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I own 3 Janomes and would hate to part with any of them. The only thing I don't use on my 6600 is the single hole plate. I use the knee lifter when appliqueing as it leaves both hands free to guide the fabric. I don't use a lot of the decorative stitches on my 5024 but have them on the 6600. The little one I take to workshops or to my group. Also have a MC10000 but it is used exclusively for embroidery. Now I have my own quilt room the embroidery machine can be going while I sew on either of the other two. Love the freedom of a large workspace.

I have the Janome 12000 and like the others who have it, love it. I especially like the embroidery. It is a heavy machine but that is the only downfall. I also have traded up with each machine so it doesn't seem to cost so much. Love the Janomes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by callen (Post 5549962)

I own a Bernina Series 8 model 820 machine & I love it. The auto needle threader works like a charm, it has a very large harp area (which was a priority for me). I am impressed with everything it does & the quality of the machine itself. The lighting is great, it has a bobbin 2-3x the size of most regular bobbins, so less filling.I was first quoted $8500. here in Canada & the dealer came down to $6500. + taxes (of course) so that's what I decided on. I also have a Juki straight stitch machine that is a real work horse - nothing fancy but it sure does work. I also have a Janome 350E embroidery only machine that I just bought so I have only played a little with it so far, but so far, so good.It really isn't the fact that any machine is TOL or not TOL, it is whatever you are looking for in a machine & of course, what you can comfortably afford.

CAllen's final statement is SO true ... it's important to get a machine that's a match for your needs (and wants, though sometimes that's beyond what IS needed!) ... and affordable.

I'd be interested to hear from more about their experiences with the Bernina 820 (or other comparables)
... I'm particulary interested in the larger harp space, and BSR

Does the BSR really give you consistent FMQ stitch lengths?

QuiltE, I have tried the BSR and have used a LA with stitch regulation. Both are not perfectly consistant...you have to practice to make the stitches the same...the only way the stitches come out constistant is when the machine goes by itself without you manning it. Computerized...

I have a BabyLock Ellisimo sewing/embroidery machine. The quilting features are great. It has neeedle up/down button and auto presser foot lift for pivoting fabric when piecing. There isn't really anything I don't like about it.

After reading everyone's reviews, I now have a list of machines to go look at, thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honchey (Post 5550574)

Of course, I want the magic pill!!
I won't be going for a LAQ ... and am starting to really like doing FMQ. I just want to make it look better.
Of course, practice, but anything that can help me is welcomed.

I know .. practice, practice, practice! :)

I have the Janome MC6600. I love it. I use it all the time AND I use the knee lift. The AccuFeed is great for so many applications. I really like it with flannel because I don't get the distortion I do on other machines - and I have several.

I have finally mastered the needle threader and use it all the time but I have to say it is a major disappointment after my Babylock Ellegante. I bought the Janome so that I would have something with a larger harp to sew on while embroidering. The BL has nicer decorative stitches but the Janome sews faster (probably why the BL stitches are nicer!) and it sets in a recessed table. I am kind of short bodied so that is better for me.

The one feature I don't like on the Janome that most people would love is that the lights are too bright. Sometimes I just have to switch to another machine.

Yes, I would buy another and I use most every feature I have found.

I have a Janome 7700. I love all its bells and whistles, especially the accufeed foot and the automatic plate converter. Not particularly enamored of the knee lift - I simply don't use it. I like the buttons right above the needle for backstitch, locking stitch, needle up/down.

I have 3 Husqvarna machines: A Sapphire 870, Topaz 20 (in Norway) and an older Freesia (in USA). I love them all.

These 2 are not TOL but, I bought 2 Baby Lock machines last year (in USA) - a Jane to use on a Grace quilting frame - a Sophia for piecing and taking along places.