What Janome is comparable to a Babylock Espire (also Symphony)--would like to change.
#11
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.
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.
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,829
If you are wanting a guide, you can purchase a 1/4" AccuFeed foot.
There's also a SITD Accufeed.
#13
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.
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.
#16
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.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: on the Iron Range in northern Minnesota
Posts: 364
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
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
#18
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: florida
Posts: 2
Janome / Babylock experience
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
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
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: kannapolis, nc
Posts: 392
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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04-30-2011 07:05 PM