Well, here it is :)

Sunday I went to the show and have been given price freezes by three vendors on one machine each. However, only one seems to be worth considering; the other two, one is just a regular price and the other is actually more expensive than what folks on http://sewing.patternreview.com paid for theirs. So much for the "show deals."

It leaves me with one machine which seems to be priced reasonably ($1100) and also the one I liked the most. There is only one thing I wish it had, the auto cutter, but otherwise it seemed fine. It's the Baby Lock Quest Plus and I would get an additional 9 quilting accessory feet.

Since there is little information out there about the Quest Plus compared to the Quest, I emailed to the manufacturer to see what exactly was different from the previous model, the Quest -- on their web page, aside from one extra foot, nothing jumped out. Here is their reply:

Now, I heard that the Quest had issues with the reverse, but nothing was mentioned about the Quest Plus... someone posted on another board that:

I was pressed for time since it was my last machine and the show ended so I actually never even used the reverse on it. I need to go for another test drive and make sure this is the one.

The other two machines I am considering right now are:

I'm open to comments and if you know of a comparable machine of didn't consider, please lmk.

Thanks :)

Almost There :thumbup:

That price seems good for the Janome 6600. I was at a quilt show in Burbank, CA. three week ago the show special was $1449, but the Quest Plus was only $999.

The show price for the Quest Plus was also 999, but b/c I wouldn't buy it at the show, I got the next best price.

If you go to the patternreview.com and look at the mc6600p, most people there paid less than 1399 which leads me to believe that it's not the best price. Not so with the Quest.

It sounds like the manufacturer made improvements over the first model. Go take another test drive :D :D

Anyone here that owns a Quest Plus and would like to share their thoughts about it?

I'm starting to wonder about the machine's merit :)

I can't comment personally on any of the machines you are looking at (I have a Bernina 153QE, LOVE it, although all metal so heavy), but wanted to give you one more thing to think about. On another forum, there's a gal who just bought the Quest for $700, as it is being discontinued for the new and improved model. Like you, she found little difference in the actual machines. But as it is considered discontinued, the dealer was willing to give her a great deal; perhaps you could find a dealer willing to do the same.

Good luck with your choice!

i haven't finished this thread, but what did they pay for s/h?

I have the Janome 6600 and I paid $1499 for it last September. Janome had large price increases Jan/Feb this year. I love my Janome and would recommend it to anyone. I have no experience with the BabyLock, so I can't compare.

Are you referring to the mc6600p folks? I don't know. I've seen places that have free shipping if you spend a certain amount and buying this machine qualifies.

I am, also, very interested in the Quest Plus, although I have not seen it. There are discussions at Pattern Review in the Message Board, plus reviews about the Janome and the Quest. I like the idea of the built in dual feed with several snap-on feet that can be used with it, the front load bobbin (rotary hook?) and the larger harp space. It comes with some extras, 1/4 in. foot, another plate, the table, etc., that are an extra cost with other machines. Let us know how you like it.
Mary Ellen

i brought a janome 6600p about 2 yrs ago. i really love it. i paid $1200 from a store in michigan. good luck in your search.

Hello,

I've never been to a big quilt show, but get my first opportunity next Saturday. I am also interested in the Quest Plus, if I can find one under $1000. Since I'm not familiar with the process at shows for 'haggling' or even if you can bargain, could someone please inform me as to how I might approach this process? Thanks,

Karla

I don't know if you can find one under 1000 new and if used ones are already out there since it's fairly new. The show price was 999 and so far i've not seen anyone pay less than that and it's not from the lack of trying. LOL

As far as haggling, i'm not even sure how that works myself; it just happens. I know what I want, I do my research (prices, features etc) and have usually a comparable alternative by a competitor in mind which i openly discuss with the vendor, i don't let them know their product is on top of my list until i'm ready to pull out my checkbook, i don't buy on impulse, i don't buy when i'm in a hurry, i don't want them to read me, i ask for price freezes instead if it's a product i haven't researched or i'm unsure, this same price freeze can be used as leverage elsewhere (i figure, if it's a good price, then i'll be back). Ultimately, it never hurts to ask, the worst that can happen is 'no'. If they don't budge on price, ask if they can throw in some supplies, free maintenance, or classes or whatever you need/want and know what those are worth before hand. Take your time, don't let them pressure you; you're the one that should pressure them :) Knowledge is power.

Thanks so much! Those are all excellent tips! I'll make note of them, and practice before next Saturday. I'm not accustomed to this, and budget is a big priority, so I'll definitely take your tips to heart. Thanks so much for your reply.

Happy quilting!

I can't compare one model to another, all I can tell you, is I have the janome6600 and I love it sooo much. I played with it for an hour, before sealing the deal. I knew I would get it, the minute I started, bc I didn't change a needle, thread, anything, and I took all kinds of fabrics with me, and it sewed like a dream on all of them!!!
Since your asking for each persons, personal opinion...you posted five days ago, and you said, you could get the J6600 for 1399. I paid 1600.00 and felt it is worth every penny. I got the extension table with it, plus a box of attachments...I can't remember the name of the quilt kit. Maybe your deal, doesn't include that, so explains the difference in price?
All I can tell you, is I would buy this machine again. I have never used a Babyloc, but I have heard good things. well, no one I know, just read a ton of quilting magazines. Hope this helps. :D

I'm picking up a Quest Plus Saturday. After using both machines and making a list of all the features, the Quest Plus won the contest. A local dealer was gracious enough to give me a deal I can't refuse on it.

Please let us know how you like it. I'm planning to see it next week. When you have a chance could you tell us what feet are in the extra package that is included for the special? There is a manual on their site that identifies the feet that come with it, but no description of the package. Thank you.
Mary Ellen

I forgot... if anyone else is interested in a Quest Plus, there is a thread on pattern review: see Message Board > Sewing Machines & Sergers > Baby Lock Quest Plus

AFAIK these are the feet packaged with the machine:

Snap-on Feet
Blind stitch
Button fitting
Buttonhole
Cording
Darning/Embroidery
Free-motion, open toe foot
Gathering
Hemmer
Open toe
Overcasting
1/4" Quilting foot
Satin stitch
Straight stitch foot
Zipper
Zigzag

I got the list from http://www.babylock.com/quilting/quest-plus/

The show deal also includes an extra 9 feet which they said were for quilting. I believe this is a promotion for the Quest Plus that is not specific to the show, however. It ends May 31st, I believe. If you go to babylock's home page, there is a yellow advertisement on there, #7 talks about the offer.

I'll check back in when I have a handle on the machine. All the goodies will keep me busy for a while... I'm going from a 25 year old manual machine to this one... LOL

It's the package of 9 quilting feet I was interested in, as the site only says you get a 'package'. There is a section that describes all the feet that will fit on the Plus, so I'm hoping ones like the edge stitch foot, etc. are included. Enjoy your new machine.
Mary Ellen

Here is a list of the 9 specialty feet that came in the promo package with the Quest Plus:

Braiding Foot
5/8" Edge Guide Foot
Adjustable Guide Foot
Decorative Stitch Foot
Decorative Tape Foot
Chenille Foot
Edge Joining Foot
1/4" Quilting Foot with Guide
Stitch-in-the-Ditch Foot

I haven't plugged it in yet... gotta wait for my little one to sleep first. That's the only time I can actually get anything done :) I did unpack it and it's hard to only be able to stare at it for now.

Thank you for your reply. Those extra feet are really useful. You must be so excited to try your new machine. Enjoy it.
Mary Ellen

Whoohoo!!!!!! OMG! Slick, mean, lean sewing machine... I just tried a bunch of stuff while my son napped. I'm now ready to piece the quilt top together... on to yellow brick road, baby!

Well, I just have to wait for tomorrow's nap...

:-P

Hi,

I purchased a Quest Plus in March and have been very happy with it. I am envious of the prices you have available. There is only one dealer who carries it here in So. Indiana and I paid 1799 for mine. Imagine my surprise when I see you could have purchased it for 999! Mine did come with 15 feet though and a full color step-by-step instruction manual on using the machine for different technique.

I do LOVE the machine, especially the built in walking foot. Many of the girls in my quilt guild love their Berninas but I didn't care for the small harp as I wanted to do machine quilting with it. With a little practice free motion works quite well. The open-toed free motion foot is a real plus, helping you see where you are going. It also came with this great foot that makes stitching in the ditch a breeze.

The only thing I don't like is the bobbin. I prefer a drop in bobbin. However, it's a real plus when you are quilting a quilt and need to change the bobbin. You don't have to remove the quilt to do so.

I'm very happy with this machine even though I apparently overpaid. It is really a solid machine though, not so much lightweight plastic like some. When I was shopping for a machine I had a dream that I bought a Baby Lock. When I finally found one to try out, imagine by surprise when I saw written on it "Quilter's Dream" series!

One more thing. I was looking for the auto cutter too but went ahead and purchased the Quest Plus. Later I was talking to an older quilter who lives at her machine and she said her Janome Pro had that feature but she didn't like the way it worked and never used it. This made me feel somewhat better but I still think you wouldn't waste as much thread.

Hope this helps!

Autumn

I was told that the MSRP is $2499 for this machine... imagine my surprise, but then again, obviously they are making obscene amount of profit; it's not like it's made in the US at fair trade prices I bet. You did pay more, but you still got a good price... I got an obscenely good price. :) The important thing is that you're happy with it.

I did hear about the book and will try to get it from the library through WorldCat loans. One has to be floating around. Do you have the title/author or ISBN for me?

I had a drop-in bobbin before and didn't like it a bit. I actually was happy to see the side load for the very reason you mention... don't have to move your work except to back track a few stitches to secure the job. I love that.

--

Yesterday, I went for my first class to learn to use the machine... wow, those feet and stitches are really handy. It sure beats my 25 year old machine.

I bought the Quest Plus yesterday and it's wonderful. I spent several hours at the dealers and tried the stitches that are important to me: the buttonholes, hems, 1/4" piecing etc. I even tried free motion for the first time. Only drawbacks so far are too many stitches have a default of 2 and for basting a 6 would have been nice. I have the automatic cutter on a Viking and I don't care for it. It leaves a noticeable (to me) knot.
Mary Ellen

Hi,

Congratulations :) It's like having a new baby, isn't? LOL

I suspect that if you use something quite a bit there's has to be a way to commit it to memory. I know there are only 6 or 8 (forgot) memory banks, but I've learn one thing is that there is always a way around things :P The stitches are so many that I still haven't gone through all of them. I plan on doing them all one by one, grouped by foot, on a piece of fabric to make sure I'm not missing anything.

I'm still discovering my machine. I have another 2 hours at the dealer's coming up to fiddle with all the goodies.

After comparing the Quest & quest Plus at Babylock.com, I noticed that some of the decorative stitches changed or were added. There are a few children animal designs on the plus.. ducks etc. The Singer L500 is basically the same as the Quest. I love my Singer L500