This is the Juki TL98E, I believe it’s the first of the Juki TL series. I was designed with a wider open area to accommodate quilting. I bought in 2000 after I purchased the very first HandiQuilter frame. It was a tabletop frame, even more rudimentary than a Grace frame. I quilted several quilts on that frame and it was enough for me to know that I would actually use a real longarm. Once my first longarm arrived, this became my main piecing machine. I’ve pieced many miles on it and it’s worn out. The presser foot lift lever is broken and can’t be replaced, it’s noisy and the feed dog up/down doesn’t work anymore. I had it serviced this summer and that helped, but not enough. I have really gotten my money’s worth from this machine. I think it cost $700 when I bought it in 2000.
It’s a straight stitch only machine and it sews fast!
Chris and I had an appointment yesterday that was only 2.5 miles from Quilter’s Corner. How convenient!
It was time to retire my faithful friend.
I just wanted the exact same machine and that’s what I got. The TL2010Q was the replacement for the TL98E and they have been making this model over 10 years. The insides are identical and it weighs the same, about 25 lbs. It has a couple of new features: speed control and thread cutters but everything I’m familiar with is in the same place on both machines. It fit perfectly in my table cutout too. The have an even newer model called the TL18. It basically has a prettier case with some royal blue accents and a few extra accessories. I didn’t see myself using the other accessories so I saved myself $600. If I need one of those accessories, I can buy it later.
The needle threader is a little convoluted compared to my other machines but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. It stitched perfectly right away. Boy, I could sure tell the difference! It’s quieter, the 1/4″ is more accurate and the tension is PERFECT.
It was interesting to compare the accessories. The old version is on the left, new on the right. In the last photo, all of these things are identical even 25 years later! All of my old accessories and bobbins work on the new machine. Now I just have to figure out how to dispose of the old one. I don’t think it’s good enough to give away to be used.
I haven’t shopped for a sewing machine in a very long time and I was shocked to see some of the embroidery machines at $18,000! This machine costs $1200 no matter where you buy it. Interestingly, I looked up an inflation calculator and $700 in 2000 would be over $1300 today so I think $1200 was a fair price.
I hope it lasts me another 25 years!
Here’s a view on a street near us. These are my favorite autumn trees. I think I share them every year on the blog.
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