Does anyone have a happy machine(Journey), I'm thinking of getting it instead of the Janome MB4. Do you like it? Thank you for any advice. Penny

Everyone has been so sweet with their advice, Thankyou so much, Penny

some good reading in this post.

forgot to mention that working with the large hoop 16 x 16 is a huge advantage and bonus.

I have a Happy and LOVE it would not trade it for anything else, Of course it dépends on what you want to do, this baby in a real workhoue and can produce fast. I had 4 other machines before this one but nothing compares to the happy, fast, effecient, and sturdy.

Penny, I bought a Brother PC8500D many years ago, still have it and it stitches well, so that speaks well for the Brother brand. But, I wanted larger hoops than the PC8500, so purchased a used Happy HCD fifteen needle machine listed on www.digitsmith.com under used embroidery machines. I love it, but it is truly a heavy machine, about 240 lbs., machine and stand. It took two men to manage to get it to my spare bedroom I use for my sewing room. Another inch or two wider, it would not have gone through the house doorways, so unless you have a place you want to put this one to STAY, I would advise going with one similar to the 12 needle Happy Voyager that weighs about 80 lbs. It could be moved easily and carried to craft fairs or other locations easily. TexMac sales these Happy machines, so www.texmac.com should give a lot of info pertaining to these machines. Their site has outstanding customer service and operating info available. Classes available, if needed. I could not afford a new machine, but did a lot of research online about many machine brands, and decided Happy was one of the best. Through my searches, I came upon the DigitSmith site and found a used machine for sale, owned by a man about 90 miles from me. I was able to drive the distance and bring it home with me, avoiding pricey shipping costs. I got a good deal on an '06 model from the original owner, so I was well pleased. Now, I just wish I had more time to use it! Would have helped me to have had some classes in operating it; still not proficient at it, but I keep referring to the manual, and the folks at TexMac have been kind in assisting me by phone.
I would advise to keep checking on www.digitsmith.com to see the different used machines they have listed, on a regular basis. You may "luck up" and find one still in great condition, for much less than a new one!.
Wishing you well on whatever you purchase!
Hugs, Angel

I have the Babylock 10 needle enterprise and love it !! Karen (2 Kar) has the babylock 6 needle and she loves hers. They are user friendly and work horses. Try looking in to them.. Good Luck! Suzanne

I don't own Happy, but I know some of the Cuties do.
if you can afford it a 12- or 15-needle machine is far nicer to have than a 4-needle like the MB4. I have the Melco EP4, which is equal to the Janome, and it is great for any design that has no more than 4 colours. So FSL, redwork/one colour designs, names, simple logos and so on are a dream to do on that machine. More colours and I find it easier and faster to use a household machine.
On the downside: the more needles the heavier the machine. I need my husband to move the 4-needle and he told me he would not welcome a heavier one. In my case it is far cheaper to take it to be serviced than have it serviced at home, and getting it in and out of the car needs more lifting power than I have. But I am still dreaming of a Bravo.

get a babylock, you will not be happier, i have 3 would never trade!!!
Doris

I am pretty sure that fleabag has one and probably others too. BUT as happens people are not here all the time as other things in our live leave us without the time to come here all the time. many pop in and out when they are able. Welcome to Cute. I have a Brother PR 650 and its great fun but my embroidery is fun and not a business. I looked at the Janome you mentioned but decided I preferred the Brother

TTT

SQ