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I do hand quilting. Have only quilted table runners on the machine. I have the Jamone 9000 and have really learned to appreciate it. I have a separate shop for sewing and wanted a good cheap machine for in the house when I wanted to do some quilt pieces etc.I bought a couple of the cheaper Brother machines, it didn't take me long to take them back to Walmart.
Went back to my Jamone and it sews like a dream.

After reading this thread, I must say I am curious as to why anyone would have multiple machines. You all must be much richer than me; I'll say that much. Please take this in the spirit with which it is intended.

I have the Pfaff Expressions 4.0 which is just below the big embroidery machines. I bought this one because I would never ever use the embroidery of the next one up. I also have a 7550 at our mountain retreat, which was my second Pfaff. I love the built in walking foot. I hate the big clunky ones of other machines. I have a knee lift with mine but don't use it at all. Jan

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Originally Posted by susieqwva

I recently purchased a Janome 7700 Horizon . . . . . and LOVE it! I also have a Janome Sewist 521 that I take to retreats because it is much smaller and easier to manage. Good luck! I know it is a difficult decision . . . . try different brands out, that's what helped me decide! My vote is for Janome!

I posted this earlier but for some reason it never showed up. After reading this thread from the beginning and searching the board for feedback on various machines, I went out today and bought the Horizon! The 6600 was there, too, but I couldn't take my eyes off that throat space and it sews like a dream. I will have it next weekend and am pretty excited!

Did somebody say "you're worth it!". My Janome 9000 quit on me July 4th. It needed a new bobbin case. The repairman told me they're supposed to be changed every 5 years. Did any of you know that? Anyway, the next day I bought a Janome MC6000P -- the quilting machine!!!! It's a little heavy but sews beautifully. By the way, the 6500 is out-of-date I am told. The 6600 is so much better. Yes, I would recommend it.
Forgot to add, took my 9000 to my repairman on Tuesday and he called to say it was ready to pick up Wednesday afternoon. I had told him I had a class on Friday. He's great -- think I'll keep him.
My 6600 was purchased in San Marcos, CA at SewingMachinesPlus. You can look them up on line. Saved myself over $500 because I bought a table to go with it. Also nice people to deal with and they have great prices.

I love my Pfaff Varimatic 6085, just switch the feet and off I go. So far it has done everything I've asked of it. I wish it had a bigger throat, but I've decided it is going to be my sewing buddy for many years to come.

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Originally Posted by sparkys_mom

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvillequilter

Hi All,
I really enjoy hearing from other quilters about their favorite make and model sewing machine for quiltmaking. I just sold my Bernina 820 machine. Although it is a fabulous machine for general sewing, including heirloom, garment, etc. I personally felt it was not the perfect choice for quilters. It does have a hugh harp which would entice you to think it answers all of us quilters' demands, but even the BSR works better on the 430/440, 630/640, 200/730 machines. I am currently using my Berina 230 machine which I absolutely love, but I don't feel it is suited to be a primary machine.

In addition to Bernina owners, I would love to hear from Janome, Pffaff and Viking owners.

In stitches,
Roberta in CNY

I'm really interested in this subject! I made my first quilt 2+ years ago. On the advice of my LQS I purchased a Brother 6000i - light and cheap and does the job. Mostly, I do charity quilts and stitch in the ditch to finish them. I've rented the long arm for other projects or had it done by someone else. I'm ready to upgrade! First, why is everyone so cagey about pricing? I do not have space or budget for a LA but I would definitely like to do free motion on my own machine - not practical on my little Brother - but I don't want to pay for features I won't use. I also don't want to skimp and then find out I could have paid a little more and gotten important features. What do you DSM users think are the most important features?

Pat, I also have a Brother and love it for every thing except machine quilting becasue of the narrow throat size. It's not conducive to anything larger than an 36 X 45 baby quilt. I'm getting an older Kemore from a friend with a wide throat, plenty of decorative stitches if I choose to machine quilt with an embroidery stitch to make the charity quilts a little special. A LA is definately not a finaancial option for me so this will be the most suitable optio for me. happy Quilting whatever you choose. :-D :-D :-D

I have a Viking Lily 550 which I bought about 13 years ago. I love my machine. Of course I'm not a super quilter and also do other small sewing projects so it suits me just fine. I'm sure now that I'm 29 (76) years old, I will never be able to afford another machine, much as I would love to have one of the more updated ones. If I do a really special quilt, I will definitely send it out to a LA for quilting.

I love my Janome and my little Janome (which caused me to buy a bigger one) and an Elna. I love all of these and are friendly users.

I love my Janome Horizon, it has a larger throat area.