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    #1

    Help! I can't decide on a machine!

    Hello all!
    I am looking to upgrade to a new machine that I'll love especially for free motion quilting without all the tension probs etc... I'm looking into the janome 6500 & 6600 ( that's kinda my price limit) and also looking into some straight stitch only machines.
    It's so confusing and hard to decide so maybe someone can give me advise based on their experience w fmq on a machine they love?
    Any imput will be greatly appreciated I'm problem going to purchase end of March so I look forward to any responses In the meantime!

    Happy sewing y'all xoxo
    Coco
    Tags: fmq, help with free motion, new machine, quilting
    #2
    Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

    I have a Janome 6300, which is very similar to the 6500 and I love my machine. I love that the throat space is nice and large (9.5" I think), I love that you can adjust the presser foot height depending on how thick your quilt sandwich is. I love that it comes with its own extension table, and I love how easy it is to use. The only thing that disappointed me was that as much money as I spent, a case did not come with it. Because it is an extra wide machine, it doesn't fit into a standard size sewing tote, and it is heavy enough that you really need one with wheels if you are going to travel with it at all. I don't do much, but when I do, I need "something" to carry it in. I ended u having to buy one, and it wasn't cheap, even on sale because most companies don't make the extra wide width. Janome really should give you a tote on wheels for the price you pay for the machine, particularly the larger/wider machines. But as far as the machine goes, I really enjoy using mine a lot!
    My soul is fed with needle and thread, my body with chocolate!

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      #3
      Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

      I have the Janome 6600. I also love my machine. Throat space is 8 7/8 inch, just measured it. Tension is good, very little if any problems while free motion quilting. Comes with threader, which is a must for me. Needle up/down, lots of stitches (which I don't really use much, except the serpentine stitch). Also has the acufeed feet for quilting instead of a walking foot.

      Janome has a 1600 that is just straight stitch but I decided against it because the feed dogs didn't drop. But have since discovered Leah Day and she doesn't drop the feed dogs while free motion quilting. So you might try that.

      Good luck on your search for a new machine.

      Phyllis

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        #4
        Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

        I bought a used Janome 6600 a year ago and absolutely love it! In the past year I have run miles of thread through my machine with absolutely no problems. Good luck making your decision, Sewing Machine Buying can be so darn confusing.
        Robin

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          #5
          Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

          Not sure what your price range is. I bought a H. Viking Opal 670 last Sept. It has a wider throat, needle up & down, built in thread cutter, 3 LED lights over the work area, threader, you can fill bobbins from either the spindle or from through the needle, so you don't have to re-thread every time. It's all computerized. Speed control is excellent. There is a 45 min. video on YouTube about its features. I've been very satisfied with it. I do FMQ all the time. I did have to buy a custom fit Sew Steady ext. table & a new walking foot. Also new bobbins, which are specific to this machine. The list price for the Opal was $799., but I got a trade-in for my older model Viking 183. JCY
          Last edited by JCY; February 6, 2014, 07:42 AM.

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            #6
            Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

            If you want a machine that does only straight stitch, for less than $1000, I have seen them between $700-$800, the Juki 2010i is nice. It stitches up to 1500spm, straight stitch only, large harp, thread cutter. Nothing fancy, but it does what is needed. This will be the next machine I buy.
            pat.

            No rain....no rainbows!


            sigpic

            If you can't be nice.....BE QUIET!

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              #7
              Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

              I have actually used a regular rolling mid size suitcase to take my Viking 875Q or my embroidery machine with me. I already had it, the machine fit on it's side and it seems to work very well. I have extra room for thread, a project or supplies. I put the machine in with it facing so when I set the suitcase upright the machine is sitting on it's base. I don't think the brief time the machine is sitting on it's back is harmful at all. There are even little straps to secure it in place.
              Claire from Pelham, Alabama

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                #8
                Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

                I adored my 6600, traded up and am consdering going back down to that model again. You won't be sorry if you get that machine!

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                  #9
                  Re: Help! I can't decide on a machine!

                  JCY- Did you buy the extent ion table bc it didn't come with it? As well as the walking foot? And is this a straight stitch only machine?
                  Thanks

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