Which of the two would you buy (7700 $2,000 cdn and Serenade $2,000)? Unable to test the Baby Lock as the dealer can only order it in if I want to buy it. I'm in love with the Janome 7700 but is the 7 mm vs 9 mm width on the Serenade a big feature in quilting?

btw, I'm live in St. John's Newfoundland Canada

Hello and Welcome to the board :D:D:D
maybe ask this question in the Main section? :wink:

Thks, just sent it to the main board (I hope).

7" width on Janome? Not sure what your measuring ... if the "harp" or "throat" area (the inside area between the needle and the machine) the Janome 7700 is much larger than 7". I want to say it's 11"?

The Serenade has 9mm stitching the Horizon doesn't. I'm not crazy about the huge Accufeed foot on the Horizon, vs. the nice (and small) dual feet foot on the Babylock. Personally, it would be very hard for me to buy a machine I couldn't test drive for $2,000. I'd search your neighboring state for a Babylock dealer to test drive BOTH machines. The harp size does matter, but I don't know where you're getting 7" for the Horizon...are you meaning from the needle to the arm?

I meant 7 mm vs 9mm stitch width - sorry for the confusion. Impossible to test the Serenade as I live on an island and no other BL dealers unless I take a couple of hours airplane ride.

I just answered you on your other thread since I saw it first but here is what I said:

I've never sewn on the Horizen but I did purchase a Serenade a couple weeks ago. I LOVE IT! I've been sewing on a Pfaff 7570 and it is like my Pfaff on steroids! BTW, the Serenade has an 8 5/8" harp. Lots of room.

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!!!

Hello and welcome from Minnesota!

You need to think also about extra parts and service for your machine? For which machine will you be able to get service, or repairs? Sometimes you can get a "lemon" even in a sewing machine!

Boy, you hit the nail on the head! Lemons can be anywhere in anything...they don't make anything like they used to!

Hello and welcome from northern California!

I have the Janome 7700 and I love it. You have the 11" space for quilting. It is very quiet and sews like a dream. My friend got a price on it last night at a seminar and was quoted 2500. I would take the Janome.

Hello, and welcome from Michigan!

Personally I would purchase the machine that has the nearest dealer, if you have problems or questions you want someone near to help.

Welcome from Michigan.:)

Welcome from sunny Deltona, Florida
Have a Blessed day
Ellen

welcome from se TX

Great price for the 7700! I have the Janome 6600 and would not trade it for anything.
D in tX

Welcome from Gimli, Manitoba, Canada

I have the Janome, and am very pleased with it. It is solidly put together. I still struggle with the automatic needle threader, but different threads cause that problem.(also the sewer). A table came with my machine and all the free advice I need.

Welcome from Arizona.

Yes, the harp on the HOrizon is 11" - I have one and I love it.

Welcome, welcome, welcome! I would go Babylock. Super great machine. Get the dealer to throw in the Gold Standard,(a three year comprehensive coverage) this is a exclusive to Babylock. Also they have a sew at home program, where you can take classes live online. Their support team is great as well. Contact through email babylock.com and express your concerns, get their viewpoint. Can't hurt. Good luck.

Don't have either machine, but welcome from NE Ohio.

I have the Janome Horizon and love it. The 11" harp area is great for quilting and the Accufeed is a little clumsy but you get used to it. The lighting is great and lots of feet come with it.

The dealer that you buy from is very important. I do have other Babylock machines and love them too but really like my Janome.

Hello from Western Mountain Maryland !! :-D

I have the Janome 7700 and love it. Wonderful for machine quilting.

Welcome to the Board From San Gabriel, California

Thanks to all for your comments. I decided to buy the Janone 7700 and its customized table. I have both at home and can't wait to try it out. I do have a reliable dealer who stands by his Janone product and he gave me a geat deal - for both I paid $2,600 Canadian dollars and considering our dollar is valued a little above the American dollar, I'm happy with the transaction! Ed, the dealer, also included the Janone thread stand, a handful of bobbins and thread besides at no cost. As well instruction is available when I need it.

I look forward to following the Quilting Board's topics as I explore the 7700's features and finally get around to taking the plunge with machine quilting. I have been reading the Elm Creek series of books since April and just love Jennifer Chiaverini's books and passion for quilting (been reading in order and now ready to start "The Sugar Camp Quilt").

By the way, I visited Myrtle Beach in Feb for a week and then my husband and I drove to Savannah, Georgia - a place I wanted to visit since 20 years ago when I read Eugena Price's historical novels about Georgia. I was not disappointed as Savannah was better than I dreamed about and I absolutely fell in love with it - just to let you all know, I grow Magnolia trees here in my garden, along with other varieties I saw in Savannah, like Wisteria and the Butterfly Bush.

I had the same dilemma. I was torn between the Symphony by Babylock or the Janome Horizon. I finally decided on the Horizon with all the bells and whistles. I haven't unpacked it yet as I am finishing a charity quilt on my old Brother but I decided on the Horizon because of all the things that I can use on a daily basis rather than just the wider stitching. I bought it from Pocono Sew and Vac in Stroudsberg Pa which is about an hour from me but their service and help is wonderful. Good luck.

You might want to go on the Janome Horizon board. It's wonderful. I have learned so much. Go to Janome.com and look under yahoo groups.

Welcome from Washington state. :) I can't give you any advice on either machine...don't have one of those yet.

G'day from Australia

You'll love your new machine. I have the Janome 7700. Just bought it last month. Still learning. Ha!
I'm writing down the author of the books you mentioned. Sounds like something I will enjoy. Don't you just love Wisteria! I have vines growing like crazy in the wild by my house. Have the Butterfly bush as well and as I live in Mississippi Magnolia's abound!

You must have a green thumb to grow those plants so far north. Is it the jet stream? Do you have day lilies? Mine are almost in full bloom. Enjoy summer.

I love my Horizon 7700 !!

Babylock dealer was in the local Janome shop and her reply was that she'd take the Horizon (Janome) any day of the week.... I have the Janome 11000 plus 6600 & love them both.

Congratulations on purchasing the 7700...I'm sure you'll love it, especially the 11" harp size. I've had mine since September and would buy it again in a heartbeat :)

Welcome! You will love the 7700!I have one and havn't regretted it for one minute.Enjoy!!