❤️ Hey Quilting Enthusiasts! It’s Gina! ❤️
Rolling Back Time: Remember those old-school quilting bees? Well, today’s version is definitely the quilting class! I know we join not just for the techniques, but also for the amazing company of fellow quilters.
Now, here’s the hiccup: bringing along your heavy quilting gear to class. Reminds me of the once beloved Singer Featherweight sewing machines, right? But guess what? We have a new star in town, the Janome Jem Gold. I’ve given it a spin, and boy, am I impressed!
Janome Jem Gold 660 – A Mighty Mite!
With its robust motor packed in a sleek, lightweight design, the Jem Gold is a dream for class-goers. Can you believe it’s just 14 pounds? That’s lighter than my purse, folks!
But don’t let its size fool you. The Janome Jem Gold sews like a pro, from tough duck seams to delicate cotton layers. It’s got the spirit of Janome’s larger machines, especially with its jam-proof top-loading bobbin. Trust me, drop-in bobbins are a lifesaver. No tiny springs breaking or tension adjustments needed.
Putting its Best Foot Forward:
This sewing sensation comes with three snap-on feet: a zigzag foot, an overedge foot, and – wait for it – a sliding buttonhole foot! And did I mention a built-in needle threader? All this for $200? Score!
But the cherry on top? The quilting kit. From a 1/4″ foot to a free-motion darning foot and more. It’s got all your quilting needs covered. Though, during my tryouts, I did have a couple of “aha” moments…
️♀️ Discoveries Along the Way:
I initially sought a button to lower the feed dogs for stipple quilting, but instead, I found a darning plate cover. Now, instead of dropping the feed dogs, you simply raise the sewing area. And you know what? It’s just as effective!
Another fun surprise was the stitch length setting. Instead of a manual adjustment, the stitch length corresponds with the stitch pattern selector. At first, I was like, “huh?” But soon, I saw its genius! It simplifies the entire process, making the Janome Gem a great starter for young sewists in your family.
Stitch Delight:
From petite straight stitches to zigzags, basting stitches, and even special stitches for applique, this machine does it all. It also has an overcast stitch and a tricot stitch, perfect for stretchy fabrics.
Buttonhole Bliss:
Being quite the “Buttonhole Queen” myself, I gave its buttonhole feature a whirl. It uses a four-step approach, and while I needed a couple of tweaks, the result was pretty fabulous.
While the Jem Gold might be a tad snug for a queen-sized quilt, piecing one together? Absolutely! It’s power-packed yet compact. And at $200? It’s a gem for both your sewing room and your wallet!
If you’re just stepping into the quilting world, the Janome Jem is your trusty companion.
Quick Deets:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14 pounds |
| Bobbin | Jam-proof top-loading |
| Feet included | Zigzag, Overedge, Sliding Buttonhole |
| Special Feature | Built-in needle threader |
| Price | $200 |
