I'm in the market for a new sewing machine. I have a Bernina 220 now,, which is good for piecing but not so good for quilting (short arm). I'm looking at the Janome 6500 and the Bernina 350PE; I'd love to have people's views on the two. What I'm looking for is slightly longer arm, which I think the Janome has, but I don't know too much about the company. And can I use the bobbins I have for my current Bernina in the Janome.

thanks!

I have a Janome 6600 and absolutely love it!!

I have the 6600 too and I love it. I would get it over the 6500 because of the accufeed but neither one has a free arm.

The Horizon from Janome has an even bigger arm size.

I have the Horizon 7700 and the 11 inch throat is priceless and the built in accufeed. My mom traded her 6500 for the 7700.

not having the free arm is not a problem... I'm planning on keeping my bernina. What's accufeed?

I've seen the Horizon, it looks wonderful, but it's out of my price range.

Accufeed is like a built in walking foot. It's not quite as easy as that since you do have to use special feet (they make several varieties) but I still like it a LOT better than using a traditional walking foot.

6500 does not have a free arm.My mom has one and it sews well. I sew on a 8000 jamone and 440 bernina and love both of these machines.

I just bought the Janome 6600 and love it!! I too was eyeing up the Horizon but the price was....well pricey. Got a little Janome Gem Gold 2 to take sewing with me just 10lbs :)