C.

Hi Watson, I have had my 6600 for a little over 8 years now and I have to say it is the all around best work horse machine that does everything for me. I will add that I have never had one problem with it. My dealer loves it when people bring the 6600 in for a cleanup, as he said easy to do and rarely is their ever any problems with it and he even said it is one of the best machines Janome has made. I have made and free motion quilted all my over 40 quilts on it. Several were king sized and many many queen. I did not take it in for a cleaning until two years ago, as I faithfully clean mine with vacuum tools made for it. I didn't know what to expect he would find. He said very very little lint and in great shape. I asked about this servicing thing that most other dealers say is needed. His response was, if you clean that very often, there is no need and a waste of money! He suggested every 3 or 4 years if you like unless having problems. Now I say that is something! A very honest dealer too. So I would go for the 6600 if you could, a very very good machine......Merry Christmas

KnitnutBZ

I've had my 6600 for 4 years and love it. It doesn't have the free arm though. I have a janome 3160 for taking and it does have. The free arm. Love love janome. Traded my 3500 in on my 3160 to get the stop start and scissor features.

Kris P

I've had the 6600 for 3 years and love, love, love it. The integrated walking foot is awesome. It sews through everything, and I love the alphabet options for embroidery. You'll never regret getting the 6600.

vivsqt

I have had my 6500 Janome for about 15 years (?). Bought it when they first came out. I thought I wanted the 6600 Janome so I traded up. I did not care for the bulkiness of the built-in walking foot so about two weeks after I bought the 6600 I went back to my 6500. About four years later our local quilt shop had some 6500 models that were used for classroom teaching on sale so I bought a second one. I have been sewing and quilting for about 45 to 50 years now and I like it the best of any machine I have owned. They are a great machine for the price.

loisf

I don't know the 6500, but I have had my 6600 for four years, and I love it. Never eats the beginning of a block (no need for leaders), sews through anything (3/4 layers of denim), cuts thread beautifully, and on and on. I love the walking foot - always feeds well with no puckers. No repairs, just routine cleaning. I can't imagine a better machine for the $1500 I paid for her.

Kay in Iowa

Have had my 6600 for several years - purchased it because I just couldn't handle the noise of the walking foot on my 9000 and more. Absolutely would recommend the 6600 - it is indeed a workhorse. I have the 11000 and the 12000 as well, but will keep the 6600 as the back up to both of those as it won't let me down EVER. Can't recommend the Janome's any more - they are FABULOUS machines!

tenngal

I also have the 6500, bought second hand - works just great and the machine wasn't used much at all.

purplefiend

Zozee,
I learned to sew on a flat bed machine,don't need a free arm to sew cuffs,hems and the like. I learned to make all of my clothes with a Singer 301.
Sharon in Texas