Linmar

PatriceJ- Unfortunately the 6700 is waaaay out of my budget. I am getting so many recommendations for the 6600 over the 6500 that I might see if that is do-able with a little juggling of finances...assuming I don't dope-slap myself back to the more reasonable 6500 (That purple is like a siren's song for me...though I fully realize one must not be swayed by a pretty face.)

Linmar

Hi Dawn - the DX7 or 2000QVP (the nearly-twin big sisters to the DX5) were on my list originally but I think I have almost convinced myself that the floating foot and programmable foot pedal are not essential to my sewing Nirvana. The F600's foot pedal can be programmed to cut the threads - and that is the function I'd be most likely to use. (You can only choose one at a time.) With a knee lift available, I also have to wonder if the floating presser foot is overkill. (And one more thing to malfunction.) The local dealer (40 miles away) does have the Juki 2000 QVP in the store and it's tempting to check it out...of the Jukis though, I think the F600 would be a good fit pricewise and feature-wise.

Granna of 5

I have a Juki and chose it for the box feed for more layers of fabric. I have found that I can hem jeans with no problem. i feel it is a work horse and has fit my needs.

csharp

I have the 6600 Janome and love it...I bought it for the harp space and the ability to FMQ on it. Love the start stop button and all features. I programed the serpentine stitch into the memory and use it on nearly every quilt I do. I got mine thru Ebay on a buy it now offer of 999.00 ... Held my breath till it arrived and it had all the accessories with it as stated. My only concern is it does not have a narrow throat and is difficult to hem pants. Good luck with your search... It has never been serviced except for cleaning that I do with it.

DawnFurlong

Linmar - after having had the DX5, I would agree with you on the float/pivot feature. I preferred controlling that with the knee lift myself (I didn't keep the machine, I ended up trading it for a Pfaff Performance 5.2 that was on closeout, which I am loving!!). I went with the DX5 over the F600 only because it was on sale and priced the same locally as what I was finding the F600 selling for online. Have you checked out sewing machine reviews at Sewing Pattern Review also? People love their F600's and 6600's! I seriously considered a 6600 several years ago (as well as a Necchi QS60). But I found a great deal on an Elna excellence 740 and went that direction (the Elna is twin to Janome 7700 I think).

Onebyone

I haven't seen an Elna dealer anywhere. The Janome dealer here doesn't have any. I've heard nothing but good reviews of Elna.

feline fanatic

Linmar, I can't offer any input on either of these machines but I do have to comment on your very entertaining writing style. You sound like a hoot to be around. I agree the struggle is real!

Linmar

DawnFurlong- Yes, I have been reading and watching reviews in several locations (including YouTube) for a few weeks now. Both the Janome 6500 and the Juki F600 (as well as the more-expensive Janome 6600) are wildly popular with their respective owners. Honestly, I don't think I'd be going wrong with any of them. Maybe that is why the decision has been so difficult.

The good news is that I don't have to get anything immediately. The Christmas sales don't seem to be as tempting as they were last year. Maybe after the holiday there will be some clearance sales. Also, people who receive machines for Christmas will be selling their previous machine. I don't particularly want to go the used route, but sometimes it works out.

Linmar

Feline Fanatic - Thank you for your kind words. I do love to write...and make people smile. It's nice to hear when I've been successful.

SusieQOH

Linmar, let us know what you decide.
I haven't commented because my machines are different brands from the two you are looking at. One is a Bernina and the other is a straight stitch only Juki for machine quilting.