Backup/RV machine - which Janome do you suggest?
 

Background info - I got into quilting this past winter when I bought my Horizon 7700 (which I adore!) We are RVers so I'm looking for a machine to travel with. I'm looking for something for quilting and crafty projects (like the Sew4Home projects). I think I prefer a hard case. Not sure if I need an extension table or not.

The cast of characters are the 3160QDC, the 4120QDC, and the 6600MCP (if I were to find that one as a gently-used trade in). The first 2 have the hard case and are at a better price point, but I could use my Accufeed feet with the 6600.

Thoughts? Enabling?

Michelle

We RV also, and I have the 6600. I find it too heavy and big to take with us. My mom has the platinum and I borrow it sometimes. It's much lighter & smaller. The only thing I worry about is using the same machine to complete a quilt and we're not usually gone long enough for that.

When taking a course in Shipshewana last year oma... I was told by a big name teacher that there was no need to use the same machine through out a project as a proper ¼" was a ¼" on whichever machine you used. I still prefer to use the one machine but.... it does make sense.

I take a FW to use in our RV. With the different humidities,temperatures,jostling around,I'd druther not risk the electronic problems.

Janome Jem Silver or a Feahter weight. You can do everythibg on the Janome silver including the quilting. the Feather Weight is only good for piecing but it is a fun little machine. If i take one it is usually the Feather Weight. I toss it in a card board box with a quilt around it so it travels in style.

this is a good consideration :thumbup:

Compare the features to your 7700 and determine what ones you absolutely must have, or you don't care if you do. What type of sewing will you be doing when in your RV, may help you determine what features are necessary. Consider where you will store it in between usage ... and where you will set it up.

Go to your dealer and sew on the machines you are considering and see how they feel to you.

Don't get the 6600. Much too heavy. I have the Janome Platinum 720. You can get the 760 which is more expensive but has a lot more stitches. I know your 7700 must have lots of needle positions. You can adjust that to the width of the 720 if it's a little off and go back and forth between both machines.

I would go with the 3160. It has a lot of the same features as a 6600 but not so heavy. I love mine and find it perfect for taking to retreats and classes.

Sorry, I don't know any of those machines. I've been dragging a Janome AQS 2009 (which is a Platinum 720 with a different name) around the country in our fifth wheel for the last year and a half. It's done everything quilty that I've needed it to do, but being a 3/4 machine, I don't think I'd want to use it to quilt a full-size quilt. Have quilted lots of lap quilts, though, and even a couple of twin-size. It has a hard cover which slips over the machine, and then it goes into a wheeled bag I got a Joann's. Easy to set up in the trailer or to haul to classes or quilt guild meetings when we are on the road. Originally I was sewing on a portable table I got at Target, but last fall I bought a SewEzi table for it. What a difference to be able to sew and quilt on a flat surface at the correct height! Whatever machine you get, I'd recommend the SewEzi with the proper insert for your machine. You can also get an insert for your home machine, so you can use the table with it also.

Happy sewing on the road :).