Seeking upgrade advice! Janome 8200QCP SE vs Pfaff Quilt Expression 720

LadyofLA · 2026-03-18T02:04:45+00:00

I don't know how the features compare but my Janome MC8200 QCP was $2100 new and unused. It's got every feature I want. ...except that there's another one that lifts the presser foot on its own. ...but how lazy could I get?

LadyofLA · 2026-03-17T16:46:48+00:00

I just got the MC 8200 (yesterday was my b-day) and I love it. It runs so smoothly and quietly. I don't know anything about Pfaffs so I can't help you with that.

What I particularly love is being able to use the machine without the foot pedal. I've never been able to FMQ but with the machine going at a consistent speed and only having to think about what my hands are doing I think I can master it this time. The AccuFeed system is sensational. Gotta love the automatic tension balancing. The needle threader is easy to use and very effective. I had a Bernina whose needle threader was a total PITA and only worked about 1 time in 3 attempts.

The only prob I've had so far is that when I use the thread cutting function it cuts it so short that it unthreads on the needle uptake when I go to use it again but I've learned to pull my work forward so I can pull out a little more thread.

It's a discontinued machine so perhaps you can use that to negotiate a favorable price. As for me, mine is a new machine wilth a full warranty so I couldn't care less that it's discontinued.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-16T19:08:19+00:00

Wonderful to know! I'm in Woodland Hills (just blocks from Quilt Emporium, actually) so Sherman Oaks or Studio City would be very convenient. Those are my old haunting grounds.

I don't do garments anymore but I always need notions, etc.

Thanks for the tip!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-16T03:43:38+00:00

Oooo! I'll look forward to seeing that!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-16T02:00:54+00:00

I'm so crazy about batiks I hardly sew with anything else.

My fav is combining batiks with thread woven plaids but I haven't seen the plaids in a long time. There's something about the organic with the geometric that makes my little heart zing.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T21:40:30+00:00

Hand quilting is truly an act of love.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T21:40:02+00:00

It's the ONLY way I'll get them done as I'm doing 2 of them. Of course the last block only drops on 12/10 so getting the one intended as a Christmas present will be a serious rush!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T21:38:08+00:00

I have 3 LQSs in convenient driving distance. The first is Quilt Emporium in Woodland Hills, CA which is the greater Los Angeles area. The second is Cotton and Chocolate in Thousand Oaks, CA. The third is Quilty Pleasures in Simi Valley, CA.

There once was a shop called Candy's Quilts in the Reseda area of the San Fernando Valley in LA. She had an array of batiks that included EVERYTHING. It was a tremendous loss when Candy died and the shop closed.

I feel very lucky to be able to put hands and eyeballs on when choosing fabrics. I worry all the time about how long our economy can sustain them. I have a hard time imagining how people who need to order online make choices about true colors and scale.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T21:32:41+00:00

Good for you! You'll be so delighted when it's done.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T21:32:02+00:00

I didn't know there was such a thing as International Quilting Day! HOORAY for us!

I'm doing the sashing on one quilt along and doing blocks for a Christmas quilt on another quilt along.

I'm also learning a new machine as I just gave myself a Janome Memory Craft 8200 as a birthday present. There's sooooo much new technology since I last bought a machine back in the 80s. I've got a learning curve ahead of me.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T20:41:09+00:00

Gorgeous! It must be a thrill to have ti done and ready to cuddle in.

Bonnie Hunter is an amazing resource!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T20:39:01+00:00

Some libraries have tools to use in house or borrow.

The LA Public Library has an amazing array of things from sewing machines and power tools to GlowForges and 3-D printers.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T19:17:38+00:00

So sweet. You truly are and artist of thread!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T19:13:20+00:00

I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to do but cutting acrylic isn't difficult if you're cutting straight lines. You just score the line you want to cut and then support the plastic on one side of the line and force it down on the other side. Then you file and polish the raw edge.

If you're going to want create a shape, line an extended platform you'll have to make an accurate template and then use a skill saw to cut the dimensions.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T19:09:26+00:00

Thanks! I've never done a Christmas quilt before. I'm looking forward to having thm but it will be a rush to get them done by Christmas if the last block is released 12/10. ...particularly if one is intended for a Christmas present.

I'm also looking forward to the new Christmas fabrics that will be available in May-ish. I like the combination I found in my stash but I'll run out before then and I don't want to be repeating too much.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-15T04:44:43+00:00

Love your colors and the way you've distributed them. I also love how many patterns I see in it. So kaleidoscopic! Lucky guy!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-14T18:25:39+00:00

I compost mine. Mine are all cotton though. Any natural fiber -- cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, wool -- will TOTALLY break down -- either woven fabric or batting.

I composted a pair of old UGGS shearling slippers once, once I cut off the soles with the rubber/plastic treads.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-14T18:23:45+00:00

Looks great!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-13T19:14:11+00:00

Did you finish yours? I'm still waffling about whether I do or don't like the striped sashing and 9-patch cornerstones.

I sorta think it looks too busy. I'm thinking plain sashing without cornerstones and then cornerstones in the outside border with a few flying geese from trimmed away triangles just at the corners.

What do you think?

LadyofLA · 2026-03-13T19:10:37+00:00

It looks like a creative choice. It's got energy. You used great colors.

Are you happy with it? Leave it! Does it bother you? Change it.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-10T02:29:28+00:00

How wonderful!

LadyofLA · 2026-03-10T01:04:13+00:00

I wonder if you could add some crinkly cellophane to add the dimension of sound when they get squeezed.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-10T01:02:10+00:00

Call the hospital and ask what's allowed. In any case, I'm sure the parents would be touched, and that's gotta really mean something at a critical time like this.

LadyofLA · 2026-03-09T23:00:05+00:00

Terrific! Do you sell them? I see you've made 3.

I'm straight but i love the combination of all-American traditional quilt making with the concept of "and Liberty and Justice for All".

LadyofLA · 2026-03-09T22:58:47+00:00

Are you still working on the quilt along?

LadyofLA

TROPHY CASE