Janome HD1000 Sewing Machine with Premier Package

This machine was actually a gift from my sister for my birthday last year. The one she ordered was actually the ThreadBanger logo version of this same machine(and it was actually cheaper, too, since it was on sale). I have no idea how I lived without this sewing machine. I have yet to find a material it can not sew through. I mainly use this machine to sew small clothes for my ball joint doll but I have also used it to make myself hair bows, alter some tops, and hem jeans. At first I was completely angry with this machine since it kept getting jammed but that was my fault. This sewing machine is my first machine and I had no idea that cheaper threads can jam up the machine or snap easily but once I bought a better thread, boy did I fall in love with this machine. I wish the bobbin compartment was a top loading one but alas, beggars can't be choosers. :)

easy to set up & use, sews like a dream. nice replacement for my 30+ yr old kenmore machine

Love this machine. I have used it for all materials; including denim and corduroy. It is a wonderful machine. I think it is going to last a long time.

Great unit

I'm not a seamstress, and I'm a dude... had some gear that needed to be repaired and my wife's 20 year old machine would not stay tuned up. I set this up and banged through nylon and cordura without a hick-up.

This recent purchase of the Janome HD 1000 is my third sewing machine during my lifetime. I bought a Kenmore when I graduated from High School and used it to make many, many articles of clothing ranging from dresses to suits to baby clothes until I quite literally wore it out. Then I replaced it with another Kenmore about the time my daughters were starting to learn to sew in 4-H and the three of us literally wore it out. We made clothes, quilts, repaired jeans, etc. until they grew up and I gradually stopped sewing so much. Recently I pulled out the old trustworthy Kenmore to find that I could no longer get it to do a zigzag stitch and my hubby confirmed that I had worn the mechanism so much that I might as well get a new machine. :) As I searched for a replacement I decided to try a Janome as I had discovered that they supply the machines for Kenmore. I also have a two year old Janome serger and just love it. I decided to get a machine that would do all I require without going overboard on too many bells and whistles and so wound up with the choice of this model. I have had this machine for about a week now and have tried it for a few projects to get the hang of it. I just found that I am going to be a first time grandma and must get working on all those little clothes and quilts! So how does it stack up? Well, here is what I think..... The machine came with an instruction book, two screw drivers,a seam riper, a small container of oil, extra needles, four bobbins, a package of needles, and four presser feet.The presser feet include an all purpose foot for straight and zigzag stitching, buttonhole foot, zipper foot and rolled hemming foot. The zipper foot is better than the old one I had and the rolled hemming foot is a nice option although I usually do that with my serger. The machine has a side bobbin insertion with a metal bobbin housing which is like my first Kenmore and I prefer that to the drop-in bobbin of my last machine. It makes for better adjustment of stitch tension in my opinion and just works better. It also includes a needle threader which I just love now that I am wearing bifocals. I know I will use that feature a lot! There are fourteen built-in stitch variations which are more than enough, especially if you do most of your stretch sewing with a serger like I do. The buttonhole stitch is built in but the buttonhole foot is not that great in my opinion. Fortunately, I discovered that my old presser feet from my Kenmore fit like a dream so I can make buttonholes just like I have done in times past and am happy. I might not have been so happy if that were not the case. I have tried out the machine on a pair of denim Capri's that I needed to mend and while it growled at me a little, the stitches were perfect so I can put up with that. The instruction book is not nearly as detailed as my former ones, but for an experienced seamstress, this is no problem. Bottom line, this is a good all-around machine for normal sewing tasks and will serve most people well although a novice might be a little confused by the lack of instructions. Also, don't expect a great number of accessories, just the basics. I knew all of that going into this purchase so I am happy and maybe this will be the last machine I will ever have to buy.

I've been very happy with this sewing machine. It's a great basic workhorse. I'm doing patchwork with it. I appreciate the wider, flatter throat. It's sturdy and doesn't shake as I sew, which my earlier smaller machine did. It doesn't do fancy bells and whistles, but I like that because I don't have to worry about fancy bells and whistles breaking down.

Great machine. Not too many frills but that was what I wanted.

This is a great sewing machine for quilting and taking to classes. It is a little on the heavy side, but I didn't want a "plastic" machine. It is easy to use. I would recommend this particular machine for anyone who enjoys sewing/quilting.