Janome 001LOVELY: Lovely Lilac Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine: Full Review

Janome is a leading manufacturer of sewing machines that has been in business for over 50 years. The company was founded in Japan and is now one of the biggest sewing machine brands worldwide. Janome is known for making high-quality, user-friendly sewing machines for beginners and experienced sewers alike.

The Janome 001LOVELY is one of Janome's basic, entry-level sewing machines. It's designed to be easy to use while still offering useful features for sewing and craft projects. This review will provide an overview of the key specs and capabilities of the 001LOVELY model. We'll cover the machine's design and appearance, features, ease of use, performance, maintenance needs, warranty details, and pros and cons. Our goal is to give potential buyers a comprehensive look at this Janome sewing machine to help inform purchase decisions.

Design & Appearance

The Janome 001LOVELY Lovely Lilac sewing machine has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to store and transport. It measures approximately 15.2 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches and weighs just under 15 pounds, so it won't take up too much space.

This sewing machine comes in an attractive lilac purple color that gives it a modern, stylish look. The smooth curves and rounded edges on the body give it a sleek appearance. It has a hard plastic outer shell that is durable and scratch-resistant.

There are several notable design elements that enhance the usability and convenience of this sewing machine. It has a built-in carrying handle on the top for easy portability. The flatbed design allows ample work surface for handling projects. There are printed guidelines on the bed to assist with fabric positioning. It also features an easy-access drop-in bobbin and clear markings for stitch selections.

For those looking for a more robust option, the Janome HD1000: Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches offers superior performance. This model is designed with durability in mind, featuring a sturdy aluminum body and powerful motor to handle heavy fabrics with ease. With 14 built-in stitches, including utility and stretch stitches, it caters to a variety of sewing needs. The HD1000 also provides a free arm for sewing cuffs and collars, making it a versatile addition to any sewing room.

Features & Capabilities

The Janome 001LOVELY sewing machine offers a versatile range of features suitable for beginners and more advanced sewers alike. With 20 built-in stitches including utility stitches, stretch stitches, decorative stitches and an automatic 4-step buttonhole, it can handle most common sewing tasks.

The machine is designed to sew both lightweight and medium weight fabrics like cotton, linen, polyester, knits and denim up to a thickness of 6mm. The top loading bobbin makes changing thread quick and easy. A free arm allows sewing cylindrical pieces like sleeves and pant legs.

There are adjustable stitch length and width settings, with a maximum stitch width of 5mm. The stitch length can be adjusted from 0 to 4mm allowing you to customize settings for different fabric types. An easy-to-read stitch chart on the machine helps select the right stitch for your project.

Additional handy features include a reverse lever for reinforcing stitches, a drop feed lever for free motion quilting and embroidery, and a presser foot pressure adjustment dial. There is also a built-in needle threader for effortless threading.

For those seeking a more advanced machine, the Janome MOD-30: Computerized Sewing Machine with 30 Built-In Stitches offers enhanced capabilities. It includes 30 built-in stitches, allowing for greater flexibility in project customization. The computerized interface simplifies stitch selection and adjusts automatically for the best results.

Ease of Use

The Janome 001Lovely is designed to be very easy to use, making it ideal for beginners. The layout of the controls and buttons is straightforward and intuitive. All the main functions have their own dedicated buttons, including start/stop, reverse, and needle up/down. These are well-labeled with easy to understand icons.

The LCD screen clearly displays your selected stitch, along with the recommended foot, stitch width and stitch length. Navigating through the menus is simple with the jog dial. There are even built-in reference guides and help tutorials to assist you.

Some helpful accessories are included to make sewing easier. It comes with 6 different snap-on presser feet for basic tasks like installing zippers, hemming, buttonholes and more. There are also seam ripper, bobbins, needle set and twin needle. An instruction manual provides step-by-step directions for getting started and utilizing all the machine's capabilities.

Overall, the simplicity of the controls, intuitive layout, LCD screen and included accessories help make this sewing machine extremely beginner-friendly. Janome designed it to be easy to learn and operate right out of the box.

Performance & Reliability

The Janome 001LOVELY sewing machine delivers impressive performance and reliability that belies its budget-friendly price point. Users report that it operates very quietly, even when running at top speeds. This allows you to focus on your sewing projects without disruptive noise.

The sewing speed is adjustable up to 850 stitches per minute, providing versatility for both simple and more advanced projects. Even at high speeds, the machine maintains precision stitching without skipping stitches.

In terms of durability, the Janome 001LOVELY appears to be built to last. It has an all-metal interior frame that provides stability and reduces vibration. The machine feels solid and sturdy during operation. Users say it has stood up well over time without any issues of premature wear and tear.

Overall, the performance and reliability of this model make it a great choice for beginners and experienced sewers alike. It has the power and precision needed for most types of sewing projects, while remaining whisper-quiet. With proper care and maintenance, this machine should deliver years of trouble-free service.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance helps keep your Janome 001LOVELY sewing machine running smoothly for years. Here are some tips:

Cleaning and Oiling - Wipe down the exterior of your machine with a soft cloth to remove any dust or lint after each use. Vacuum the bobbin area. - Put a few drops of sewing machine oil on the parts that move, like the needle bar and bobbin hook race, every 6-8 hours of use. Follow your manual for oiling directions. Over-oiling can attract dust and lint.

Changing the Needle
- Change the needle regularly, especially if it is looking dull or causing skipped stitches. Use the screwdriver and instructions in your manual. - Insert a new needle fully upwards into the clamp with the flat side facing the back. Tighten the screw securely.

Replacement Parts - You can purchase genuine Janome presser feet, needles, bobbins, light bulbs, and more from authorized Janome dealers. - Always check that new parts are compatible with your model before purchasing. Refer to your instruction manual for part numbers.

Warranty

The Janome 001LOVELY comes with a 25-year limited warranty, which is excellent for a sewing machine in this price range. The warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for the full 25 years.

For servicing under warranty, the machine would need to be brought or shipped to an authorized Janome dealer. Janome has dealers located throughout the United States and Canada.

The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper maintenance or storage, or damage caused by improper use. The limited warranty also requires that only original Janome accessories be used.

If any issues come up, Janome's customer service team is available by phone and email to help troubleshoot problems or assist with arranging service or repairs. Based on reviews, the customer service team is responsive and helpful in resolving any warranty-related issues.

The 25-year coverage provides great peace of mind and is a testament to Janome's confidence in the quality and durability of their sewing machines. Overall, the warranty protection is extensive for this price point.

Price

The Janome 001LOVELY Lovely Lilac retails for around $99 to $109 USD, which is very affordable for a basic, entry-level sewing machine. This machine offers excellent value for money given its capabilities and ease of use.

For under $110, you get a compact, lightweight sewing machine suitable for basic sewing, crafts, mending, and simple projects. It has several built-in stitches, an easy needle threader, free arm, and drop feed for free-motion techniques. The price is ideal for beginners, students, and casual sewists looking for an inexpensive, no-frills model.

While it lacks some convenience features of pricier machines, the 001Lovely provides core functionality at a budget-friendly price point. Considering its capabilities and performance, it delivers solid value for money for those seeking an introductory home sewing machine without breaking the bank. The quality and reliability exceed expectations for the low price tag.

Pros & Cons

Summary of positives

The Janome 001LOVELY sewing machine has several notable positives. First, it is designed to be extremely easy to use, even for beginners. It has just one dial for selecting stitches, so operating the machine is very intuitive. The machine comes with 7 built-in stitches, including all the basics like straight stitch and zigzag. It also includes 4 step buttonholes, which allow you to sew buttonholes without needing to change settings.

The 001LOVELY sewing machine has a free arm for ease in sewing cuffs and sleeves. It comes with additional accessories like seam rippers, needle threaders, bobbins, and more. The machine itself has a sleek, modern design available in an attractive lilac color. It's lightweight and portable.

Reviews indicate the 001LOVELY machine has excellent stitch quality and seam strength. It can handle a variety of fabrics like denim, stretch fabrics, and lightweight silks fairly easily. The machine runs quietly and smoothly. Overall, it provides great value and capabilities for the price point.

Summary of negatives

The main downsides of the Janome 001LOVELY sewing machine relate to its limitations as a basic, affordable model. It only comes with 7 built-in stitches and lacks options for decorative stitches. The machine is not computerized so it lacks advanced features like automatic thread cutting.

There are limited controls on this machine and speed cannot be adjusted. The maximum stitch width is limited at 5mm. The foot pedal allows for reverse sewing but there is no reverse lever on the machine itself.

While great for basic projects, this machine may not suit more advanced sewers looking for lots of stitch options and specialty functions. The build quality reflects the lower price point of the machine as well.

Overall the negatives focus on the lack of bells and whistles that more expensive machines offer. But for a basic mechanical machine, it provides good value.

Conclusion

Janome's 001LOVELY Lovely Lilac Sewing Machine is a great option for beginner and intermediate sewists looking for an affordable, user-friendly machine. Its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces or portable use, while its 12 built-in stitches provide versatility for basic sewing projects.

The top-loading bobbin and easy thread paths simplify set up, allowing you to start sewing faster. While advanced users may want more stitch options and specialty feet, the 001LOVELY covers all the basics for garment sewing, crafts, home decor and mending. Its reputation for reliability makes it a machine that should last through years of light to moderate use.

With its attractive design and smooth performance, the 001LOVELY is highly recommended as a first sewing machine or secondary travel machine. Its approachable features and price point make it an ideal gift for a beginner sewist or young student as well. Overall, it's a great value that provides an enjoyable sewing experience straight out of the box.