I'm thinking about getting a refurbished Janome 11587 or a craigslist'ed viking husqvarna 150E. It would be my FMQ machine only. I can't find much information about the Janome, but from what I am reading, the Husqvarna is a good machine. But I'm a bit afraid of buying it from an individual that I don't know.

Advice and tips?

I tried a Janome that was 10 years or more older and I loved the way the fabric feed threw the feed it was an even pull I don't know about the husqv, my vote would depend on that one item.

I have never used a Janome but have 4 Viking sewing machines and have gifted two more. My advice is to find out which company has the closest to you reputable (and friendly) dealer. If you have problems or need repairs a dealer is super important.

I have two Vikings but I don't know anything about a 150. How old is it? How much is it? I do like older Vikings because they were made in Sweden.

How large is the throat on each? If you want to FMQ, it is advisable to go with the larger throat or at least that helps maneuver the bulk of the sandwich under the needle. I would also verify that each accomodates FMQ (right foot, drop down feed dogs/coverplate...)

I have two Janome machines and absolutely love them. I doubt I would ever get another brand. My Janome 6500 does everything I could wish for. I even load it onto my Hinterburg Quilt Frame and FM many of my quilts. It works great doing FM both on and off the frame.

I am a huge Janome fan.

I am very partial to Janome and have 6500, the for runner of the Janome 7700 Horizon. We have several Janomes and they are awesome. I have a friend that had a wonderful husqvarna but she struggle with tension issues that never resolved and ended up getting a little 3/4 size Janome Gem. This left me a little cautious of the Husqvarna. Oh as for the little machine in the cabinet. Don't get rid of it yet. Some of those old machines are awesome.

I have friends who have had issues with Vikings but never our Janomes.

Janame is my favorite brand I have the horizon now and its awesome!