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  • What Janome is comparable to a Babylock Espire (also Symphony)--would like to change.

  • What Janome is comparable to a Babylock Espire (also Symphony)--would like to change.

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    Old 10-21-2012, 06:58 PM
      #11  
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    I really like my new Janome 6600, BUT...my only complaint about it is that I've been completely spoiled by the built in walking foot on my old Pfaff! The Pfaff walking foot can be used with the Pfaff feet that have the cut out in the back...most of them do, without having to change the shank, simply pull it down and it snaps onto whatever foot you're using.

    I bought the 6600 because of the walking foot, but there is just NO comparison to the Pfaff one, and it's got a strange shape, making it impossible to use the side of the foot as a guide. It's also a pain to have to remove the shank and replace it with the entire walking foot. To compensate for not using the walking foot, I've been letting up a bit on the presser foot dial, like setting it at 2 instead of 3 for straight stitch sewing. It works! lol

    I sure wish Janome would make a set of feet that are normal width, use the existing shank, and that would accommodate the Janome walking foot.

    I find that the 6600 has plenty of harp space and have had no problem moving a queen size quilt through it.
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    Old 10-21-2012, 07:07 PM
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    Originally Posted by Helen S
    ........and it's got a strange shape, making it impossible to use the side of the foot as a guide. It's also a pain to have to remove the shank and replace it with the entire walking foot.
    Sounds like you just have the regular AccuFeed foot.
    If you are wanting a guide, you can purchase a 1/4" AccuFeed foot.
    There's also a SITD Accufeed.
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    Old 10-21-2012, 07:17 PM
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    Originally Posted by tjradj
    I have the Janome Horizon 7700 and absolutely love it. Originally it was running about $3000 Can. The prices are coming down now that the new model with embroidery came out - it's basically the same machine with embroidery added. The Horizon has the bells and whistles you mentioned, and as Janome does, it comes with all the different feet, and a large plexiglass extension table. If you have a sewing table that lets the machine drop down, you may want to check if it will fit. This machine has the 11" throat which is GREAT for quilting, but it does make the machine larger and some tables will have to be custom fit. There is a SewEZ and also a Gidget II table available that do fit the larger machine.
    FYI, I was at my dealer last week and they were advertising a "new" Janome quilting machine. It is the Jem Platinum. - It's a cutie - it has a lot packed into it - but it's a 3/4 size machine, made for portability - it's only 12 lbs. I think they mean it to compete with the Singer Featherweight in size, but with a lot more features.
    I should have been clearer - the new machines are the 8200 and 8900. The 8900 is not a 12 lb. machine, but a full size like the 7700. The 8200 is similar but with fewer stitches. The Jem Platinum is a great machine for classes, but wouldn't be good as a main machine.
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    Old 10-21-2012, 07:51 PM
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    I love my Janome 6600. I also bought the 1/4" accufeed foot with guide, the sitd accufeed. I love love the 1/4"AccuFeed Foot and use the drop down foot with it...
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    Old 10-21-2012, 09:36 PM
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    Have you calibrated your espire because I never had messy uneven stitches with mine. i would try calibrating it or maybe taking it in to your dealer because My machine worked wonderfully
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    Old 10-21-2012, 09:54 PM
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    I can't say anything about your new machine you bought, but taking back to the dealership for them to look at might help. I have 2 Vikings, 3 singers and a Serger. The machine I use all the time is a little lightweight singer that was given to me as a gift (Singer Perfect) I think. If I had the monies I would buy a APQS long arm called "George". Not sure I got the name right.
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    Old 10-22-2012, 04:43 AM
      #17  
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    Hi
    I think your LQS where you bought your Espire sold you a machine that needed work, to put it nicely. I have a Symphony (no Symphony embroiders) and absolutely love it! I've had it for two years and it sews through anything and does it beautifully! Not one issue with it, and if there was one my dealer would be sure it was resolved!
    I don't know about a comparable Janome, just felt bad your should be wonderful machine isn't!
    Bev
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    Old 11-10-2012, 06:11 AM
      #18  
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    Default Janome / Babylock experience

    Originally Posted by Bevsie
    Hi
    I think your LQS where you bought your Espire sold you a machine that needed work, to put it nicely. I have a Symphony (no Symphony embroiders) and absolutely love it! I've had it for two years and it sews through anything and does it beautifully! Not one issue with it, and if there was one my dealer would be sure it was resolved!
    I don't know about a comparable Janome, just felt bad your should be wonderful machine isn't!
    Bev
    After seeing the Janome Horizon (7700) demonstrated, I brought it home on approval for two weeks, good price (under $2K a year ago), but I just didn't like it. Didn't like the dark base of the machine, particularly didn't like the organization of the electronic board (I'd sit there and think, now what does IT want me to do). Anyway, I took it back and bought a Babylock Symphony, and I love it. It seems intuitive to me, love the features, the stitches that can be super-sized, (great for borders on little quilts), the easy threading, the needle threader, the cutter (OMG) the whole deal. Great looking stitches, love the way it sews over differing weights of fabric. Have a wonderful LQS as well. Came with lots of extras and I especially like their warranty. (My old machine is an Elna 6001 Quilter's Dream, which I still love, but I wanted that thread cutter and something a bit fancier. The Elna never has given me a moment of trouble, in 9 years. Still have it.)
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    Old 11-11-2012, 04:38 AM
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    I don't think the problem is your machine but your dealer. I would try contacting Babylock (or whatever co. it belongs too). I understand this is your closest dealer but I wouldn't buy from anyone I don't get good service from. Have you looked at some of the smaller dealers, large isn't always better. What happens if you trade and your Janome needs repair? I drive past a lot of dealers to get to the shop that I get good service from. It's not like you need to go every day or week (hopefully) to get repairs or service.
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