Help deciding between two machines
 

I am trying to decide between a Husqvarna Tribute 140c or a Janome Memory Craft 6600p - I currently have a VERY basic Kenmore so I'm trying to decide what would be a better machine for me.

I started quilting about a year and a half ago, and am at a point where I would like a machine with a lot more bells and whistles. I like aspects of both machines and other than a $300 difference I'm okay with either machine since they are both HUGE improvements compared to my little basic machine.

Any opinions would be helpful - I'm looking (hoping) to buy something this weekend.

Thanks in advance!
Vanessa

i dont know anything about the other machine. but i have four janome's and they are all
very good machines. and they are so easy user friendly.

I have never tried either machine so probably should not be having any opinion but: from what I have read on this board it seems many people really like this Janome. My only experience with a Viking was a Sapphire I bought used a while ago and I am hoping to sell it as I don't like the automatic presser foot. I dont know if this is a feature of all Vikings or not but for me it was very different than any other machine I had ever used. I would see if I could try either these models ideally or if not even another model of these brands and as many other brands in your price range as you can before buying to be sure you can live with the way they sew,sound, ease of use etc. I think all the brands have areas they excel at, are generally good products and can get the job done but they are like shoes-some brands just fit better than others. Just because someone else loves it doesn't mean its the right one for you.

I purchased a Janome 6600 last fall and I have really been very impressed with this machine. I talked to several ladies on a quilt trip and this is the machine that they favored. It is wonderful. The AccuFeed system is great - love it. There is nothing that this machine has failed to deliver - the dealer said that she has this machine and it is a workhorse. I don't think you would be disappointed with the Janome 6600. It is a big decision - good luck.

I have a Janome 9000 I use for the special features and have just purchased a featherweight for the basic sewing as many recommended on the board. Several people stated the new plastic machines did not last like the old metal ones so to use a 301 or featherweight for the piecing. I had so many functions on the Janome and when I had a problem (I am a
beginner quilter) I had trouble figuring out how to fix it. If you have a dealer you purchase your machine from near by,give free lessons and help....mine is 1 hour a way.

I have the Husvarna 140C it is a very nice machine. I really like it alot. I am do not have any idea about the Janome but they also have nice machines. Probably best to compare features and test them out.

I have aviking +1 It is a very good machine the problem is the viking dealership in my area closed a few years back and it hard to find a dealer. I t seems Janome has been around for a long time.

I don't know much about the Janome however I know lots about the Viking machines, 1 have 3 of them.
The 140 has the sensor system where you select the type of fabric you are doing and the machine adjusts to the right pressure on the pressor foot so its just right for that fabric. It also has the auto lift pressor foot when it stops. This feature is so great with quilting because you set it with needle down and then when you stop the pressor foot raises so you can pivot without having to left the foot. There is no pressor foot lifter which some people have trouble doing, I love it so much!!!!!! It also has a 10 inch throat so there is plenty of room for free motion. Go and try this machine out, you won't be disappointed but see if you love the pressor foot lifter as much as I do. I will tell you that the auto pressor foot pressure feature is great. I never have rippled seams on different weight fabric like with my previous machines.
BE SURE TO TEST DRIVE each machine and see what you like. My one suggestion is to take some small pieces of your own fabric instead of using the "sample" fabric they use in the stores. It does make a difference. Finally, none of my 3 Vikings have ever been in the shop for repairs, just standard cleaning. I've had Vikings for over 20 years.

I would see what follow up service the store has, such as lessons, or help later on.

then if all things were equal I would see which machine I felt I could bond with the best. If I don't bond well with a machine then I know I won't quilt/sew as much. For example: years ago I was offered a Bernina that was awesome but I found that with children and other distractions I would often choose the wrong stitch by accident. I kept my old Singer and saved for a better machine later on.

ali

I have a 35 year old Kenmore and a Janome (Horizon). I still adore my Kenmore but love, love, LOVE my Janome!