lfletcher

I have a Janome 6500 and have loved it since I first bought in June, 2004 so I would vote for a Janome.

Material Witness

I figure any built-in feature will work better than an attachment, so since I depend on my walking foot, I have two Pfaffs. One I bought new in 1992 in Germany, and recent one, both share all feet and bobbins.

JuneBillie

I use to have the one sewing machine my mother gave me when she was still alive. Then my dear husband bought me one with computer in it for all the stitches etc,. After mom died dad gave me mom's serger, but after I bit I knew I wouldn't use it much even if making clothes, because I like using the zig zag then. My aunt had the money to buy what she wanted, but only used the zig zag, and made clothes of all types and more. lol... So I passed it on to my daughter in law. Then not long ago I got my mother's last sewing machine in their home, and now have 3. I think that is all I need. My dad gave me mom's sewing table with drawers too when he was still there, and it's solid wood. I recently got the rest of mom's sewing tools she collected, and thread etc. I am so glad I have it. She also left behind a beautiful wicker basket in the shape of a half moon with leather handle, and I already have collected pretty wicker baskets I keep lots of things in. My sisters don't sew, therefore, they wanted me to have it too.

I am also thinking of my dear precious mother during this holiday weekend along with all the vets and those in the service now. I give my heart felt thanks to all of you. <3<3

QuiltnLady1

The 8900 has the accufeed system so you don't need a walking foot. The change from the 7700 (which I have to) the 8900 is that the throat plate is a quick release and it has separate single hole and zigzag plates. Also, the forks for the accufeed don't interfere with changing feet, etc. I believe the Elna 760 is the sister machine to the Janome 8900.

I know the older Pfaffs (pre 2000) are good, but I had one in 2003 and the bottom tension was a mess -- there was no way to sew a zigzag stitch without the back being laddered. It spent 2 months in repair, then the shop gave me a new machine that had the same issue. I haven't tried Pfaff since.

lindaschipper

Personally, I'm leaning toward a Janome 6000 for myself....

Calran

Love my 8900 great for FMQ.

celwood

Janome makes the pfaff machines

LynnG

Jot down which features are a MUST for you then compare your list with the machines you are thinking about buying.

The IDT system on the Pfaff is one big reason why I chose Pfaff. Just pull down the hook and off ya go while using MANY of pfaffs presser feet. Not limited to one certain foot, changing plates and no screwing and unscrewing. Others may not see that as a problem though. I can not STAND constant fiddling so the Pfaff system is perfect for me.

Don't worry about Pfaffs unique bobbins, they are wonderful...can't put them in the wrong way...EVER. If you are buying a Pfaff, you can afford to buy the bobbins, they don't cost THAT much that you will have a heart attack paying for them. And its not like they wear out or break and you have to keep replacing bobbins. They are a nice feature specific to Pfaff.

What are your deal breakers???... lack of auto foot lift, tie on and off, needle down/up, auto thread cut, large sewing area, IDT system etc... Be picky persnickety !!!! If each machine does all of your musts...then look at what each machine does..that the others don't do. Each machine (usually) boasts something that they claim others (in their class) don't do. It will be down to the nitty gritty and you will find the machine that is perfect for you.

I love Pfaff machines but none of us can say what the best machine is for YOU. It depends on what is important to you.

Polliwog

Check into the cost of routine maintenance at each of the dealers. In my area, the Singer-Viking-Pfaff (SVP Corporation) dealers charge significantly more for this service than those who carry Bernina, Baby Lock, Janome, and Brother, for instance. I speak from experience! Also, check out the work area for DSM quilting area if you plan to do your own quilting.

Mazda

Piaf is no longer made in Germany. The new ones are not nearly as good as the old ones.