zozee

The 6500 doesn't have a free arm, so you couldn't do cuffs, hems, or other circular things like that. If you wouldn't use those much, tgen I assume your current machine could. If you get the 6500, I highly recommend you get The Kenmore brand walking foot. I bought a brand that kept falling off after the first year. You have to order directly ftom kenmore's site but they had a set of four different feet for $50 when I bought. Much much higher quality if you don't get the 6600. At the price if a 6600 I would look at the 8200. It does soooooo much more plus has 11" throat, auto thread cutter , knee lift. Tons of feet. But for the under $1400 budget, I think you'd like the 6500.

Sassylass

Watson, a lot of good advice here...I have the 6600 and love it. The machine does all that I ask of it and more! Sending you a PM with information on where I bought it.not sure if I am allowed to put it on here..I am also in Ontario

jmoore

my Janome 6600 is a workhorse... I purchased it about 5 years ago and have really bonded with my machine. I have done quilts, drapes, pillows and much more. It can handle anything. I purchased a new 8900 this year but I don't have the same relationship with it so my 6600 is still my "go to" machine.

QuiltMom2

Watson, you might find you "grow" into a new machine and do even more and better things! I say go with the best you can afford and the remember the best machine is the one you use. I still have my Sears Kenmore purchased new in the early 70's but don't separate me from my used Bernina.

Clarice288

Yes! It is definitely worth the expense. (I own the same model) As you become more accustomed to using it your confidence will grow and your skills will expand. Is it possible to take lessons from where you purchased it? I was fortunate to get free lessons from where I purchased mine and they were invaluable.
Good Luck!

Karamarie

I had the Janome 6500 for about 3 years and then upgraded to the 6600 for the scissor button, knee lift and the larger 9" harp space as I do all my own FMQing. I love each of those features, am spoiled now and wouldn't want to go back. It is a real work horse, but the 6500 was a very good machine also and if the above mentioned features aren't that important then I would go with the 6500.

Lady Diana

Go for the 6600! It is a real workhorse.....don't purchase the 7700....too many issues and dealers won't take them as trade ins anymore..I have the 6600 and the 8900.love them both.Janome machines are wonderful and very reasonable compared to other brands. Go to the Janome site and compare their machines. They have a function there to see the features side by side. Best wishes.

Buckeye Rose

Ask your dealer about good used machines. I bought a used 6600 for about $1000. It had been traded in from someone who was upgrading. It works great and came with classes, all the doodads and manual. I have never regretted spending the money.

WandaVA

I've had my 6600 for almost 5 years...and it is a "high-mileage" machine! I have never had any trouble at all with it, and love it. The built-in walking foot is great, and would be reason enough for me to upgrade from 6500 to 6600. I take it in every 12-18 months for servicing/cleaning. My repairman has been servicing sewing machines for almost 30 years, and he told me the 6600 is the most-liked machine by his clients, and it needs fewer repairs than any other machine.

lfletcher

I love my Janome 6500. I have had it since 2004 (I think) and have not had one bit of problem with it.