I have a Janome and I do have to adjust the tension. Are you using the same thread in top and bobbin. Sometime mines will skip if I don't use same thread. I use mine all the time.

I do most of my FMQ on a cheap dinky mechanical Brother, Costco version, which is now about 9 years old. I set the stitch length to zero and don't even bother with the supreme slider anymore. I think I am getting better but that is operator issue not the machine, which I have been very happy with even though it is "cheap" and not "Vintage". I do have three vintage machines but would keep this little Brother first.

YOu said you didn't want vintage, but how about used? I would go to a sewing machine dealer and see what they had available in their trade in area. Normally they provide a limited warranty.

Hmm, I do use the same thread in the bobbin as in the top, I have tried a number of needles with it too. I think it *might* be the machine, because I have other issues with it too (the only one I can think of right now is that I can't turn the hand-crank in reverse when the bobbin case is in it). It's a picky old thing.
I don't mind used at all, as long as it comes with the accessories and feet and stuff. And as long as it doesn't give me issues when I quilt!! Not sure I could find anything at a dealer in my price range, tho. I'll call around today and see what I can find.

I bought a Brother at WalMart for $199. Just to use for class. Cause my Janome 9000 and ULT Brother"s are too heavy to carry to classes. Have used it for 2 years now and have had to replace the bobbin case, It skipped stitches and I could tell it was worn some. Did lots better after I installed the new case. I love the stitch quality and have made 6 quilts on it. Use decorative stitches instead of SID and it works great.

That could be the cause of my ills with my Janome, too. I might replace that some day down the road too. I've had to take my Drimel to it more than once to smooth it down, and it just doesn't fit in there the way I think it's supposed to (not because of my filing!)

Not sure you really need a new machine.

Do you have a Janome dealer near you? If so then take your machine to them and explain all your different issues with the machine. They should be able to (1) check your machine and (2) instruct you in how to do each of the functions, including FMQ.

They may even steer you to a class in FMQ. Or you can check with your LQS's for a FMQ class. I think a 'hands on' FMQ class would be best.

ali

When my beloved Janome was in the hospital, I bought the $149 Brother at Walmart - has a light purple design on it and a little extension table. I don't particularly care to do my piecing on the Brother because I'm spoiled by Janome, but the machine is a Hoss at FM. Now, I know that it's basically what is called a "throw-away", not really built to last, but I can tell you that I ran it for hours and hours doing free-motion and it only broke the thread twice, most likely due to operator error. Now that my Janome is back, the Brother sits on a side table but I break it out every time that I'm ready to do free-motion!

I've had the LB6800 on my wish list and have been waiting for the lottery to be kind to me so I can buy it. Now I'm beginning to rethink the whole machine. Could I ask who the seller was? You can PM me if you like with the info.

I'd probly look for something used. Good Luck on your search!