You know I've always been a believer in old machines.  I have, however, had a few of those I purchased off of ebay turn out to be lemons.  I've had them all (I own about 11 machines altogether) cleaned and tuned up by a great repair guy who comes to my house.  He repairs for Joanne Fabrics-specifically Viking/Husqvarna and has good things to say about Janome.  I've never used one.  Two of my best machines have been a Viking found at Goodwill for 19.99 and a Singer I got off ebay.  My trusty Pfaffs and Consew (upholstery) are old reliables. Make sure you can sew through thick layers of fabric so you will be able to do upholstery projects. :)

This is a local place with whom I've been in conversation. They buy vintage machines and clean them up and resell. I'm quite sure I want an older model, because that'll all I've really used in the last year, and I've been spoiled.

The Janome New Home looks attractive to me, with all the examples of leather and upholstery and canvas, etc. Any that you'd recommend over the others? All the prices are not a problem, and I'll be able to pick them up locally.

Thanks,

Chri

One of my sisters just sanded paneling so she could paint over it. I hope the paint holds, as she has done a lot of work! I just noticed that you're not in my 'network'. Could that mean we're not 'friends'?!?! I'm going to send a request!

Crhis,

Thanks.  that was so helpful.  Now I need to go get materials.  Do you mind if I post a variation of the silhouettes?

I this might be helpful to you.

When you get a bit of time, will you make a tutorial on using those big plastic quilt rulers. I've got a little one and a huge one (came in the combo packs), but they don't make sense to me, so I just use them as a straight edge.

You are not too verbose.  I just need to know how to explain what to do without teaching everything.

That helps alot, I'm off to slash words.  Thanks for the camera info.  Did you buy yours online?

Do you have a website?  I would love to see some of your refurbished pieces!!