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92.8 The Janome 49018 is a computerized sewing machine with an aluminum interior frame.  As a result of the frame the machine is very lightweight and is a great choice for taking to classes.  This is also a fairly basic unit that is easy to use and to setup.  It is a good fit for the beginner or novice sewist.  Owners are pleased with the high quality of stitch, the smooth operation (little vibration), and the ability to tackle thicker materials.  On the downside some people have had issues with the machine-winding bobbin and the 49018 does not come with a large number of stitch options

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95.5 It’s hard to find anything particularly negative about this sewing machine. It is a mechanical machine that is easy to setup and operate, and ratings are very good. It is also very reasonably priced. It is suitable for beginners and even those with some experience. However folks looking to do more advanced sewing projects may find it a little limiting as it doesn’t have a large number of stitches or features.

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98.0 The New Home 720 is a lightweight, ¾ size sewing machine that is getting excellent consumer ratings.   Many owners like the compact design and find it a great choice for taking to classes.  There is little negative written about this machine aside from the fact that it is a bit expensive.  The name can also be confusing as it is often a combination of several words such as “New Home”, “720”, Jem Platinum”, JNH720” and “JP720”. These generally all refer to the same machine but check the specifications first to be sure.

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96.4 The Janome Jem Gold 660 is another Janome sewing machine that gets very good consumer ratings.  This unit can be found online for under $200 (at some outlets) and owners really like it for its simple and straightforward design, ease-of-use and very light weight.[REF Janome Sewing Machine Reviews]

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92.9 The Brother JX2517 is a lightweight, affordable sewing machine. It can be found at some online retailers for under $90.00 and it weighs about 12 lbs. It is getting excellent ratings and reviews from owners, and is especially popular with beginners and those who want a portable unit. This is a straightforward, easy-to-use machine with only 17 stitches. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive sewing machines on the market, but for the money most consumers give it high grades.

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86.9 The Brother XL2600i sewing machine is lightweight, versatile and very reasonably priced.   It also comes with 25 built in stitches, a one-step automatic buttonholer and a number of other features.  Consumers like that it is inexpensive and easy for the beginner to use, but several folks have had difficulty in using the automatic needle threader and have also raised concerns about the level of plastic used in the unit's construction. [REF Brother Sewing Machine Ratings]

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90.8 Compact, durable and cute.  These three words describe the Janome 11706 ¾ Size Hello Kitty Sewing Machine well.  It is a popular choice with parents or grandparents looking for a beginner machine for their children/grandchildren.  It is also well-liked by adults, and some feel it is good for quick fixes and repairs, and also for travel and classes.  It is lightweight, easy to use and it sews smoothly.  It is not particularly feature rich however and it comes with a limited number of stitches.

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85.8 Like many of the best-selling Brother sewing machines, the XL2610 is a very good entry-level machine.  It is a free-arm sewing machine and it comes with 25 built-in stitches and 59 stitch functions.  Consumers give this machine good marks and most feel that it is a great beginner machine that does what it is supposed to do.  It is also lightweight, easily portable and reliable. [REF Brother Sewing Machine Ratings]

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81.9 The Brother XL3750 is an inexpensive sewing machine that gets decent reviews.  It is popular with consumers due to its ease of use and ability to work well with heavier fabric.  However there are some concerns about the machine’s thread tensioner.  Amazon has a fairly sweet deal on this machine and it goes for just over 100USD at this time. [REF Brother Sewing Machine Ratings]

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85.8 The Janome 3128 is an entry level mechanical sewing machine that gets very good consumer ratings.  Janome sewing machines have a good reputation and are generally not cheap, but the 3128 can sometimes be found for as little as $120.  It is lightweight, quiet and sews a nice stitch.  Most owners report feeling that they got their money’s worth with this machine.  However, it is also limited in terms of features and accessories, so it is important to understand what you are buying.