If you're on a tight budget, you can't go wrong with an all-metal vintage. Most people stick to Singers, because the parts are easily available. The classic straight-stitchers are the 201, regarded by many as a masterpiece, the 66 and the late-model 15s. Singer used to demonstrate the 15 by sewing through tin cans! The engineering is at a level you'll never see today - it would cost thousands to replicate the quality. Add a 120w YDK motor and you have a powerful beast that will handle most bag-making tasks. No need to spend over £120 or so at the top end. The machines are simple and the maintenance manuals are available online. Anyone remotely mechanical can service them for themselves. They are built like tanks and nothing serious will ever go wrong. But minor spares like springs and belts are widely available, along with a huge range of accessories for zig-zag, buttonholing, ruffling and the like. The zig-zaggers are great for bar-tacking, which can be handy for bags. I have a 201k I picked up for pennies and refurbished, and it's a joy to use. This was the machine Rolls Royce chose to sew their interiors, because the stitch was so perfect...

Thanks Jo, this is the video I needed to watch six months ago when I was researching to buy a machine just for bag making - my decision came down to either a Janome HD9 or a Juki TL2010Q, and after testing the Juki which effortlessly sewed the genuine suede that was given to me, my decision was made. (I live in Adelaide Australia). The Juki has continuously been sewing bags for the last six months and has not let me down once. With the addition of a Teflon foot for sewing sticky vinyls, and an 1/8” compensator foot (the Juki already comes with a 1/4” compensator) it is a delight to sew bags every day and 9/10 the patterns I use mostly are yours! Thanks Jo and I wish you well with your new machine, you deserve it!

Congratulations on your new machine! ❤️

Thanks Jo. I love this review. I am a vintage machine girl myself but it is great knowing the possibilities if/when I venture out.

Congratulations. ❤ I love this review. I'm happy for you.

Thanks Jo looking forward to the follow up video

Brilliant video.. I will have to start saving my pocket money! I’d love one🤗 thank you for sharing- looking forward to your follow up video👌🏻🌸

Jo thank you for this info! I need a heavy duty one and this video made it very easy for me.

Thank you for this video. I've been wanting a machine for my bag making aspirations and couldn't discern what features to look for in a machine. I just knew I wanted it to be heavy duty. Thank you refining my focus. You're sincere, honest and charming- much appreciated.

So glad our research was similar. I recommended the HD9 to you, although I don't have one (yet) !!! I will continue to watch your videos and hear your comments. I would also be buying from a local store.

Perfect timing for this video Jo! Its so good to see someone in the uk explaining these things. Thank you 😊

I have a juki tl18 haruka and the Janome hd9 and the Janome out does the Juki in many different areas! Good choice

Congratulations Jo on your new machine! Hope you love it! last year I got a straight stitch machine because I felt my domestic was not strong enough for my bag making. I have the Juki 18TL QVP and I love it! It goes through thick layers of vinyl and leather with ease. Its my favorite sewing machine. :) Makes such a big difference having a machine that can do what you need for your projects. Enjoy 🎉

Congratulations. ❤️ Have fun getting to know your new machine & testing it’s boundaries 😂 When I was purchasing a new machine, it was during the pandemic and nothing was available! I wanted either the Brother semi-industrial or Juki 2010q & since I was desperate 😉, I took the first one that became available. I do like the Juki….and since added a simple Bernette domestic for lighter fabrics.

I just bought a Juki TL 18 from Juki Junkies. At that time, the HD 9 was available to me for $200 less than my Juki (which I love). If you want the HD 9, contact a dealer. The list prices you see are not what you can get from a dealer. I am in the US.

I love my Juki for the bag making I do. A friend has a Juki HD9 and all she makes on it is bags and loves it

I have owned my Brother PQ-1500S for 15 years. It is my go-to machine for so many things (including garment sewing). As for the Juki - you can never go wrong with a Juki, too.

Thank you Jo for sharing. I have two Juki's TL2010 and Industrial Juki 1181.. I love them both for different reasons..I started out with a cheap older model Brother, it was a trooper, and it tried but frustration made it so difficult that I almost quit bag making. I have had a Sailrite but it is a bit like driving a truck (it does the job, but a little rough). The right tools for the craft make all the difference. I have heard a lot of good on the HD. If you ever get a chance to get an industrial.. it is a game changer.

We were just discussing options for a newer machine last night! I’m in the US and hoping to get a new machine soon. Thank you for the video!

I'm so happy for u Jo. I too hv the Hd9 & I love it! I got a great deal from a small dealer who ordered it for me. I also hv the Juki 1541s, which I sew vinyl & faux leather & I love her. I didn't hv the room but I made room lol. I hope u get many many yrs of enjoyment with ur lovely Hd9 🤗

I have the Janome HD9. Love it.

Thanks for a great video about choosing a sewing machine for bag making. You do point at a Vintage Singer 201. I have used such a machine and modified it a bit, and then I have used it for similar heavy duty work for upholstery. So if you got a "handy man" around, I think you can get a machine this way, that is even more capable than the HD9, because it will be able to sew a thicker Tex 135 thread. But with no modifications it can sew a Tex 70 thread like the HD9. However the speed control of the HD9 is much better than a normal Singer 201. You have got a lot of the Singer 201s in the UK, and it is still very easy to get spare parts. It is not like a Bernina 930 with much more difficulty regarding spare parts. I know the electronics of the Bernina 910 and 930 quite well, so perhaps I can help you on that. This playlist show what a modified Singer 201 is capable of: kzfaq.info/sun/PLhBGyDo4tov9zEaJO4kNkhbfuOIxscjHM

I love straight stitch machines. I have a Juki 8100 and it'll sew through ANYTHING! For household sewing I have both a Janome HD5000 & a Singer HD. Love that Janome so much.

I bought an HD9 around 12 months ago and love it. I find it will sew the heaviest material for bags but also copes with everything from chiffon upwards. The even feed foot is a pre-requisite though for best use. I have another older Husqvarna Viking machine for domestic utility and fancy stitches and between them I feel I have everything I need.

I have the Brother. love it. use it more than any of my other machines for just about everything.

Congrats on your new machine Jo. I also have the Janome HD9 and I love it for my bag making. I took a great deal of time researching what to get and the HD 9 kept calling to me. It handles everything I throw at it and yes the stitches come out beautifully both top and bottom 😊

Thank you so much Joe, I have been looking for a video like yours for a year. I have a Brother QN900 which I like very much but not ideal for bag making. It performs well but I know I’m adding a lot of stress on the machine which ends up needing servicing more often. I had considered buying the Janome HD9 but because I intend keeping my Brother and the two are not compatible when it comes to bobbins and some feet I now know the Brother PQ1500SL will be the one looking to purchase. Wonderful information.

I have the PQ1500SL I love it but where I walked to work with heavier vinyls and leather I switched an industrial cylinder arm in my studio as well. So I use the brother for all my thinner materials... I don't like having to change my tension all the time switching between material types so I'm lucky that I'm able to use both machines.

Congratulations Jo on your new machine. My Fabricator was delivered and shortly after I got Covid. I’m finally better and hope to get my machine together soon. Thank you both for answering all my questions about my Fabricator. Can’t wait to see the bags you create on your new machine.

So glad to see you have joined the HD9 family... I love love love mine I've had it for 2 years with not 1 single issue or problem and I use mine 7 days a week ...

I went through similar issues in the last few years. In 2018, I decided to add a serger (overlock), and got a BabyLock with air threading (love it!). In 2020, my 20 year old Pfaff died, and they no longer make parts. I got a BabyLock Soprano. A year later, I got into bag making, and the Soprano couldn’t handle it. I didn’t have room for a table, and ended up with a Sailrite (the blue one). A year ago, a friend was downsizing, and I bought her Brother embroidery machine, along with all of her thread, stabilizers, etc. I am currently in the process of cleaning my studio, trying to make room for my great aunt’s Singer 201 that I inherited. I am a garment sewer, a quilter, and an all around dabbler! All these machines (and my Featherweight, too) will get use. I am fortunate to have a room for my “hobbies”, but they have to share the space with a 15” Cricket loom, an inkle loom, and three antique sock knitting machines. Plus, I have to store my fabric and yarn stashes! I was lucky enough to get to retire two years ago, and this room is where I spend most of my time. While watching this video, I was grafting the toes of the socks I just finished. Now I’m going to make the pattern I just bought for the leather bag put together with rivets. Enjoy your new machine!

great topic, thanks 👍

So many have had problems with Janome machines. Good luck with it.

Many thanks for a great video. Nice calm presentation. I have a Janome 1000HD black and looking for a stronger one for bags etc. You are so correct about the differences in costs. My best deal for a Janome HD9 is $ 2000.00 Canadian Dollars. SOOO will keep on looking. Many thanks and looking forward to your next review

Congrats on getting your new machine! Even though I live in the U.S. and I don't make bags I enjoyed this video. I like learning about different kinds of sewing machines, especially mechanical ones. I have vintage Kenmore machines that were most likely made by Janome. I am going to check out your other videos to see what kind of bags you make. 9

Oh I’m gutted you couldn’t get the Brother PQ1500, i have a love hate relationship with mine and I’d love to see bag makers tutorials using it for tips to get the best from it. All the best with your new friend

Congrats on your new machine! I have had my Janome HD9 for a couple of years now and have made a dozen or more bags, backpacks and totes. I have version one, which took me a bit of getting used to, that half-shaped bobbin holder, but now it is easy. I love nearly everything about this work-horse machine and the two little things (height of foot lift and needle threader) don't seem to prevent me from completing beautiful projects. In all honesty I just thread the needle faster than I can fiddle with the threader. I use Tex 70 thread on a lot of projects and it doesn't play nice with needle threaders anyway. I rarely have to change the tension and have gone from heavier to lighter fabric still getting a great stitch. Can't wait to see all the beautiful things you will create on your new machine!

I’m in the market for a new machine and this video was perfect timing. Thanks for all the info and thanks to you, I’m currently looking at the Brother 1500sl. Your video helped me narrow down my choices considerably by asking myself those questions. 😊

Thank you for this!

I have had my HD9 for going on 2 yrs now and love it! All I make on it is bags leather, vinyl, the only problem I have is With waterproof canvas, I have to tighten the top tension pretty tight to get it to pull up that bobbin thread on waterproof canvas, would love some thoughts from others using waterproof canvas. I always use a Teflon foot and here’s a tip I use HLx5 100/16PD or 110/18PD needles the PD stands for TITATNIUM and I never have problems with double sided tape. I use Tex 70 thread most of the time and always the thread guide for heavyweight thread...I have made many many bags on this machine it is a work horse. Can’t wait for your review Jo after making a few on it! Congratulations!

I have the hd9 I also own a couple of embroidery machines and I have always shopped around and haggled, some lady got a hd9 from them for £899 last week she posted it on Facebook. I also have the table that it fits into, haggled on that too

This was so helpful! I’ve been trying learn the difference between sewing machines on my own and have felt like I’ve just been bumbling along. I’m new to bag making, but it’s so much fun when I don’t jam up the machine! 😅

Thank you for this video! I recently went through a similar process as my old machine could not do layers required for bag making. Like you, I did not have room for industrial so I focused on straight stitch. Choices came down to Janome HD9 and Juki TL2010Q. In Canada, the HD9 was more expensive and required accessories like extension table and additional feet to be purchased separately. I went with Juki based on price; video reviews indicated they were very similar and owners of both machines rave about them. I did have to buy sight unseen, but no regrets! 🤓

I love my HD9! It quickly became my favorite machine for all of my bags. I suggest getting a Presser Foot Quick Change Screw, it was a game changer. I can change my presser foot within seconds! 😊 have fun!!!

I recently purchased a Juki industrial which I use most for bags. Not really in love with the Brother pq and will soon trade it in for another Janome.

I have both a Bernina 770QE and a Janome HD9. I bought the Janome thinking it would work better for bag making and I didn't have space for an Industrial. I ended up being really frustrated and went back to making bags with the Bernina. I couldn't sew through material any thicker than my Bernina could handle. I am willing to believe my problems are user error, so I'm hoping I can learn something from Jo about how to use the Janome.

I adore my HD9, she is such a workhorse! She was way way out of my budget range but it was the best investment I have ever made! Enjoy your new machine, make loads of beautiful bags! Hugs from Germany

I bought a Juki HZL-DX7 late last year and it has been fantastic for both garment sewing and bag making. I sew vinyl and cork on it,generally without any issues. Obviously it’s not as effective as an industrial, but so far it’s doing the job for me. If I could, I’d probably get an industrial for bag making so I could see leather. Unfortunately, I have neither the space nor budget for one at the moment. Congratulations on your new machine and I hope you love working with it!

Vintage straight stitch machine or a vintage heavy duty machine like the singer 403 A can do straight stitches on multiple layers of leather, I think up to three layers. Depends on the thickness of the piece of leather. That particular series of 400 machines, like the previous ones, are all metal construction so they have a good weight.

I live in the U.S. and purchased the HD9 from a local dealer. I totally love this machine and can comfortably sew through 6 layers of vinyl and interfacing. An extra lift on the presser foot lifter will give you just the extra you need to get your material under the foot. Use the correct needle - I use only Organ brand - and you will breeze right through your bag making even when using heavy stabilizers such as Decovil heavy. And you can change to quilting cotton with no problem. You did a very nice job explaining how you made your decision and I know you won’t regret the purchase! Look forward to hearing more from you 😊 Best, Charlotte Naves … Loudon, New Hampshire, USA

I have a Juki ddl 8700H so it’s straight stitch not a lot of money I love it. It’s an industrial machine

Looks like a great machine. I saw you quickly mention the vintage Singer 201s, while nice and the choice of Rolls Royce to sew their vehicle interiors in the 1950s, I tend to like their sister 15-91 of the same era (noisier but easier to find for less expense plus more parts available). The 201 and 15 models were designed for retail workshops like fine wedding gowns to heavy cotton and light leather such as bag makers. If supply lines are so hard to source modern sewing machines (you got down to number eight on your list), how hard will it be to find repair parts for them? The vintage Singers are super easy to find most parts (or a whole working machine if big problems or for a production backup).

Good for you! Glad you found a machine you like. I am sad you don't have a domestic. I guess you will be making bags that are out of my reach as the time goes by. I love your designs, and your videos. You are a talented designer and I wish you the best going forward!

Congratulations on your new machine, you will love it! I bought the same model a few months ago after having a really hard time choosing between HD9 and Juki but I settled for the HD9 because of the extra lift space, big bobbin and ability to handle thicker thread in the bobbin too. What I wanted also was the extension table and when I searched for HD9 extension table the price is qite high but instead I searched for an extention table for the 1600P (that has exactly the same body as the DH9) and found one half price (some leftover stock from a Norwegian Janome dealer). I love the extension table, it makes sewing certain parts much easier. When I need to topstich the upper edge of a bag I put a heavy block under th machine abit more than half ay under it and get sort of "free arm", it works like a charm. I live in Sweden and prices here are not exactly cheap, but got also a decent deal at my local shop, about 1430 pounds which is very good deal for Swedish prices :). I also have the teflon foot, zipper foot that I use for piping and the narrow foot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and will definitely enjoy your videos even more from now on seeing you sewing on "my machine" :D I am not a professional bag maker, I just enjoy making bags for myself and occasionally sew special gifts for friends and family. I am thinking all the time about making to sell but I dont have the time for that - I also love my daily job and want to keep bag making as a hobby to relax and disconnect. Greetings from Sweden! :)

A domestic that I would recommend over any Bernina is the Janome M7. It's an amazing machine. I think you made the best choice. I have a Brother PQ1500SL and also a Singer S16 which is a Janome 1600P clone. The Singer is so much better than the Brother. Better threader and winder. Speed control. The Brother skips stitches. There's a solid feel to it lacking in the Brother.

I gave a 2500 brand new Bernina away, it could not handle wind proof fleece, Pfaff, Janonme, or Sail..something are good choices. My Janome is a straight stitch, compared it side by side with a Juki, the Janome was so much smoother and quieter and tougher I think. I have been sewing for over 50 years, I am a tailor who makes leather bags

I’m so happy you got that machine! Janome is great. I have a mc9450 for my quilting and other sewing. Wonderful machines.!!!! I also have a juki tl2010 and industrial juki dnu1541 for bag making. What I can use in my juki tl2010 is Tex 70 in top and use tex 45 or tex30 in the bobbin. It’s just easier on the thread cutting. Oh I’m so happy for you!

I do sew clothes, but I am currently making a bag and wish I had a bag for just bags. I have been looking vintage as I know a lot about Singer. My baba was a seamstress too.

Nice choice! I have had mine for a few years and I love it. I have even pieced quilts on it. The only annoying thing I’ve found is it does not like to sew through materials with double sided tape. If you can get the needle to clear the tape it will make lovely stitches.❤

thanks for the info.

My favorite machines for bag making are the Sears brand, Kenmore built in the 70s, a model that is all metal that does straight and zig zag stitch and has a reverse. I use the zig zag to finish the raw edge of fabrics that are prone to fraying. The vintage Kenmores are so easy to maintain easily at home. Many of the all internal metal machines will last another 50 years as long as they are maintained, used, and kept in a constantly dry environment (environmentally controlled). I have restored several of these machines and sold starting at $100.which is a true bargain. These machines were made in Japan.

I found this very interesting. I'd been saving up for the hd9 but would cost me nearly $3000.00 New Zealand. Halve that for pound sterling. But in the end I went for for an medium to heavy industrial. Which cost $1400NZ. I do have the room for it so that was good and I use my 25 year old little tired janome excel. I think I've worn it out poor thing after over 4 years of bag making. Totally enjoying my zoje industrial now though, but yes I have to use my janome for the linings. Enjoy your HD9. I am slightly envious, it is a sweet machine and Janomes are reliable.

The Juki TL18QVP is much more powerful than the Brother PQ1500. The Brother doesn't handle the Tex70 thread as well either. I got the Brother for quilt making and for that, it is wonderful. If you sew with sheer or slippery fabric (PUL), the pinfeed on it is wonderful, but for regular bagmaking, the Juki is supreme.

I too had a Bernina 160 computer machine that needed a circuit board which they no longer make 😢 So I have done my homework and have chosen the Janome HD9 as well. I love how quiet it is vs the Brother you spoke about in your video. The Janome machine is by far a more quality machine! Mine was on special for the holidays and I ended up paying $1500 because I live in the USA. These machines can retail from $1650 up to $2300 so I feel I got a pretty good deal and all I do with mine is quilt and make bags I ❤❤❤ it! Enjoyed your video 🥰 Do you have a website for your bag patterns?

The Juki TL-2200 and TL-2300 straight stitch machines are available in the UK (well showing as in stock on some websites!) but they are very expensive!

i picked up a vintage singer 31k47 with the walking kick foot for 30pound but i stil like my singer 319k

I'm sorry your Bernina had to be retired. If you are ever in New Mexico, you can borrow mine.🙂

I have two industrials: a Juki 8700H and a Juki 1541 DNU. Whilst I wouldn't sew clothes on the 1541, using the 8700, I've never had issues with tension switching between relatively fine fabric (viscose challis) and lightweight leather, cordura etc. Edit if you can find space for an industrial that is definitely the way to go. My 8700H was less than £500 new though the 1181 has a walking foot (though not a compound like the 1541) and is a great price too...significantly less than the 1541.

Great...the first video I've seen that helps cut through all the choices. Yes, I see the HD9 is around/over 2k in Canada vs the Juki TL-18qvp for about 1500 and they seem similar? I know the semi industrial machines like the Juki TL-18 will do what I want...sew bags with vinyl like landscape fabric but wondering how long they'll last compared to an industrial machine eg, Juki DDL-8700. The industrials are typically 1/2hp (550w) but nowhere is the power/watts listed for the semi industrials...unless someone can tell me whats on the machine label.

I was looking at the Sailrite but decide to instead go with the Yamata 335 cylinder arm machine.

What an incredibly useful and well-done video. Thank you so much. I've subscribed and I'll be back!

It takes practice when you’re haggling. You haggle for the price or just add features for whatever your buying. As a consumer, it’s always a win when you save money. Good luck

I am in the U.S. and I bought a Janome HD9 about 2 years ago & I love, love, love her. She is a real work horse.

Hi Jo, The lady in Adelaide (Michele) said she had a foot for 1/8th inch. I really struggle with getting an 1/8th inch top stitch. I have a Necchi heavy duty machine. Can you recommend a good presser foot to help me get a perfect seam allowance please. I have been looking at walking feet and guess it isn't possible to add a compound foot to a domestic machine???? Happy New year and can't wait until you release the clutch bag pattern 20 Jan! 👏👏👏

Ohhh no! I have a Record 930 and I was hoping to use it for Bag Making. I just bought a walking foot for it but can not get my heavier threads to work with it. I wanted to ask you for any tips. I adjusted tension, I bought a holder for the thread, the Tex 35 just loops like a crazy town under the fabric/vinyl. Did not want to have to get another machine. 😮😊

I have had my Janome HD9 machine since early 2020, I really love it. I tried the juki qvp-2200 en janome HD9 side by side ( I brought my own test bag and tried to sew the different thickness wtih both machines) . I chose the Janome, it had less trouble with the thick layer, the lighting was better , the bigger bobbin and the extra tension path for thick thread were the reason. And as extra surprise, in the Netherlands the janome is a few hundred euro cheaper than the juki.

Thank you for your shopping wisdom. At the start of the pandemic, I was determined to teach myself to sew . I purchased a new $100 Janome ( I think it is just called the Arctic Crystal, it's so cheap they didn't bother with a serious model number) . It is light, pretty much 100% plastic, and not intimidating. I taught myself to sew on it and anticipated it would break in a year. Now, almost 3 years on, I am sewing waterproof canvas backpacks on it , amazed it is still chugging away. I have a couple vintage Singer and Kenmore machines, but I love them and would be so sad if I damaged one sewing through 8 layers of 600 denier WPC. When the Janome does give up, I will likely get another, upgraded Janome, with a serious model number.

I just happened to stumble across this video just as I was about to give up and turn to drink 😥😂. I have an embroidery machine and also a fab Juki DX7 which I adore!! BUT I want to venture into bag making and a semi industrial machine. Its a minefield and totally exhausting so a HUGE thank you for this, just brilliant! Please can you say if you came across the Jack machines? Also which mkdel of the Juki were you considering? I am n ot in the UK but France so may have some more options? The Sailrite machines are very good also. I am nkw a true Subscriber 😍

You could just get a bottom of the line Bernina. Even the cheapest Berninas still have a rigidly guided needle bar and dc motors.

I am just at the stage where I need to buy a heavy duty walking foot machine. Don't need the speed of the industrial but I need the ability to sew thru many layers, vinyl, leather and cotton. general bag construction. I have a Juki DX7 and I think I am abusing her and the stitching quality is just not consistent. I found this video the most helpful. THANK YOU... now I can find a Janome 1600p for under 1000.00usd and I am wondering what the big difference is between that and the HD9. Also you said that the Brother PQ1500sl was your first choice but not available, and that is available her in the US now also. so with that speaking if you had the choice between those 3 which one would you go for? I am getting old so I am not looking to keep trading up..... this just might be my last :) Thank you so much for any input on this I am trying to make a good decision, and sometimes talking to dealers just makes me want to scream.

wish I still had family west of the mighty Mississippi - George come to Tennessee & bring my Janome Contential M17 please

Thanks for the video Jo. Does this mean that you will now be creating patterns that will be beyond those of us with domestics?

Hi Jo, I am currently looking for a straight stitch machine and have checked out your HD9. I am soooo confused as Janome do a 1600P which seems very like your HD9. Also Juki do similar machines. Can you tell me if you are happy with your machine. Thanks

Hi cam fs60x brother can sew leather, pvc n pu tq

Aloha from beautiful Hawaii islands ⛵️ 🏝 I m doing embroidery abouts sailing around the world ⛵️ 🌎. For me very important expensive machine. I m own Baby lock Destiny. Super awesome quality machine .I am doing embroidery almost every day, so much enjoyment. I like it sewing machines with a big screen and high-quality resolution . I love do embroidery so much about everything sailing ⛵️ so popular and beautiful education sailing around the world. Thanks for sharing Greetings from beautiful tropical paradise Hawaii islands 🏝

10:02 Straight Stitch machines semi industrial

Please how much is industrial machine in nigeria

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🥰🦋🙏🌈🙏🦋🥰

Just bought a Janome HD 3000 per bag making it came highly recommended and I’m so disappointed I spent $400 on it and it’s a piece of junk

Made in taiwan

NO HAGGLING IN AMERICA.

Love this jo! Loved your blog post too. I would love a new machine. My Bernina 480 which is great but not fast. I’m looking at the juki 220qvlp but they are all 💰 🫣 but I know worth it. I know Becky from rjafmakes loves her hd9 but I tried the juki and fell in love with it 😅 I go round in circles, great to hear you love yours!