Start using the knee lift. Have been using one for years and it makes sewing so much easier. If I don't have the lift attached to the machine my knee keeps going for it. You will wonder how you sewed without it once you are in the habit of using it.

Congratulations, it's great when our honeys appreciate the talent and passion we have for our sewing. Have fun with it.

Enjoy your new machine!

Absolutely agree with Fastpedal - once you get used to the knee lift, you'll wonder how you got along without it.

I loved my old Bernina 830, but have been enjoying my Janome 6600 for a few years now. It is a relief to have a larger throat. Hope you enjoy your marvelous new workhorse/friend!

Congratulations on your new "toy". I'm sure you are going to have fun playing this weekend. I once did a king size quilt on my Kenmore with a somewhat small throat. It was only the second quilt I machine quilted, but I did it, learned a lot; then shortly after that, I was sewing something else and saw smoke coming out of my machine - I had literally burned out my machine, which I'd had for many years. Just so you know, you can machine quilt with a smaller throat, but it won't compare to your new "toy". I'm very happy for you, go and have lots of fun hours playing.

Enjoy your new machine!

Congratulations both on the new machine and getting a start on free motion quilting!!! I've been having fun trying new things with it for 4 years now. I too started with a small harp (5") & now have an 11" harp which is much easier. Have fun with your new machine!! :):thumbup:

Congratulations on your new machine! I just read a review, sounds wonderful, and is a very nice-looking machine. Love all the feet that come with it, that's a big plus. Have fun!