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!

I don't have the Janome 6600, but looked at it and loved it. The only reason I didn't buy it was because it doesn't have a free arm (for sewing cuffs on long sleeves, necklines, etc.). Otherwise, I think it's just perfect! many great features. I'm not at all familiar with the other machine, so can't comment on that.

Thanks for the replies everyone! I spent a lot of time with both machines before I posted here and in the end decided to purchase the Husqvarna Tribute 140c. I ended up bonding with that one more than the Janome, if that makes sense :)

Again thanks for the help - it was such a big investment for me and I was scared to death, but now that I've purchased it I can't wait to use it!

Vanessa

I think you made the right decision. My Husqvarnas stitch so much better than my Janome 6500.

HI Vanessa--

this is a really silly question...but can you give the dimensions of the foot print of the tribute 140c? I'd like to know how long and wide the machine is. reason for asking...will it fit in the "cut out" of my sewing cabinet!

THank you!

Betsey

Congrats on the new Viking. Love my Platinum and my friend loves her Sapphire! I piece quilting fabrics, sew home dec from brocades to sheers and even sew coated dog food bags (to make shopping bags) on mine. The tension senor (auto fabric sensor) is awesome.

Hi Vanessa! I, too recently got a Tribute 140C and so far absolutely LOVE it! I am now quilting my 2d quilt with it and love the throat space! I also love the stitch in the ditch foot (that I got in the little bonus case). Hope you love yours as much as I am loving mine!!

Betsey, not sure if I measured correctly, but it's about 17 1/2 by 8 1/2. The downside to the Viking was it did not fit in my sewing table; but that's ok. I left my little Brother there (for piecing) and got another table for the Viking :)

Thank you Krysti!! that helps so much! my hubby said he can extend the opening a bit, so might work. Will go check out the 140C! Am i allowed to ask what a good price would be???

Of course you are allowed to ask :) I just hope no one else responds to this telling me I paid too much!! I paid about $1500 for mine. The list price is $1999. Hope it helps and let me know if ya get one.

I would say take the one you are most comfortable with and have a dealer close so you can take lessons and get help.

If you are only quilting why are you looking for bells and whistles? I've changed my tune and have 1 machine for general sewing & mending. But I love the stitches the vintage machines make for quilting. Hop over to the Vintage portion of the forum before you make a choice and ask why go with a vintage machine.

I have had both ..... I would take a Janome, hands down! I currently have the Horizon and LOVE it!

I know that I have many friends that have the Janome 6600 and it is a work horse. I use my neighbors when I sew at her house with her. I would love one, but I already have two Janome, but that is a great machine.

I have 3 Janomes and LOVE them. Beautiful stitching, both on decorative stitches and embroidery, as well as piecing and everyday sewing.

Hi, I just got the Tribute 140C for $1299. I checked out the Pfaff models too, I don't like the shape of the Janome so didn't even go back to look. I know lots of people with Janome and Pfaff machines who are very happy with them, but my old one was a Husqvarna 1+ so I just went back there as I am happy with my dealer. (Bought my 1+ used and a new White Serger from him years ago so have been a loyal customer.) For the money this machine has the most bells and whistles. I originally thought I'd get the 875Quilt but for 600 less I think I can live without the few things I'm missing. I also have a Brother 180Q for classes. The Brother has foot free operation, I used it a few times and was annoyed with it. My 1+ had auto tension set but I was always tinkering with it, so for that much less money I got all of the other things I wanted. I got a good trade in exchange (for Accessories). The reason I got rid of the 1+ is because the feed dogs were skewing the fabric off to the side when doing a 1/4 inch seam. I could have repaired it but I bought it second hand quite a few years ago and it was just getting worn out. It fit into an old desk my DH had modified for me but I had to lift it out to change the bobbin, a real pain, if I'd had a desk with a spring lift it wouldn't have been such a big deal I guess.
My DH came along when I went to drool on the new ones and bought me the machine and a new desk, with flip out back and side! (I retired early for health reasons and have no pension so am totally dependent on his generosity, he is a sweet guy. ) I'm still in shock that I have such a beautiful machine and desk. I totally agree that you have to try them and find which one you click with, also be sure you have a good dealer to back you up if you need warranty work done.
Print out all of the features you can find or get brochures from the dealers, choose the features you can't live without, the ones you like and need and compare machines. Don't get sidelined by things you really will never use, you know your quilting style and what you dream of doing in the future. Then go for a test drive, I think you will quickly find out which one you click with.

I have had Vikings for a long time and I love them very much! My Sapphire rocks! Automatic presser foot is great! Didn't take long to get used to that feature at all!

i also purchased the tribute 140c thsi summer...i am very very happy with it