems that nowadays all machines need a Degree to operate.
Never thought of Kenmore! Good to know about the front-load bobbin as opposed to the drop-in bobbin. I’ve never done FMQ on my Singer, because it was just too much of a hassle to get decent tension. The dreaded thread bunnies… – something to pay close attention to when shopping for a new machine. The Singer never had any problem with that, so didn’t think of checking for that.
Never thought of Babylock either! I’ve secretly been wanting a machine that will (or rather have the capability to) do some embroidery. Nothing fancy, but at least some.
I have heard that Janomes keep going and going! Good to hear that confirmed from a former dealer. The Gammill is tempting – but I have no space for one. Even though I have the place to myself, I’m trying to keep the whole house from turning into a craft space. Again, another 6500 owner praising the interchangeable feet.
Thank you, ladies – for your advice, and for taking the time to help. Now for the winner! Our friend Mr Random says the lucky gal is:
Congratulations, Cyn! I will be emailing you shortly.
Till next time,
Miss Thimble
My trusty sidekick, Blue. (Aka McCad, Mayor of Catsville, The Boss Man, and STOP THAT!)
The Thimble Room 
Are you still doing the mystery quilt? I tried to find your post about it but couldn’t. But, after reading your post I decided to take the plunge. Thanks so much for mentioning the mystery. I’ve never done one and am really enjoying the ride.
I would love to be able to take credit for mentioning the mystery quilt and getting you started on one… – but I didn’t mention it, nor am I doing one. Now YOU got ME interested in doing one next year… 🙂
The only mystery in this house is where Thimble Cat disappears to when he’s not on his chair! lol
OMWord! I am sew surprised to win! Thank you so much, Miss Thimble. Good luck with your sewing machine purchase… I hope you find just the one you want/need at a price that is decent.