Janome 6260 QC

I came home with a "new to me" machine. It is a Janome 6260 QC that is now a retired model, meaning they don't make them any more. It has the features that I really wanted - speed control, blanket stitch, needle up down. It doesn't have much past that, doesn't have the newer machines auto thread cutter or start stop button. But I couldn't see paying $200 more for those two features. It was the same price that I paid for my Janome Decor Excel 5018, 9 years ago. Glenn even asked them to throw in a "janome" mat so it's sitting on one on the desk and looking pretty spiffy. So far I've only used it for some piecing but I did try it out pretty thoroughly in the store. Glenn thought I was joking when I told him that we should park behind the store instead of in front because it was only 2 hour parking. To be honest, I did do some fabric shopping too and that was what took longer because there was only one sales clerk. I'm pretty pleased with my purchase and hope I can get really proficient with it before the Rhapsody workshop next weekend.

A Shattering Experience

Yesterday, I was quilting away, when all of a sudden there was a SMASH beside me. One of the 4 foot flourescent light bulbs had dropped out of the fixture and broke on the Gammill and then smashed onto the concrete floor. There is glass all over the sewing room but no one was hurt. I did some vacuuming yesterday and hope to finish the clean up today. My throat is a little sore, apparently from the dust coating. I phoned Poison Control and got the scoop on clean up etc. Hoping to go tomorrow to try & buy the new sewing machine.

Sewist?

I've never heard the term sewist before but as I start looking at upgrading my DSM (domestic sewing machine) I am seeing sewing machines for quilters and sewists. Not sure if I am on board with that term yet but I can at least say I've learned something new today.
I'm looking to stay with the same brand - Janome. I do want to upgrade for more stitches though and some of the features like needle up/down, speed control and maybe auto tie off. Just how much more I should upgrade is the dilemma. Must be time to go try some machines.