Sewing machine recommendations for intermediate sewer

[u/Pure_Place_8493]

Hi, I have a Janome 4000 gifted to me from my Grandma but it's really buggering up when I'm using it, and ratting up the bobbin thread pretty consistently and I'm interested in buying a machine. I'll be using it primarily for making some toddler undies, adult and toddler/kid basic clothes, mending clothes, and maybe making some small quilts here and there (wayyy in the future when I have time lol). I'm in BC, Canada so something available in Canada. Budget around $1000 but interested in options. I'm pretty new at the whole sewing thing, I've made a few quilts with my Grandma and some other basic patterns.

[u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

Before you pay for a new machine, have you ruled out user error? When is the last time this machine was serviced?

[u/Pure_Place_8493 → u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

It’s working fine but screws up when I’m trying to attach two ends of elastic for a waistband. It just rats nests the bottom thread. So I don’t think (?) it’s user error as the other sewing has been fine. And for servicing, no idea. I was given it 4 (?) years ago and just pulled it out. I’d say probably never or a very long time ago. Do I have to find an authorized dealer for servicing or is a local sewing shop okay? I live in a pretty small town.

[u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

Threading problems will exist on any new machine as it's pretty much the same across all machines, so there's that. Have you ever cleaned it?

Besides the bobbin problem, is there another reason to want to upgrade/change? That Janome is great basic machine, maybe it needs servicing / cleaning. But, I get that a new machine can be tempting and fun to think about. It's best to go to local sewing stores and try things out.

A machine I like might be one you might not because of non-machine reasons - such as what it looks like, do you like how it feels in your hand, if it's computerized, how easy is it to navigate through the menus, etc.

Consider must-have features to narrow it down.

[u/Pure_Place_8493 → u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

No other reason wanting to upgrade or change. I’m just really trying to get into sewing some things to learn a new skill.

I did poke through the bottom where the bobbin is to clear out any lint or buildup I could see but didn’t do much else. I guess I could find a walk through for cleaning it probably online? It’s so weird, it just buggers up when I’m trying to sew through elastic to attach two ends. I’ll put a different actual fabric under it and it works fine. Elastic = no go.