***Update. First of all it's $500 cheaper than what I paid fall of 2022, annoying. After using it a few months. I like it, but am disappointed in a few areas. I was making a handle for a bag. So after folded all together it is 4 layers of quilting cotton. I wanted to be able to use one of the cool decorative stitches on the top stitching of both sides of the handle. Wouldn't do it, too thick. WHAT? I also have run into problems with going over nested patchwork seams where it stutters. I even tried a Microtex needle. I do have a Juki TL-98Q that will sew through anything with a straight stitch but I was hoping this machine would give me more variety for stitches. Here's the bag I was trying to decoratively stitch. Pattern by Caroline Fairbank-Critchfield, SewCanShe.comI am a very experienced sewer, Viking, Pfaff and a Juki straight stitch. I was excited when I saw this machine because literally it will replace all 3 of my machines. Watched a video AND read the book before unpacking (not something I usually do!). I've used it for 2 weeks, piecing and channel quilting a table runner. Tried different threads and it is smooth, quiet and a beautiful stitch. Tried some of the decorative stitches too. However, the first thing that happened when I was trying to use the stitch guide, poking into the hole pushed the little plastic piece out. Impossible to get back in. Someone on FB told me to heat it up in hot water, that worked. Then sewing along and the feed dogs dropped and they wouldn't come back up. Turned it off and on and tried the "up and down" feed dog setting, nope. Took the throat plate off (not all that easy to get back on) and pulled them up, have no idea why they dropped. Now, the needle threader just sort of fell apart. I have been using a Juki needle threader for years and this plastic-y piece does not fit with the rest of the machine, would rather have the old one. Have to admit with my ageing eyes, needle threading is almost a must. What can I say, other than I am a little disappointed to have had so many problems this early. They just lowered the price $30 since I bought mine. $3K is a lot of money, but still cheaper than Berninas. I'll update this if the problems continue. BTW my Juki TL-98Q has never had one problem and is a workhorse. I was just hoping to be able to have just one machine and the extra 3 inches of throat space is very nice.
