New member who desperately needs help!
 

Hi everyone, I'm a new member to this forum, dutch by nationality but living in Italy where quilting is not very widespread as a hobby (therapy?) and so it's very hard to come across reliable info. I am a beginner (so far I made 8 quilts, mostly handquilting them as my singer cannot deal with bulk) about to buy a new machine and I also do some garment sewing for my one year old from time to time. I was evaluating the Janome 4120 QDC and the MC 5200. Although the latter is no longer being distributed in Italy and I can't seem to find out why. They did tell me however that they could find one for me if needed. I cannot test the machines as we have exactly 1 dealer where I live, who can order me a Janome but does not have them in store :-( They did mention the Pfaff quilt expression 4.0, but again, no way to test it. Did anyone ever test these machines or own one or more of them? Any help to point me in the right direction is welcome!!

Hi, I wish I could answer your question, but I don't have any experience with either one of those machines. I used to have the Janome 9000 years ago but up graded to a Babylock. My MIL has always had a Pfaff but can't remember which one and would never use anything else. Good luck in your search. I'm sure someone on here can give you some helpful advice. Saying welcome, and waving from across the pond , in NE Ohio, USA. :)

I have a Janome 6600. I like it very much. I have a computerized Kenmore also. I'm not familar with that model, but Janome is a good machine.

Hello .... A few weeks ago I bought the Janome 6600; but I did see and sew on the Janome 4120 QDC and really liked it. The 6600 has a few more features (and so, of course, was a few more $$$$). And I really like it. However, I did struggle a bit between the two, but I know, IF I had bought the 4120, I would not be able to upgrade to the 6600 later. We are retired and my husband loves these words: *fixed income* ... lol

The 4120 is a little smaller and cuter too!!! One thing I actually liked better on the 4120 was the LCD screen, it's blue and VERY EASY to read. The 6600 has a green screen; and I just think the blue is a little easier to see.

Good luck and happy quilting :)

jody

I never sewed on either machine but just wanted to say welcome from Massachusetts. You will find all the answers here.

I have never sewn on these machines, but would like to send you a big welcome from Southern CA.

Welcome to the forum. You will find all kinds of help and information here. You can spread the passion for quilting around Europe. Is it more typical for people to do knitting where you live? I know here in America a lot of people who quilt also knit. I do, socks mostly. I love hand knitted wool socks. It would be great if you would include what country you were from in an automatic signature line. It would help give us context when we answer your questions and you wouldn't have to write it all the time. Hope you find a machine that you like.

I have the 4120 QDC and the Quilt Expression 4.0 and both have great features. The 4120 QDC is for traveling to classes, retreats, etc. and I use the Quilt Expression at home.

The 4120 is lightweight, portable, and user friendly. It sews smoothly without the machine jumping because of the speed. The thread cutter, needle up-down is nice too. The only short-fall is that the harp space is a little small compared to the Quilt Expression.

The Quilt Expression is absolutely wonderful. I just purchased mine about a month ago, and have had no problems. I got mine used, and I couldn't be happier. It was a bit of a learning curve going from a Janome MC 6300 to the Pfaff, but man are those features nice. The thread cutter, needle up-down are standard for this machine, but I especially like the automatic foot raiser for pivoting on corners and after the thread cutter is enabled. The only thing I don't like is that the guide for the 1/4 inch foot is silver, which reflects the fabric I'm sewing and makes it a little difficult to see how accurate I am in my piecing, whereas the Janome 1/4 inch foot has a black guide on the right side.

Welcome, from Texas!

When I was choosing a new sewing machine, I did a lot of searching, through Google. Look for reviews and comments, about each machine. By the time I went to the store, I knew exactly what I wanted. Fortunately, I was able to see the machine, in person, but I had already fallen in love with it! :)

could you put a little paint on guide or color it with a sharpie to make it fit your needs? coloring the guide should in no way hamper the foot from operating correctly.