I have the Janome 7700 and couldn't be happier. I do A LOT of FMQ and have found all I have to do is put on the darning foot, put my stitch length on 0 and take off. Don't even lower the feed dogs. It has a large throat space, making large quilts easy to work with as well as the Dual Feed which takes the place of a walking foot. It also came with loads of feet and has made my sewing world so much easier. Try finding a dealer close enough that you are comfortable with and test a Janome. I wouldn't trade mine for anything, well almost anything.

I have an old Bernina 1030 which I absolutely love but thought I wanted something newer with computer technology. I did not want to spend over $5000 for the fancy Bernina's and test drove the cheaper ones. I think I test drove the QE. I don't know whether it was that particular machine but I thought it was loud compared to my 1030. I settled on a Janome 7700. I have to say it's just alright, nothing more. It seems to be a workhorse but can chew fabric. I don't use all the fancy stitches but I do like the automatic thread cutter and cheaper feet. I do not like the fact that I have to take it in for expensive tune-ups but that would be with any computerized machine. if I had to do it all over again I would look at the Juki 2010Q, can't be beat for the price. Also, the computerized machine get outdated FAST.

Go the Janome yahoo groups ...Janome 8900 join and ask about this machine...tell them you are considering going Bernina....you will get your answer. I have Janome 6600,8900, 11000SE. Love them all. Fmq. On the 8900 is a breeze.

I have a Bernina 750 with larger throat and (2) 440QE's. I love all of them and would never change again. I also have a FW and love it, too, but not as much as the Bernina's.

Susan

jmoore--how wonderful to be mentored by Leah Day.. and on a brand new machine. Amazing.

I have the Bernina 440QE with the stitch regulator and love love it wouldn't trade it for anything as I do all my own quilting on it and yes it is possible to quilt a queen size quilt on it and also the Bernina has the very best stitch of any machine I have used the stitch regulator to straight stitch in the ditch and it was the best quilt in the ditch I ever did I also use it for free motion embroidery can take any stamped embroidery pattern and use my machine NO would not get rid of my stitch regulator for anything

I love my Bernina 550QE (it took a while for me to bond with it but now I would not be parted from it). The stitch regulator was the deal clincher for me to buy this model over the 530. However, I never use the stitch regulator and much prefer to FMQ without it.

I have a Bernina 730E and love it. The BSR is a must for me and have quilted several quilts on it. Yes I'd like the new wider throat and the built in walking foot with the new models in the 7 series, but am trying to be happy with what I have. lol

I have a Bernina 180 and a Janome 8900. I love them both. The Bernina is an embroidery machine as well. It is heavy, has great sturdy feel and many, many stitches. It does beautiful work. It was expensive, feet are expensive, has a small harp space. The Janome 8900 is much newer. It has 11" harp space, lots of free feet included, is heavy and does a beautiful stitch. It is wonderful for free motion quilting! I actually love them both, and think you can't go wrong with either choice. I would go try them both out. Try piecing and quilting on them. Talk to the dealer and get a feel for how they do business. Then I would choose the one that feels right, and has the best dealer. A good reliable dealer is very important in your choice.

I can only speak for Bernina's, haven't owned a Janome. I own an older (930) Bernina, and love it, I purchased it new in 1985 and have never had a problem with it. I wouldn't trade it even for a new Bernina. I sometimes think I would like a new fancier machine, but then I would have to pay big big bucks because would definitely go with a Bernina. I usually piece on my FW's. and finish my quilts on my Bernina. Janome owners probably feel the same about their machines. I think it is just whatever you want or can afford. I suggest you should go to a dealer for both and test sew on each. We all have our own personal preference just like in cars.