love love love my Janome.

I have 2 Berninas and I love them both. I have a 180 which I've had for years and a a550QE which my dealer traded even because my 820 had been up to Chicago twice and I was fed up with it. She also traded even for the insert for my table, The feet I have all work on the 550 so their was no trading for feet. I have the BSR but have never used it

I had a quilter's edition Baby Lock and couldn't wait to get rid of it. I said I'd never have another Baby Lock. Well I've wanted to eat those words I don't know at the times. I had to have a Bernina. I had the 830 record but I wanted the new 830. Well I finally convinced hubby I needed it and couldn't live without it. Oh how I wish I could live that day over. Never would I buy Bernina. I do like the larger bobbin but it's so complicated to use..not user friendly at all. I don't think. If I had another chance at a machine it would be the Unity or one of the other high end Baby Locks. They are really nice machines and so user friendly. Of course what I like might not be for you. That's just my personal intake. I do really like the Bernina 440. I had looked at them but then they were discontinued. I did have a chance to buy one but didn't. My bad!!! Other than that it would be Baby Lock.

Several women at my quilt guild have Janome machines. They love them. Particularly because they are lightweight and can easily be brought to work meetings.

I have five different Janome machines and can't recommend them highly enough. Started with a basic Janome 5024 before I started quilting. Bought 6600 for the larger throat space as I quilt my own quilts at home. Then bought a 10,000 sewing/embroidery. Bought from a friends estate. Then came The 8200 Horizon to go on my quilting frame. Then bought Janome 15000. Love them all. I can have three machine on the go at once.

I have a Bernina Virtuoso 155 that is over 10 years old and I had it in the shop once because of a burr that cut thread. Works like a dream and I bought a floor model off eBay $1800 less than a local dealer was selling same machine. My Janome is good good, but I rarely use it.

Problem with both of these is the throat sizes. They are otherwise great work horses. Have you looked at the juki models which have slightly larger throat, my juki just goes back and forwards no fancy stitches but great for quilting.

I can't speak for the Bernina's, but dearly love my Janome 10000, upgrade to a 10001. Have never had a problem with it and it has a stitch speed on it (not called a stitch regulator) and would suspect that the newer modules probably have a stitch regulator by now. Would love to have their newest model, but can't justify the price for the sewing I do. The instructions with the Janome are very plain and easy to understand and the machine itself if very easy to use.

As several have said the dealer has a lot to do with whatever you get. No good dealer, and if you have problems you are up a creek without a paddle. While I have not had any problems, I don't think there is a machine built that some of them don't have problems at one time or another. Some just have more problems than others and you want to stay clear of those. Good luck in whatever you decide.

I have a Janome - Memory Craft 6500. I would not trade it for anything! I quilt, fashion sew, make bags and purses and dolls, the only down side is it does not have a free arm but when I really need a free arm I just use my old Kenmore.

I have had the Janome 6500 for 11 years and at first I had bobbin issues, but they replaced the faulty parts at no charge and it has run like a dream since then. My BFF has a Bernina and I paid at least $1,000 less and got the threader, auto clip, and needle down functions she didn't get..........not to mention the bigger throat.

The BSR is unique...I haven't found any machine in other brands that has a stitch regulator. I would buy this machine if I could afford it. I have 2 Brothers and a Bernina. If I could buy an after-market stitch regulator for the Bernina I would in a heartbeat. No problem here. Buy the BSR.

I have two Bernina 550's. One for each house, love them both and yes, they are expensive but also have a Pfaff QE, a small Janome, and a small Brother. If I had to choose only one it would be my Bernina.

I can only comment on my Janome 4000, which obviously, from the number, I have had a number of years, and is still going strong and I hope it will for many more years. I don't know much about the new ones, but I also have an older Brother machine, which I got for free (great price) and seems to be a work horse, and is my "go to" machine when my Janome needs a checkup and servicing. Don't know if that helps or not, but that's my only experience.

I love my Janome 8900. I bought it after owning a Viking Designer 1 and a Pfaff. It has a bigger harp and seems happier to sew through some of the heavier materials compared to the D1 and the Pfaff, which actually balked at sewing through too many layers. The dealer I bought it from actually sewed through a 1/4" piece of leather, which I liked because I have to repair some of my DH's things which are also thick.

For classes, I have a FW and am considering one of the Janome Gems to use in a class if it requires fancier stitches than a straight stitch.

The price was also reasonable. I looked at Berninas at a dealer in town and while they are nice, they were pricier than what I could and would spend, and still didn't have things I wanted without having to pay for extra feet.

I did do research before I bought my Janome and tried it before I bought. I definitely recommend doing all your research and testing to see what feels best for you. It is also nice to have a dealer close by, if necessary. Also, ask if there is a floor model/demo available for sale. That will save you money. That's what I bought and the dealer even threw in some extras, like bobbins and a double thread holder.

I have both. My Bernina 1020 is over 20 years old and I just love it. I have it serviced every 1 1/2 years and have never had a problem. I purchased the Janome Gem because it was light (for workshops) and I did not have to take my Bernina out of the sewing table. There is no comparison. Everyone I know loves the little Gem, and, its OK for a day workshop but I don't love it as I do with my Bernina. Good luck!

I owned a used Bernina 170. Loved the stitch quality, and embroidery capability, used mainly for the alphabet. I couldn't get it to FMQ real easily, but didn't mind using my manual Bernina 931, which didn't need any adjusting to be able to FMQ. The 170 required a new motherboard, not once, but twice (not a cheap part). The part is no longer avail. Perhaps this was a lemon machine, but it soured me on dishing out that kind of money for an expensive machine with expensive problems. I just purchased a used Janome 12000. (I have an inexpensive Janome that has never had a problem, and a friend has a 6600p that she loves and has never had a problem). I like the fact that it's versatile, with quilting capabilities and embroidery. I haven't used it that much yet, but the FMQ was nice right out of the box and stitch quality is nice. I will be able to grow into this machine and don't think I'll be looking for another machine for years to come.

I just love reading everyone's comments.
I tried to quilt--just straight stitching with this older Bernina I have on loan--but I finally stopped. It's not taking all the layers evening and I don't dare spray baste with another's machine--so I'll just piece like crazy until I can get mine back. I'll test drive a Janome next week. ;-) The closest dealer is 75 min away; the owner and I have emailed.

I have 2 Berninas- older 1230 and 1100 (I think). Bought both gently used and have not sewed on anything that comes close. Guess it is what you get used to- I will always opt for the Berninas.

Good luck with your decision.

After using a low end Janome for a year and to make sure quilting would stick as a hobby, I started saving for an upgrade. I test drove the 6300, 6500, 7700 and 8200. The 8200 has improved features that the 7700 lacked. The main reason I want the 8200 is the harp space. Other machines sew well, but I lose "umph" to quilt in the face of anything larger than a wall hanging. I also want the thread cutter, multiple feet, and cheaper op font cost, accessory cost, and repair cost. I'm still saving up!

I tested the 8900 as well, but it's way more machine than I need for the price.

the more pertinent question is how many machines have YOU test driven?

It honestly doesn't matter what we think, they are both excellent brands, but the machines with in the brands can vary and only you know what you need.

I spent 2 years off and on test driving all the brands (while I saved up to pay cash) so there was no question of buyers remorse for me.

One thing to remember about the Bernina is the cost of the feet. Highway robbery.

We are so loyal to our machines <3<3<3 I'm not even going to tell you where my loyalties lie. There is a machine that is right for you. Good luck in your search.

Just remember this phrase "Nothing sews like a Bernina". I have been sewing for 65 years and have always had Berninas and love each of them. All I have to do is get them serviced yearly and keep them clean and oiled. I only buy a new one if Bernina has come up with something new that I just cannot refuse. I have gotten top dollar for any of my I have sold because I have gotten a newer model.

"Evenly" sheesh.

I've got two Berninas (one old, one new) and the least expensive of the computerized Janomes (DC 2010). I love all three for different reasons; however, the Janome dealership just went out of business (retirement) and the Bernina shop has the experienced folks plus their son whom they've been training (or maybe it's the other way around now!) so I think they will be in business a long time! Find a shop with young people in it!!

Before I read the other replies I will give my opinion I have two of each make machines. I do not like the BSR. I have better end results moving the fabric with my own hands. I have no problem with either machine and I use both. It all depends on your own preference and your own sewing experience. I think you would be happy with either machine. Try the BSR several times before you spend the extra money for it. The items other than the basics a machine should have is the automtic threader, knee lift, cutter.

I love my Bernina!

I have the janome 6600p and love it. It's a work horse. I also have bernina 330 that I travel with its a good machine but I prefer my janome

I love my Janome 8900

Love, love, love my 710....it is only about 2 years old and didnot come with any of the issues the older 7 series seemed to have. It is just perfect for me and I adore it to bits! IBias...me?...nah (haha)

Having gushed all that I must admit that although I have the BSR I haven't yet tried it as fmq is on my list of things to learn.

Proper maintenance on any machine is key, IMHO. buy quality...maintain the quality.

sandy

Good luck, Barnbum. I am a Janome junkie, ever since I bought my first one (previously owned) in 1993. I went to my local dealer then with my heart set on a Viking only to find that he had stopped being a Viking dealer (temporarily); he bragged on the New Home 6000 that he had just gotten in a trade-in, so I bought it. It's been a wonderful machine and I have since bought a New Home serger and 3 more Janome machines. All but one (+ the serger) are computerized. There is virtually no learning curve between Janome models I think. Although some are low- and some high-shank, for the most part I can use the same feet (bobbins are the same) on all of them... a selling point for me. For no specific reason, I have never had any interest in owning a Bernina.

I have always had Janomes....then I bought a Bernina!!! I got a 350. Learned about the difference between the Janome and the Bernina. The Janome foot snaps on and wiggles . The Bernina foot is put on and is tight and does not wiggle. Makes a BIG difference when sewing the quarter inch seam !!!! I LOVE MY BERNINA !!!!!!

I would strongly recommend testing out the BSR before purchasing. I had been drooling over it, thinking it would solve all my FMQ problems. I finally went in and tried it out, but really did not like the feel of it. I realized it would take a lot of practice to get proficient with it, and I could just put that same practice time into FMQ without the BSR, and how I could buy a lot of fabric with the money saved. I ended up buying a used bernina 160 at a fraction of the cost of the B550. I like it very much. I use it for fmq, but admit that the smaller harp space is a challenge. The day I went in to try out the 550, a former 6th grade student of mine was there trying out the same machine. He did buy it and loves it ! I have friends who own a juki for their fmq. Just straight stitch and a somewhat larger harp. They do beautiful work on their machines! Good luck on your decision!

I have had Janomes for the last 18 years and have just kept trading up. I love them for ease of use. Go try one out!

Janome gets my vote, I have three and purchased four more for members of my family., I guess you could say we are a Janome Family/ They come with a lot of extra feet which i understand from others that you have to purchase seperately with the Bernia. But you need to go try them out and also the dealer should be close to whatever you decide

Interesting takes. I actually don't like either of those two models. Have fun picking your new machine, whichever it is. For me, test driving usually makes the decision.

I've owned a Bernina 1260 for 20 years and I still love that machine - quiet, not one problem after all these years. I bought a 440QE a few years ago and it was just as much a workhorse as the 1260. I coveted a larger harp and didn't want to pay the Bernina price for a machine that had it, so I bought a Janome 8200. I love having more space and the automatic thread cutter. I pieced a quilt when I got it and was happy with it. Then I decided to make a purse for my mom and had so much trouble on the 8200 that I had to go back to my Bernina. It couldn't sew a thick seam on the handle and the edgestitching foot did not perform well. My perspective is that the quality of Bernina is higher, as is the price. I will keep using the Janome and I will enjoy it for piecing but only because I have a Bernina when I want to do really precise detail sewing. If I could only have one machine, it would be a Bernina (but I would miss the larger harp).

Don't FMQ on any of them now but have done full quilts on the 1260 in the past and small things on the 440 using the BSR and had great results. You have to decide what the priority features are for you. Good luck with your decision and let us know what you choose.

I have the Janome 6600, she's a workhorse and even if I got another machine, would never trade her in! My service guy says they rarely come in for anything other than regular service. I was bad, and it had been 4 years since I took her in with no problems.

Bought my first Bernina back in the early 80s... A 930, which I still have and love. Bought my 630e with BSR about eight years ago. Yes, I would love a bigger harp, but love my Berninas..truly, nothing sews like a Bernina.