My new machine story

I did it - I took the quilting plunge, and spent almost $1300 on a Juki F600 today. I pick it up tomorrow.

Back in January, when I decided I wanted to start quilting, I bought a Brother XL3750 on Craigslist for $75. It retails at Walmart for $150, so I thought I was getting a great deal, and it was advertised as a quilting machine. It has an extension table, and a little plastic plate to cover the feed dogs for FMQ. But the throat space is only 5". Way not enough space - I was having trouble with a table runner, using a walking foot for SITD. So, I decided to look around.

Since I get my MBA this week, I figured a great present to myself would be a new machine. I started looking a few weeks ago, and was considering different options. I looked at a Pfaff yesterday, but wasn't too thrilled with it being a floor model, or that it didn't come with an extension table, the saleslady didn't really know the machine, and I would have to pay for new user classes. So today, Mom (tobeysmama) and I went to a store in Saratoga. I totally forgot that there were two stores - we were headed to a different one that my cousin told me to shop at, to look at Janome's but pulled into this store instead, and I saw the Juki sign in the window. I was like "divine intervention!"

We went inside, and started playing on a F400, since the F600 was out of the box, but not set up on a quilting table. I loved how quiet the machine was, and all the different functions. For the same price as the floor model Pfaff, I got a machine with FMQ, dropping feed dogs, great lighting, over 600 stitches, thread cutters, and all the accessories that I could want to start with. Plus, the first user class is included, and I can stop in anytime with my machine and questions. The first service is also included, and it has the 5 year warranty, too. So, I could have bought online for $1050. I paid $150, plus tax, more, but I think the difference is worth it - I am getting service I wouldn't have otherwise. The shop couldn't find the extension table to the new F600 that they just unpacked, or the box, so I go tomorrow to pick it up.

Story isn't over yet - Mom and I went to lunch at TGI Fridays after (side note - strawberry balsamic salad with grilled chicken and goat cheese - YUMMY!) We started discussing what needed to be changed in my room, which is also the sewing room. And I said that I wanted to clean it all today, reorganize, get out the dog hair, etc. Well, that turned into going to Lowes and buying new paint! So now the room is being emptied, the living room is in disarray, and I'm getting ready to paint the room a soft blue/green called Alpine Valley, with Turquoise Mist for accent furniture. Here are some pictures of the before, and the colors I chose.

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Wonderful way to celebrate your graduation! Enjoy your new machine!

Amy, those colors will be so soothing! Really like the idea of a re-do of your room. Sometimes, a change is a good as a vacation.
Enjoy that new machine!!!

Congrats on your MBA and your new sewing machine!!

Way to go Amy. Congratulations on graduation and on the new gift. Will you be quilting for other people?

Amy, congratulations on your graduation and your new present to yourself. You deserve it. The machine looks awesome and I think you made a wise choice to buy from a local dealer who can give you assistance and classes. Great start to your new life!

Congrats, getting the MBA sure deserves a little gift. Enjoy the sewing machine and the new career!

(((Amy))), Congrats on your MBA and on your new machine!! :)

I think buying from the dealer is a great idea, especially for such a small difference with such great benefits.

Your room is going to look great in those colors. Give you a lift. ;)

Huggers, Ruby

I am very happy for you. You deserve it, you have worked very hard to achieve that MBA. Please keep us posted on how your new Juki is treating you.

Thanks everyone! Monique - I'm in the making for home and gifts stage right now, but hope to move into a business.

I'm not sure if I'm more excited about the new machine or new room - its been red for 9 years, and I've never really liked it. And there will be pictures of the new room too - since it is a sewing room first, my room second. :D

I am just thrilled for you!!! You so deserve it!!!

Congrats x 3! Graduation, New Machine and New Room! You go girl.

First, Egads! That red paint ... I don't think I could have slept in that room.

Congrats on the MBA and the new machine purchase. Very smart getting it from a dealer instead of online, that personal touch and help is important.

Congrats on the new machine! The paint colors you picked are going to be great!

Congratulations on everything...the new color will be wonderful...great choice and isn't it exciting getting a new machine...glad you paid the extra and got a machine at a dealer...I love my dealer and he gets me good deals all the time!