Thanks for the tip. I can definitely wait that long (I'll probably need to). I did find an excellent deal on the machine I want but I've never been to an expo so maybe they'll pull out even bigger sales there. I can't wait for it. Thanks again. :thumbup:

That's a good idea. I just found out how important the dealer is. I recently bought a Bernina 440 QE. Last Friday the feed dogs got stuck in the down position. I called the store and was informed that the technician needed to fix it. They suspected a bit of packing got lodged into the area. In order to NOT deprive me of my machine (which I had only 1 week), the tech met me near my home and switched out my stuck machine with a brand new one (out of the box). This saved my from having to make the half hour trip each way on Saturday morning. I was impressed.

So REALLY check out the dealer first. If you can't "connect" go to another place. There are so many good machines on the market you should be able to find one and a dealer you like.

Hello,

I have a Janome 6500 that I have used for all of my sewing for over 5 years and I love it. I has the extended arm for handling large bulky items and many, many built-in features.

I make everything from clothing to home decor items (shower curtains, place mats, pillows, etc) to quilts and comforters using it and have had no problems.

In the past, I have taught sewing and purchased 7 Janome machines that were used by children and they worked fine.

I would suggest that you consult a sewing machine dealer that has many machines side-by-side so that you can purchase the one that fits your needs.

Hope this helps.....

EEK! This is getting too long to read!

But I have to put in my two cents anyway:

I'm using two of the less expensive Janomes and an old metal Singer. The Janomes do some special things I needed but do drive me crazy because they don't have that 1/4 " mark and the feet are clunky (too big) for some jobs.

I put tape on the Janome face plates which is okay and only okay but I go back to the Singer for the 1/4" foot to apply binding and other tasks so I won't get me fingers in the way of the clunky Janome feet.

Next time I'll go to an expo someplace and look every machine in the eye, then the face plate, and finally in the feet!

Jois

I won't tell you to get a Janome. But after I made a list of what I need(well want but need sounds better) and got to know my janome dealer, I bought a janome 1600 p-qc. My favorite feature is that it will NOT SEW when the foot is up. Really handy when quilting. I also bought an inexpensive Janome at Hancock fabrics and love it. This year I will be buying either a Janome 6600 or whatever the new one is coming out May 1.

I also have an 1952 Singer and a singer I bought at walmart years ago. I like them too. But my Janome's are a lot more quieter (is that a word?) than the newer singer.

Just my pennie's worth. Get what features you can afford.