I've really been interested in buying either a vintage sewing machine (probably a Husqvarna Viking 6460 or 6000 series) or a quilter machine with a large bed and work area (Juki TL98QE). The local sewing shop is able to get both of these for me but the guy there is really pushing a Janome (especially the Sewist 500) on me.

It does seem to be a decent machine and has a lot of features that I think I would like BUT I'm not really able to find any user reviews online.

If anyone can give me some feedback or advice on these machines or it would be really helpful.

thanks!

I don't have any of the 3 machines you listed, but I can give you my two cents! :D

Here is some info on it: http://janome.com/index.cfm/Machines...ing/Sewist_500

It looks like a basic sewing machine. Is that what you're looking for? Have you decided what features you need to have and what features would be nice-to-have? I need to have a needle threader because I can't see the eye of a needle any more! :D So that's one feature I need to have in a sewing machine. I also like having a bobbin indicator for when the bobbin gets low. I don't use a lot of decorative stitches, so I wouldn't be looking for those in a new sewing machines.

Those are just a few of the things you will want to think about before buying a new machine.

Good luck!

I would be a little leery of this machine, if he is doing a hard sell there might be a reason. Do your research, it took me to weeks to decide to buy my Janmone 11543.

I have a Janome that is about five or six years old. I absoluely love it. I got talked into getting an Elna many years ago by the teacher my first quilting class. I disliked it so much I actually quit sewing for a while. I got a Bernina, which I like and starting sewing again. Then I went to the Women's Show one year and saw the Janomes. I love this machine.

I just bought the Janome 6600. Before I bought this one I made a list of which features I wanted. It was between the Janome or a Pfaff. The Pfaff was several $$$$ more and further away. I also have a Pfaff and love it so it's not that it was a stranger to me. I really do like the Janome. My first thought about buying a sewing machine is the dealer. They have got to be dependable and reliable. I had used the Janome dealer before to buy two different Phaffs. He doesn't sell Pfaff anymore. I think Viking owns Pfaff now.

decide what features you want..that is most important. if i were to be in the market to buy a new machine and knowing what I know now and didnt know then.. I would be going for the Juki..a big throat space is in my opinion the most important thing when buying a machine as when you are quilting a quilt it is so hard to wrestle with a quilt in a small throat space. I bought a used Bernina (got talked into it by salesman when a newbie to quilting) which I love but have not used even half the stitches on so would go with a tough machine that can handle sewing over seams etc with ease. There is really one other feature that I love and that is the needle up/down feature but again it depends on what you want/need. You can always buy a second machine with more bells and whistles if you need it later. Let us know what you decide. Also see what you can get thrown into the deal as a walking foot is expensive...

Oh yea, always ask for extras. When I bought my Janome I ask for the open toe foot and extra bobbins.

i have two Janomes (MC11000 and 6600P) and i LOVE both of them. they are both packed with features and performance that cost loads more in other brands. they both perform well.

the only thing i don't like about them is that it'll be 20 years before i can justify buying another machine. and i am such a sewing machine junkie! it will kill me to be sensible. :lol:

i would cry if i had to go back to a machine with a standard throat. (mine both have 9" to the right of the needle.)

the wider machines are a lot more expensive, though. i would never try to talk you into spending more than you think wise. but, if you have the $$$ to spare, then wide is definitely the way to go.

I love my Janome, but have a hard time telling people to buy one. Such a personal choice.

I love my Janome as well...and just like the previous person...I dont want to tell you what to buy...but I will say this...with the mc6600 there are alot more bells and whistles to which I would really miss if I went with the one you are getting. and if its a money issue...it is worth the wait to save!!