Originally Posted by Nancy in Louisiana
Like several others, I own several Janomes. I purchased my 6600 just a few years ago and LOVE it. Better than that, I love the dealer and service availability. I still feel that service is almost more important than machine brand since even the most expensive machine in the world sometimes breaks down. I have no experience with Bernina other than the local dealerships (also not user friendly). I was looking at upgrading to the Janome 11000SE, but found it wasn't as user-friendly as the 6600, and didn't have the accufeed system for quilting (which I use for piecing as well). Since I heard rumors about the new machine coming out in April, I'm going to wait to see. I want to be able to do some embroidery, like lettering - but not little duckies, or bears, or any of the frou-frou stuff. I don't need all the bells and whistles the 11000 has, and its stippling feature is not quite as easy as the ads make it look. My advice would be to wait and see. And factor in service, since that can make or break your sewing experience.
I mentioned earlier in this thread that I have the Janome 6600. I was thinking of getting the 11000 but my dealer suggested that I keep my 6600 and buy and Janome 350E which is an embroidery machine ONLY. That was I can sew and embrider at the same time.