miss_ticky2

Hi..and thanks for your comments. I was actually referring to the 6500 & 6600 when I asked about the freearm, as they don't have one :)

QuiltswithConvicts

I have had my 6600 for nearly 4 years and wouldn't let it out of my possession! It's my 2nd Janome. I have found that quilts will bunch up on the thingy in back when I am free-motion, but it isn't a problem - it takes care of itself as you continue sewing. Hasn't caused any damage to anything, either.

EasyPeezy

What do you use the tacking for? Does this serve the same purpose as tying a quilt?

Margaret McBride

Hi Janome lover
I treated myself to 6500 when I retired.My gift to me.I love it.Lots of room to manipulate fabric ,loads of stitches,and it is solid. I would agree that to maximise your machine have a cabinet to compliment it .Confession time, I did take time to get to know it as I was afraid I would make a mistake and cause some damage . With encouragement I overcame that fear.
Enjoy

sewmom

i would love to have a featherweight,but the price and location would have to be right. why are you letting yours go. PM me.

Mariel

I have the 6500 and do like this machine. I do all my quilt piecing on it. Unfortunately when I bought mine the 6600 was not out. I think I would most definitely have bought the 6600 for the built in walking foot. I use my walking foot a lot when putting on bindings. Yes, I do miss the free arm. It is an inconvenience to set up another machine when I need one.

Marylou

I love my 6600. I agree the built in walking foot sometimes gets in the way when doing FMQ, but I have learned to watch for that to happen and it really doesn't cause much of a problem. Marylou

Jannie

I have the 6600. I have never had any problem with the FM foot catching on anything & I haven't missed the freearm either. I think if you were doing sleeves, waistbands, etc. you might miss the freearm, but not for quilting. I wanted the 6600 because it has a little more room than so many of the other machines out there & it does make a difference.

Quiltylady

I have a 6600. I got it specifically because of the accufeed. I do not find it in the way at all. I looked at the 7700 but other than the larger throat 11" and free arm,there was not that much difference for me to pay the money to upgrade. I have a second machine if I need a free arm. I am very happy with my 6600.

Bubblegum0077

I just got my 6600 machine about a month ago. I used a Kenmore for 28+ years and buried it. This is one of the best machines I've ever used. It simply called my name at the quilt shop where I tested it.

This machine is very easy to use and the display on the front of the machine directs you every step of the way. If the settings aren't correct for your stitch, the machine will not sew. It will beep indicating that some of the settings should be adjusted.

My machine came with a large table area that I use most of the time. Great for balance with a large quilt.

Some feet don't come with the machine. If you plan to free motion you will need a free motion bobbin case. It helps distribute the bobbin and removes tension during the free motion process which prevents bird nests on the back of your fabric. Tonight I was free motioning and had this problem. So I am getting this case tomorrow. About $25 bucks.

The single hole plate is another necessity you will need especially for those small pieces you sew together. It keeps the corners from getting stuck or tearing up. You will also need to get a 1/4" foot which doesn't come with the machine. Go figure that one out. This machine is a sewing and quilting machine and this foot isn't automatically included. Both parts go for $45

I don't miss the free arm but a short while ago needed it to hem my husbands pants. I just inverted the pants to finish or I could have taken out my little Brother, but didn't feel like setting up another machine!

The manual is a no brainer. It simple to read, pictures and parts described. One of the best manuals I've seen in a long time.

The case of attachments is generous with feet for lots of specialties including screw drivers and brushes to clean the bobbin area. Spool covers and seam ripper, pkg of needles, twin needle, bobbins.

Another nice feature is the needle up/down, great for turning corners or adjustments. Auto start/stop if you want to avoid using the foot pedal. Good lighting.

I have spoken to a lot of quilt shop owners and they told me that Janome brand is one of the best machines on the market. They are considered workhorses and don't break down easily. Nice thing about Janome is that there are a range of machines to fit everyones budget. Best advice to you is buy the best machine your pocket can afford. The smaller Janomes can't handle heavy work loads like quilting or heavy sewing projects. That's why I got this machine. It can handle the output. This machine retails for $3000. If you can't afford it, check if there are floor models for sale or used models. Many people will trade their 6600 for the new one that just came out. Shop owners will be glad to sell you those.

If you buy from a shop owner they should offer you free lessons to learn how to use the machine. Take advantage of those if you are a newbie to sewing or quilting. Best of all the shop owners can make repairs on your machine without you finding a repair shop on your own. Some machines need to be shipped and that is costly. My machine can be repaired in the Lake City shop where I bought it.

Overall, I would highly recommend this machine. It is a professional sewing and quilting machine that will last for several years. Be sure to get it checked once a year as maintenance is crucial to it's outstanding performance.

Oh, and it's heavy too so get one of those wheeled cases if you plan to store it or travel with it.

I've attached several pictures to show you what you can expect upon your purchase of this jem