I traded my Janome 6500 for a 6600 for the additional 3" of harp space plus a few other new options. I FMQ quilt all my quilts - all the way up to a King size and it works great. That extra 3" of harp space makes so much of a difference. For me the hardest part of quilting your quilt is getting a large quilt basted. I've taken a few classes online that have helped a lot with tips, etc. It is very doable. I have never tried the quilt as you go but plan to in the future.