Best deal on a mini sewing machine with zig zag?

[IMBlessed5]

The little machine I've been using bit the dust today. Doesn't break my heart though - it served it's purpose but was VERY cumbersome to use. A little $12 one from Walmart with finger control (no foot pedal) and straight stitch only. The only good thing about it was the size.

So I get out my full size machine (which is stored in a closet LOL) to finish the card I'd started and can't for the life of me get the tension set right! I tried it on every number and nothing changed in the stitching. No big deal though because I REALLY REALLY don't have room for the full size one in my stamping area. I want a "mini" that will fit in a drawer when not in use.

So tell me - what is the best mini machine and where is the best deal to get it, like NOW! I know a lot of stampers use the Janome Sew Mini. I saw it on Overstock.com I think it was for $49. But are there any other options (other brands of machines, or a lower price on the janome). I really hate to spend that much on one.

I would like it to have a foot pedal, and both straight and zig zag stitching.

Thanks for your help!

[Gina K. Designs]

Vicki,
They run specials at Hancock Fabrics all the time for $39.95. That's where I got mine.

[IMBlessed5]

Thanks Gina! We don't have a Hancock's around here but I"ll check and see if they have online ordering. I do order from Joann.com every now and then, but couldn't find this machine on there.

[daffyrs1]

I just now got the Joann's flyer & there is one for 29.99 but I don't have all the details in the flyer to see if it has a foot pedal but it looks like it has a variety of stitches to use. Hope that helps.

[IMBlessed5]

I got a flyer today too and saw that in there! It's called White Sew EZ. Has anyone here used that one???

[Crafts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMBlessed5

I got a flyer today too and saw that in there! It's called White Sew EZ. Has anyone here used that one???

I was curious about that machine and did a search. The customer reviews at HSN are not encouraging. http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/sew-eas...457497_xp.aspx

After reading Gina's tutorials, I bought a Janome Sew Mini for $39.99 from Hancock's last year and have been pleased with it. I didn't want to risk my good machine on cardstock, and the Janome sews better than I expected it would for that price.

[IMBlessed5]

I broke down and ordered the Janome Sew Mini. Ordered on Saturday, received it Wednesday - GREAT service!

I've only made one card with it so far but for the most part I love it. Two things I wish it had - a carrying handle and a light. But for the price, can't have everything, lol! I'll get used to it.

One more question - those of you who use yours for papercrafting: I read somewhere that it needs to be cleaned out often due to the paper fibers collecting on the inside. How do you know when it needs cleaned and how do you do it?

[FallnPetal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina K. Designs

Vicki,
They run specials at Hancock Fabrics all the time for $39.95. That's where I got mine.

I just ordered the Janome Sew Mini from Overstock dot com for 36.05, made it 39.00 total including shipping. This is $14 bucks less than what I paid for the Pixie at Wal Mart that I just took back! I have to wait a week or so but let's see how well it works!

[IMBlessed5]

That's a great deal! I'm still loving mine!!!

[roxy64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMBlessed5

Thanks Gina! We don't have a Hancock's around here but I"ll check and see if they have online ordering. I do order from Joann.com every now and then, but couldn't find this machine on there.

I ordered mine on line several months ago from Hancock Fabric. Love it!

[stephydoodles]

I really like my Singer Pixie machine. I got it at Walmart. Here's a link.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pixie-the-...INGER/10992860

[staff2]

I just took my Pixie Plus back to Archiver's today. I was so disappointed - really thought I would like it. It doesn't thread very easily (near the needle). Also, my good machine has the feature where you don't have to use a foot feed and I have gotten used to that. The Pixie Plus also has that BUT . . . there is L and H and even L can be too fast sometimes if you want to stop - you have to turn it off to stop and it's kind of abrupt. So I'm going to check into the Janome.

[mugsy1]

i also wont use my good sewing machine on cards...the mini janome works great and takes up little space. some limitations...no light, no handle, but one you get the hang of threading it it does the job on paper.

got mine from overstock too.

[buggainok]

For anyone who's been waiting to buy it, the Janome Sew Mini machine is on sale at Hancocks online right now, through Wednesday. The price is $39.95.