I have a Janome 6600. I am not 100% satisfied with it, but it is one of those things where you don't know what to ask cause you have never had a machine anything like it. I have had only machines before that were much older then me and all mechanical. Thank you for your tips. I am sure I will do you proud. I bought the supplies to do your shadow trapunto today. Do you sew with the batting on the bottom? does the feed dogs chew it up?