Janome DC3050 Sewing Machine Review

44 Comments

1. Meme says:

   July 29, 2010 at 8:58 am

   Hello
   I have read from a person knowledgable in sewing machines.
   That while they are compariable in function the DC3050 has a much better or shall we say more heavy duty motor and tension than the DC2010
   That is probably the reason for the price difference.

   Reply
   • Erin says:

     July 29, 2010 at 1:51 pm

     Meme – that would explain things. I haven’t read that but there’s a store in my area where I can check them both out and I’ll add that to my to do list. That would certainly make a difference depending on the type of sewing you do. Thanks for the heads up!

     Erin

     Reply
2. Sean says:

   February 23, 2011 at 2:32 pm

   The DC3050 managed its way onto my list somehow, Janome had this to say:

   “As per our service manager, the motor and the tension system are the same on both the DC3050 and the DC2010.”

   I had previously found the same sentiment Meme mentioned and also noticed the DC3050 has a 5-part needle/fabric chart as opposed to almost all of their other machines’ 3-part chart, and the DC3050 includes suede, leather, duck, sailcloth, etc. while the others do not, so Janome’s reply really doesn’t explain anything at all. Just thought I’d let you know what they had to say about it.

   Reply
   • Erin says:

     February 23, 2011 at 10:25 pm

     Sean – You really are the ultimate researcher! I’m going to hunt down a decoder ring for the 3 part vs. 5 part needle/fabric chart. If the motor and tension are the same but the fabrics listed are different it’s one of two things, I would think – either they expanded the chart at some point in time and only manuals from then forward show this change OR there is something else different between the two. Of course, some would tell us we need to find a hobby… LOL!

     Reply
   • Erin says:

     February 23, 2011 at 10:25 pm

     Sean – You really are the ultimate researcher! I’m going to hunt down a decoder ring for the 3 part vs. 5 part needle/fabric chart. If the motor and tension are the same but the fabrics listed are different it’s one of two things, I would think – either they expanded the chart at some point in time and only manuals from then forward show this change OR there is something else different between the two. Of course, some would tell us we need to find a hobby… LOL!

     Reply
3. Sean says:

   February 24, 2011 at 4:57 pm

   Hi, Erin!

   The only other machine I found that has the same 5-part fabric chart is the Sewist 500, oddly enough (and you know me, I looked through *many*!) Neither of the Threadbangers or even the new HD models have the 5-part with no leather, suede, etc. mentioned in them.

   Now, some exciting news! I found a GLORIOUS Janome dealer!!!!! I had SO MUCH FUN!!!! Unfortunately, it didn’t really help in my decision ahahahaha. But, I was able to try this machine, so I can say a little more about it.

   First of all, it’s much prettier in person. I’m not a *huge* fan of the purple, but I favor it over pink. It’s a really robust machine with a really nice size throat (I think that’s the word?) for quilting and larger items. Not a lengthened arm for quilting or anything, but a very nice size. (I compared it to the others I was considering at this particular dealer, and it was the largest right-of-needle area of them all.)

   Threading it was an absolute breeze. I had a little trouble with the snap-on presser feet at first, but basically, I wasn’t doing it quite right, after the salesman showed me once, it was clear as day and boy, is that a nice feature!!!! Not having to mess with the bobbin thread was also a dream, of course, especially compared to my 1960 Singer.

   I tested out several stitch patterns and adjustments, straight, zig zag, a few satin, and a few decorative. He wound up pulling out a piece of interfacing for me for the decorative and satin stitches because their sample fabric was that very thin batiste, so the first attempt, he could tell there was something not quite right, although it still looked lovely to my inexperienced eye. All of the stitches were just beautiful and perfect, and I tested out the auto-lock feature with the decorative stitches too. It made a real nice, dense satin stitch, and the satin stitch heart pattern was super cute and perfectly even. I had a hard time adjusting to the presser foot lift being in the inside center of the…. thing that comes down with the presser foot attached LOL (you’d think I’d know that word by now! neck?) My Singer has it way in the back, you have to reach around with your left hand to lift and lower, so that was odd for me, but nothing against the machine at all. Also, using the attached thread cutter proved to be quite more challenging for me than they show in the demonstration videos LOL. I’m sure that would just take a few pieces of sewing to get adjusted to, but I could tell it was nice and sharp.

   Now, for the piercing/motor power we discussed, I have sort of a funny story (I’m terribly embarrassed by it, but I’m sure others will find humor in it LOL) I was at the store for about 1-1/2 hours, so the couple of times my guy was needed elsewhere, I assured him I wasn’t in a hurry and to please do what he needed to do, I was having a great time. One of the few times he left me unattended for a moment, I decided to test out the buttonhole function for the heck of it, and I’ve watched the videos a hundred times, so who needs a salesman! So I opened up the attached storage area, whipped out the buttonhole foot, adjusted the top like it had a button in it, attached it, put my test fabric under and rammed my foot on the pedal and away it went (I felt like a superstar for remembering to pull down the buttonhole lever in the back like the videos showed, by the way LOL.) Well, a few dozen stitches into it, I realized something looked REALLY off… Couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I stopped the machine, removed the buttonhole foot, and tried to lift the fabric away to see what the problem was, but, to my surprise and dismay, the fabric wasn’t moving. I was totally puzzled by this, I was inspecting it thoroughly to try to determine what happened, and while this was going on, the two owners checked in on me to make sure I didn’t need help, at which point, I’d hide the sample like they caught me in the candy dish and tell them I was happy to wait for my salesman. Can you guess what I did? If you guessed that I sewed RIGHT THROUGH the heavy hard plastic buttonhole foot and into the fabric (over and over again, mind you,) you guessed correctly. Needless to say, I was able to perform what I later joked to the salesman as the “ultimate piercing power test” without even a hiccup from the machine. No stress noises from the motor, the needle, the buttonhole foot, nothing! I could have been stitching through a piece of paper for all it cared. And speaking of which, I know everyone says this, but QUIET! WOW! They really have a lovely hum.

   When my salesman arrived back, I admitted what I had done and was naturally mortified. I offered to buy an automatic buttonhole foot, but the salesman got a chuckle out of it and was very gracious and refused.

   Unfortunately, I was not able to perform the “ultimate piercing power test” on the DC2010 or DC2011 to compare (they didn’t have either available today,) but I think it’s safe to say this one has a pretty powerful motor and ample piercing power.

   Overall, I love this machine. It’s lacking the adjustable presser foot pressure, but outside of that, I *might* be sold. Oh, and a side note, the owner was walking by to help someone with a serger while the salesman was demonstrating the DC3050 for me and she made a point to stop and tell me what an amazing machine that one was and how it would last me 25 years at least.

   Reply
   • Erin says:

     February 24, 2011 at 6:08 pm

     Sean – I am laughing SO HARD that I’m having to explain myself to people around me!!! One day I’m going to open one of those testing centers where we have a robot run sewing machines through all their paces. I’d like to put you in charge of the “Ultimate Piercing Power” division. LOL!

     Glad the dealer was so understanding. I took my husband with me to my last testing session at my local dealer. They have those big, long arm quilters you can rent to use by the hour and someone was working on a very large quilt. It is fascinating to watch but my husband didn’t understand she wasn’t an employee and he was really hovering right over her shoulder. I was trying to test out a machine while trying to get him to leave her alone without embarrassing either him or her and it was just too much multi-tasking for me – I fell right off the chair. Fortunately I was tucked back in a corner so no one saw but my husband. Of course, that worked to get him to leave the poor quilter alone.

     Your information about this machine is INVALUABLE! Thanks for pitching in! Now, if we could just get you to settle on one. I’m dying to see what you make when your new machine is actually in your home!

     Reply
     • Sean says:

       February 24, 2011 at 11:41 pm

       I’m glad to know you appreciated my mishap and that at least one person can share in my sewing machine dealer embarrassment, although you’re lucky you didn’t have to make a sheepish admission to an employee about yours LOL. sigh. at least we can laugh now!
   • Sean says:

     February 25, 2011 at 1:02 am

     p.s. Forgot two things: Stitch #40 is another one I tested, I have no idea what it’s called or what it’s for, but it looked BEAUTIFUL, on both sides really. Forgot that part, so if anyone really fancies Stitch #40, rest assured it’s lovely. #47 also came out just like the pictures and video demonstrations.

     The other thing, when I had my buttonhole mishap, I went RIGHT for the 4 direct stitch selection buttons for the buttonhole, without thought, and that’s saying a lot since I’m a total noob. So while those 4 buttons are certainly not a necessity or even THAT exciting of a feature, I must say I found them pretty intuitive.

     (Because my review wasn’t long enough as it were LOL)

     Reply
4. cindy says:

   March 10, 2011 at 3:14 pm

   Sean, i would really love to know which sewing machine you do end up purchasing. I am having a difficult time choosing (that’s an understatement.) which machine i would like to get. It was between the dc2010 and dc3050, but the of course, different dealers have thrown into the mix, JNH1860 and 3160qdc. I’m a beginning sewer looking more for sewing projects as opposed to quilting projects, but i’d like to have the option to sew some lightweight leathers (i.e. lambskin?) as well. PLEASE HELP! i was leaning more toward the dc3050, but now i’m just super confused and don’t know what to do. It’s my first machine and i’m just trying to get the most bang for my buck. i would love to stay in the 400 range…but willing to go up if need be.

   i’m just wondering how important is the adjustable pressure foot feature? and the start/stop button? any advice you guys have to give would be VERY APPRECIATED. oh, forgot to mention, i would like to stick with the janome brand.

   thanks in advance for your help! =)

   Reply
   • Erin says:

     March 10, 2011 at 3:58 pm

     Cindy – In case Sean doesn’t respond (although that would surprise me!), I believe the final decision was the Janome TB30.

     The Start/Stop button is more of a convenience than a necessity, although I was reading an opinion the other day from someone who has significantly more sewing experience than I do who said they actually didn’t like using the Start/Stop button and preferred the foot pedal. Since the Start/Stop button simply replaces you using the foot pedal, your machine will operate the same whether you have that button or not so in your case I’d make that less of a “must have”. If you happen to get a machine that meets your other needs and has that button, great. If not, no sweat – better the other requirements be satisfied.

     Sean and I actually had some discussion about the adjustable presser foot pressure. This is something that comes up often for very experienced sewers who want ultimate control over every aspect of the look of the stitch. We both noticed, though, that this was coming up less and less as a requirement. I can only assume that as more people are becoming comfortable with the automatic sensors that adjust the pressure for you, the less people are needing to adjust it themselves. Or, the automatic presser foot pressure is sufficient for most home sewers. That’s probably more likely. If you’re not selling your work or looking to produce show quality pieces, automatic presser foot pressure is probably going to suit you just fine.

     With those things out of the way, it would really come down to stitch set, included accessories and the price to help you settle on a machine. More stitches gives you more flexibility and the DC2010 and DC3050 both come with a nice set of stitches, the superior feed system and all the automation and conveniences I personally find useful. They’re also so similar that between the two you’d just want to buy whichever one was less expensive.

     The 3160QDC has 10 more stitches, a few of which are additional buttonhole styles. It also comes with the adjustable presser foot pressure which may not be an issue for you based on the information shared above. It does have the extension table and two presser feet quilters find handy – the 1/4″ foot and the Custom Zigzag foot which is just a wider toe for better viewing as you work.

     Not sure that information helps but maybe it will inspire additional questions that can help you narrow down your choices.

     Sincerely,

     Erin

     Reply
     • cindy says:

       March 11, 2011 at 3:22 pm

       Erin,
       Thank you so much for the all the info! it definitely helps and, although my decision is still unclear, it does give me clarity in prioritizing what my EXACT criteria is for the machine i want. =)

       can’t thank you enough!

       Btw Sean, I would love to know what it was about the TB30 that ultimately got you hooked enough to purchase.
   • Sean says:

     March 11, 2011 at 11:43 pm

     I’m so sorry I missed this! (And I have been lurking, so I’m not sure how. )

     Erin is correct that I went with the TB30 (although making payments so not in my hands yet.) I am not going to lie, a large part of that decision is the appearance. The pink and aqua and purple just don’t do it for me (although I *really* did love the DC3050 enough for it to be a solid 2nd runner up to the TB30 if I couldn’t find one for $400 since they’re getting hard to come by.) I tried really hard to not let that be a part of my decision, but, what can I say, it was. And that being said, the fact that it is getting harder to come by also played a part in my decision. Again, not proud of that necessarily, but to me, it makes it more “special” LOL.

     Other than that, I really did want the adjustable presser foot pressure. Why? I don’t know, but I did. (Again, maybe not the wisest or most logical. LOL I really sound like a horrible decision maker considering all the research I’ve done ROFL) As Erin mentioned, we’ve discussed it quite a bit and it really does seem like a feature that’s on its way out, even on some of the more expensive models. One of the big things in my decision making process was to cover as many bases I could since this is a big purchase for me, and I didn’t want to be a year or so down the line going, dang it, I wish I had and the adjustable pressure was one of those, but when it comes down to it, I probably won’t really need it. And truly, like Erin said with the features getting so advanced, especially with Janomes, I truly don’t think I would miss it on any of them in the $400 range like the DC3050 or DC2010.

     While the TB30 has only 30 stitches, I only foresee using maybe 10 of them, so that wasn’t much of a sacrifice for me, so I didn’t really let that carry a lot of weight in my decision, plus I really like the 30 that they do have and the fact it has 6 buttonholes. I had been chatting with my local quilting guild about lessons and so involved her (just briefly lol) in my whole machine-selecting shenanigans too, and she basically said what I don’t want to be without was drop feed dog, needle position adjustment for the 1/4″ seams, and applique/blanket stitch (and many other quilters insist on the needle up/down.) I really plan to focus more on garment construction with a side of quilting, and I feel like the TB30 is really more directed towards that, but it also has the basic elements I need for what should be a fair amount of quilting experience/classes. Someone more advanced or working on art quilts would probably want a larger selection of decorative stitches as Erin mentions.

     As for Start/Stop, I find it really awkward right now, but my only sewing experience is on an ancient Singer (besides 7th grade Home Ec,) and the foot pedal just really seems like an integral part of the sewing process to me. So that definitely didn’t play into it for me. The only thing I really see using that for is buttonholes and bobbin winding, and probably won’t go to the trouble to unplug the foot pedal to do that.

     Now, all that being said, I got to see a very small demonstration of the QDC-3160 and that has me second guessing myself a *little*. It’s a snappy little machine, but pretty well out of the $400 range, which takes it out of my grasp really, but that’s assuming my dealer’s quote was the norm (I believe she quoted me close to $700, but I’ve seen some folks say they got it for closer to $600.) I’d like to stick with that dealer, though. That happens to be the machine the quilting guild lady has for travel and she highly recommended it. One thing I did not feel comfortable with about it was the 12-pound weight. I’m a big guy planning on working on big things and it will be my only machine, so I wanted something a bit more “robust,” as I like to call the Janomes now LOL. That’s not to say it felt light and cheap by any means, it’s really a lovely machine, I just am not 100% comfortable with it. The dealer also told me that’s her home machine (she does a TON of quilting, including free motion and all that jazz) and she loves it. The JNH1860 is the same weight and similar in features and appearance to the DC1050 (aside from the 20-stitch difference, of course)… I wonder if it’s its predecessor?

     One of the most important parts of my decision, though, really, is both of the local dealers that I liked offer a full purchase price trade-in program within a certain period of time (and prorated after.) That is a super nice perk, sort of eliminates a big part of the buyer’s remorse. The thought of having a machine home and playing with it for x amount of months and completely changing my mind without consequence is EXTREMELY attractive to me, being the indecisive guy I am. That way, if my less astute decision-making factors leave me with regret, it can be easily remedied.

     Along with being indecisive, I talk too much. Sorry for yet another novella!

     Reply
     • Sean says:

       March 11, 2011 at 11:44 pm

       p.s. I accidentally used html brackets, that was supposed to read:

       I didn’t want to be a year or so down the line going, dang it, I wish I had (insert feature here) and the adjustable pressure was one of those
     • Erin says:

       March 14, 2011 at 5:16 am

       No, no, NOOOO! No second guessing!! LOL! I nearly fell off my chair!

       I do think you made the perfect decision for you and I think the trade-in program is a smart move on the part of the dealer. In my earlier comment to the other Erin (as she shall now be forever known ) about how the salespeople refer to the differences between the various Brother online-only vs. in-store models, coming up with selling points that play up the store, the relationship, or other potential discounts is just 10 times better (IMO) than saying something negative about the online-only models. It’s just much better salesmanship.

       Another reason for me to get working on that gallery idea (thanks to Steve) is because we’re just a few months out from Sean also having some work to contribute, I bet!

       Oh…I just had a wild idea…I think I can set up individual user blogs as part of this site….oh, dear, my mind is rolling wildly now and I’ve got to run for breakfast but….hmmmm…I’ll be distracted with brainstorming the whole time!
     • Sean says:

       March 14, 2011 at 3:55 pm

       *IF* my sanity remains, I’m losing my mind not having my baby home!!!! It’s actually not so bad, I guess, I decided to have a ‘notions allotment’ each paycheck during my layaway time, so that’s making me feel better LOL. That way when I do pick it up, I don’t have to shell out a ton more $ to go get all that stuff I know I’ll need, shears and the like (and yes, fabric, I can’t help it!) and it’s comforting to have things I can touch until I have the machine home LOL. I think in the end it will work out really well, be 100% ready to go as soon as I get him/her home. (I don’t think it’s a Stella, unfortunately. )

       But really, I don’t foresee changing my mind.
5. cindy says:

   March 14, 2011 at 1:35 pm

   All this info my head is about to burst!

   Sean – I’m so with you on the “what if’s” and that is exactly why i am so hesitant to buy a machine without the adjustable pressure foot. being a new sewer myself, it’s not as though i know how to use it properly right now, however, someday, i think i would like the option, right? lol…who knew buying a sewing machine would be such a long and arduous process?? at this point, i’m ready to throw my hands up and just pick one out of a hat! couple of questions though…haha, how did you get the tb30 for $400 because it seems to be around $600 retail online, which is not really a desirable price range for me, and no dealer seems to have it in my neck of the woods (so cal, l.a. to be exact). In fact, they don’t carry the DC2010 or the DC3050. Instead, a couple of different dealers are trying to push the DC2011, JNH1860 and 3160qdc, reason being all of the other models have been discontinued. also, i read somewhere that the DC4030 is the same as the TB30, just curious if this is true and WHY is it impossible to find?

   i apologize if my thoughts are all over the place…kind of indicative of my state of mind with this sewing machine business! =|

   on a brighter note, this website is like a support group for my machine “issues” lol!

   Reply
   • Sean says:

     March 14, 2011 at 3:46 pm

     The TB30′s MSRP is $599 (not the false $899 that Amazon has) and some folks are still selling it at that price I guess just because they can really LOL. I was able to find it at several places (including one of my local dealers, got REALLY lucky there) selling it for the $399. You can still find a few places online at that price (including my local dealer, but if you go that route, do contact them and make sure it’s truly in stock) and I’ve even seen a few machine dealers selling them on EBay for $399. I’m not sure Erin would appreciate me spamming store links here, so I will refrain but if you do a Google search for the TB30 and go through a few pages, you can find them, just takes a bit of digging, and I can say for sure there are at least 2 reputable sewing machine dealers that will ship them at $399, but of course you lose the local service that way (although some of the online dealers do offer extended warranties and such and are wonderful from reviews I’ve read. I still was really trying to stick with local if possible.) The DC4030 is *exactly* the same as the TB30 only without the bitchin decorations, everything else is exact; however, it is a dealer-only model and online sale is prohibited. When I asked one of my local dealers if they could get it for me, they gladly agreed, but at $550 ($599 MSRP with a guild discount,) while an online dealer offered it to me at $399 in lieu of the out-of-stock TB30 (I am not sure how that works, if speaking on the telephone constitutes non-online sale in Janome’s eye maybe?) I did ask my current dealer about it before putting the TB30 on layaway and she compared them to cars (teehee @ Erin) and that they were the same make and model, but released different times so had different trims. If I am not mistaken, the TB30 came out in 2008 and the DC4030 followed it up in 2009.

     As for the DC2011, I am pretty sure Erin mentions this, but just in case, it is *exactly* the same machine as the DC2010, only in pink instead of aqua, but listed at $499 instead of $399, so just be aware of that. As far as I’ve found, there is no discernible reason for this price difference, unless you have a $100 need for bright pink, I suppose. I don’t have much experience with the JNH1860 except I know it has the upgraded accessory storage LOL. I didn’t see that one at any of the 3 dealers. The 3160 I would definitely consider if not for the price. The difference in price between the 3160 and the TB30 is *definitely* made up in the features, though, almost apples and oranges (and it also has the snazzy flip-down accessory storage) but it’s just not financially feasible for me. If I do take advantage of my dealer’s trade-up policy, though, the 3160 is high up on the list, although if I did that, I’d probably throw all caution and good judgment to the wind and go for the MC6300 and I really don’t foresee being ready to do that at any point in the near or distant future. I can dream, though, right?

     And yes, this site has been absolutely invaluable to me and Erin has been truly amazing and so kind and patient with me through all this. I was lost before I found it. Glad we were both able to be rescued!

     Reply
   • Sean says:

     March 20, 2011 at 5:15 pm

     Cindy, wondering if you’ve decided on anything?

     And Erin, don’t be mad, but I am contacting the dealer tomorrow about the 3160QDC ahahahahaha! Just to talk, though, I promise! Everyone on Pattern Review is saying they paid $500 to $600 for it and if that’s the case, I do need to reconsider (I really could’ve sworn my dealer said $750 on “special.”) Aside from the bobbin case issue, which is a known thing, I guess, everyone seems to really love it and say the way it’s shaped makes it more sturdy than one would think for 12 pounds. A couple of people question the power of the motor compared to Janome’s heavier machines, not sure what to think about that, so going to chat up my dealer tomorrow.

     Hope you’re having a great trip, Erin, and hope to hear good news, Cindy!

     Reply
     • Erin says:

       March 21, 2011 at 4:52 pm

       Ack!!! LOL!!!! It’s okay. I come from a family of analyzers. Took my dad five years to figure out which car to buy next. Hey, maybe we’re related??

       If you’re dealer doesn’t give a good price, let me know and I’ll see what my local dealer says. They have a good online shop, too.

       BTW – I had a great trip, thanks! Best part? My parents, my three siblings and I, and all of our kids (13 of them!) at laser tag….that sounds like the adults played but we did NOT. We watched on the monitors in between wiping the place out of bottled water and game tokens so the kids would have something to do between rounds. Was wild, crazy, and loud but the kids LOVED it!

       I’m finally home and catching up and I owe you and Steve a huge thank you for filling in and helping people out!! (Thanks Sean! Thanks Steve!)
     • Sean says:

       March 22, 2011 at 6:47 pm

       I’m glad you had such a wonderful trip!!! I love laser tag LOL, haven’t been in forever, sounds like you guys had a great time!
6. cindy says:

   March 22, 2011 at 12:34 pm

   Hi Sean,

   No good news yet…bah! lol, but i’m slowly getting there. i THINK i’ve narrowed it down to the dc3050 or the dc4030. Speaking of the 3160qdc, i went to a quilting show last week and got to give it a test run. it really is a very nice machine and just FYI, i was able to wheel and deal it down to $600, tried to get it lower, but the dealer wouldn’t budge. i did consider snatching it up right there, but i couldn’t justify spending that much on my very first machine ever. =/

   will let you know as soon as i decide…knowing me, i wouldn’t be surprised if i ended up with something completely different my narrowed down choices. haha!

   Reply
   • Sean says:

     March 22, 2011 at 5:04 pm

     My “good” dealer wasn’t available for chat, there was a quilting cruise (where you actually had the option of having a brand new 3160QDC hand-delivered to your cabin for $500 extra, coincidentally LOL) and events at the store, so I figured I’d wait until I was in at the end of the week to discuss the 3160QDC with her, but the “bad” dealer has it for $599. LOL. I think that’s acceptable, I guess, I’ve seen $500 to $600 for it generally, but I’m *totally* with you on the $600 for your first machine thing, too. I think I’m going to stick with the TB30 really. The difference in features are just about all “luxury” items, like the thread cutter and such, and I really just need to get some sewing under my belt before making the bigger investment, I think. $400ish is plenty

     Best of luck! Keep me posted!

     Reply
7. Sean says:

   March 27, 2011 at 3:49 pm

   LOOK!!!!!

   http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Sewing-Quilting/DC4030PR

   I have ZERO information about this (except a few Australian websites,) but saw it on a forum and had to come here IMMEDIATELY since I know a certain someone is a fan of pink. It’s not listed as retired and the brochure looks pretty recent, but that’s all I know. I would post on the TB30 page, since it is my beloved machine, but figured I’d post here in case Cindy is also a fan of the pink (and who can argue with supporting a good cause and buying a fantastic sewing machine, right?! That sounds like some superb purchase rationalization to me )

   Reply
   • Sean says:

     March 27, 2011 at 3:54 pm

     p.s. this too, forgot, I was so excited to share LOL

     http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Accessories/All/Cherry_Blossom_Bobbins

     Reply
     • Erin says:

       March 27, 2011 at 7:55 pm

       And the perfect companion…that’s such a neat idea!
     • Sean says:

       March 28, 2011 at 12:50 am

       Although I have previously expressed distaste for pink (repeatedly, I’d say lol) I have to admit even I want those bobbins! I blame the cherry blossoms.
     • Erin says:

       March 28, 2011 at 7:42 am

       I think the timing is deviously perfect. We’re all so antsy for Spring to arrive that the cherry blossoms are just calling to all of us who may be decidedly done with winter this year.
   • Erin says:

     March 27, 2011 at 7:52 pm

     Oh, that’s just not fair!!! Slurp…I’m drooling!! The TB30 all dolled up and for such a good cause as the National Breast Cancer Foundation!

     Reply
   • cindy says:

     March 28, 2011 at 2:48 pm

     thanks for the link. not really a pink person myself…but who doesn’t like pink when it’s for such a good cause?? and i’m really diggin the pink bobbins. where can i get them?

     Reply
     • Erin says:

       March 28, 2011 at 3:29 pm

       Those darn Janome cherry blossom bobbins are going to be difficult to get just yet. Some stores seem to be taking names for a waiting list and will be getting them in shortly and others haven’t even heard of them (my dealer – and they’re pretty big!!) Call around to your local dealers to see if they’ll hold a set for you and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for when they show up online anywhere.
     • Sean says:

       March 28, 2011 at 6:41 pm

       I’ve got to get to my dealer this week or early next to visit my machine (LOL) and hopefully NOT buy more fabric, I will see what I can find out. I *think* they’re supposed to be dealer only, no online sales. I could be wrong on that, though.
     • Sean says:

       April 2, 2011 at 1:45 pm

       There is at least one online dealer selling them, so it seems I was indeed incorrect. (Folks on one of the forums were talking of waiting lists with their dealers and such.) Again, not going to spam any links, but if you Google Janome Cherry Blossom Bobbins, you will find the result on the first page, it’s a bigger online/retail dealer offering them for $14.99. I didn’t get to my dealer to ask yet, going this coming weekend, went a little nuts at Joann’s having a 3-day sale.
     • Erin says:

       April 2, 2011 at 2:06 pm

       Ah, you’re a pal! I just ordered two – I’m putting one away for that thing I mentioned doing like two months ago…it’s still in the plan. $14.99 at Sew Vac Direct was an excellent deal! Thanks!
   • Sean says:

     April 4, 2011 at 1:10 pm

     The pink machines have been “officially” announced! Here’s the other one: http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Sewing-Quilting/MS5027LE_PR and I’m posting it because it’s the first time I’ve seen that style used in a non-refurb Kenmore. It looks near identical to the 18221 as far as I can tell (6 stitches more, though) which I thought was neat to see, and everyone seems to love that Kenmore, one of those you hear the word “workhorse” with all the time.

     Anyway, have a great week, everyone!

     Reply
8. cindy says:

   March 28, 2011 at 2:45 pm

   Ok! so i did it…finally decided on the DC4030! after much thought and consideration, it has all the features i felt i needed/wanted in my first sewing machine. it has great reviews from users and it seems like a machine that will last me for some years until i get some experience in sewing and need a new one (oy~don’t even want to think about that now =/). also, i really like the idea of having the adjustable pressure foot option and, not to mention, having to learn how to use it on different fabrics…even if the future of machines is moving toward everything being “automatic,” i’d like to be educated in that area, a little.

   so anyway, there you have it…i’m a proud new owner of the DC4030. i just want to say
   thank you Sean and Erin for all of the advice, information and help you’ve given me! you really have no idea how much it sped up the process and the amount of stress you guys relieved. =)

   Reply
   • Erin says:

     March 28, 2011 at 3:02 pm

     Cindy – Congrats!!!! Don’t you feel a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders? And now a whole world has opened in front of you. I’m working on a gallery where you guys can share your pics. Going to take me a bit but I hope you get a chance to come back and share your projects with us.

     Good luck and so glad we could help. (And Sean is a lifesaver, I tell ya!)

     Reply
   • Sean says:

     March 28, 2011 at 6:38 pm

     Congratulations, I’m happy for you!!!!!! I hope to hear updates so I can sew vicariously through you while waiting (impatiently) for my TB30 Enjoy it!!!

     Reply
9. Meri says:

   May 2, 2011 at 5:37 pm

   I am a mid-beginner looking for a machine and was planning on going with the TB30 but no dealers near me have one to try. They showed me the DC3050 which will cost me $50 more than buying the TB 30 on-line I’d preer to buy locally plus they have classes to teach you how to use the machine. They charge $20 to hold your spot in the class but give you a store credit of $25 when you get to class. I think I want the adjustable presser food tension but can anyone tell me more about that? I also think the TB 30 looks a bit easier to use. If I went with the DC2010 instead how much of a pain is it to give up the four single-touch stitch selection buttons?

   Reply
   • Erin says:

     May 3, 2011 at 5:11 pm

     Meri – Getting classes is a nice plus and it sounds like you’ll get a great deal at your local retailer.

     In regards to the presser foot pressure, the presser foot applies pressure to the fabric underneath so that the feed dogs can make contact with the fabric and move it as designed. Many machines today have automatic pressure foot pressure where there’s enough built in resistance in the mechanism that it responds to the fabric and applies the right amount pressure (or close enough for MOST things). If you work a lot with specialty fabrics, lots of sheers, or fabrics with a thick pile, you might need to fine-tune that pressure manually. If you have a machine with adjustable presser foot pressure, then you can do so. Otherwise you’ll have to rely on the machine to apply the right amount of pressure.

     My Janome 7330 has a set up similar to the TB30. I do have to push the up or down arrow key to cycle through the stitches to get to the pattern number I want. I don’t have the single touch buttons and I don’t miss them. The most used stitches are the first in the series anyway, so you don’t have to push too many times to get to the zigzag stitch, for example. If you did a lot of sewing where you were going back and forth between stitch number 1 and stitch number 20 every few minutes, it might drive you crazy but that’s not going to happen a lot – if at all. Just a matter of convenience that those without probably don’t even think about.

     I’ll answer the question about the needle positions here, too. If you do a lot of zipper work, quilting, fine edge seems, or sew very small projects, more needle positions give you lots of needle control. In a year, I think I’ve moved my needle off-center once. I don’t sew a great deal but I’ve worked on a few projects.

     Phew – that’s a lot to think about, huh? Good luck shopping and let me know if you have any other questions.

     Sincerely,

     Erin

     Reply
10. Kay says:

    August 14, 2011 at 7:01 am

    Any trouble shooting help on why all of a sudden the auto declutch on my bobbin winder is screwy? Was working perfectly and all of a sudden when I move it to the right to wind a bobbin the needle/presser foot still engaged….
    thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin says:

      August 16, 2011 at 8:18 pm

      Kay – Oh, boy. Not sure about this one. Did you change bobbins or thread at all? If not, then it must be something in the machine that’s not functioning properly. I assume you’ve checked things like the presser foot lever and making sure it’s not loose or being blocked in any way? The other thing you can try is to move the bobbin winding spindle all the way to the left and make sure it’s firmly in position and engaging. Then move it to the right again, making sure to push it all the way over. You might not just be pushing it over far enough to trigger the auto declutch mechanism.

      Good luck!

      Erin

      Reply
11. Chiru says:

    September 29, 2011 at 12:23 am

    I reside in Zambia, Africa and would like to purchase the Janome DC3050. It was lovely to read all your comments. Unlike most of you I will not have the priviledge of walking in and testing it or being able to return it once I buy owing to the huge shipping expense unless the dealer would give me that reassurance.

    Hence Im really looking for some reassurances. Im particularly interested on learning to quilt my own duvets, and table mats at home. Hence Im interested in its comparisons in working with heavy duty fabrics and on the quilting front.

    Thanks all.

    Reply
12. Isabelle says:

    November 11, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Hello, I have enjoyed the comments & information between the above posters. I would like to purchase the Janome 3160 but have been quoted a “special” price of 899.00 from a dealer. Where can I buy it for 600.00 to 700.00 …..that is an amazing difference.

    Thanks to anyone that can help me. Isabelle

    Reply