I presently own a Singer 7469Q Confidence Machine. I am looking at possibly getting a new machine but I am not sure what to get if I do. I don't do much embroidery. Little faces or such. I do machine applique but not as much as I piece. I don't do machine quilting except on my Downy Quilts for Kids. Do I already have the best machine for me? I know that sewing machines are like cars---someone likes most of them. Any advice is welcomed.

The feature I like on my Viking Sapphire is when you stop sewing in the needle down setting it pops the foot up a little so you can turn the fabric. This comes in handy for applique.
It also has a 10 inch throat that is great for quilting.
The only thing I dont like is the throat sits low where the needle is and it is hard to get your hand in to change the feet.

I'm getting a Janome 6600.

These were some of the items that I was looking for. Needle down, drop feed dogs, throat is 9x5, awesome walking foot, start/stop button, auto thread cutter, adjustable foot pressure gauge, needle threader.

I have the Viking Designer II. One feature especially appreciated is that a walking foot is not needed. It self adjusts to height of material.

I have looked online at all the mentioned machines but I cannot tell if any of them do alphanumeric stitching. I would like to be able to do my labels on it. :?

I just got a Janome 6600 and I'm still introducing myself to it. But so far, I love it. I've done some FMQ and it is much easier than my other machine (Janome Sew Precise). I'm taking classes on it from the dealer next week and I can't wait to learn more. And the 6600 does have lettering stitching, but I haven't tried it yet.

sounds like a good one to buy.

Wow, it is fun looking for new machines and buying one.

Is this one doing everything you need or want it to? If so, then its for you. I personally grew out of my machine. Couldn't machine quilt larger items without major problems. Wanted a larger throat, more stitches, etc (have some large projects coming up). My last one I had for 15 yrs and is a workhorse and won't part with it. Its not anything fancy, but it worked and when I got it it did everything I needed it to.

If you're comfortable with this one right now and feel it fits your needs then don't upgrade. Now, if you have the itch to do other things, you may want to start looking to educate yourself on whats out there. Knowledge never hurts!! :D

I love my machine , HOWEVER, it won't do all I want to learn to do. I even contacted Janome, Bernina & Husquvarna Viking and asked their tech support for a recommendation and got some good advice but I would love to know how to free motion quilt and I tried it on my machine and the stitches are so irregular that I either get a new machine or don't learn. So--back to my questions. I have had the Viking Sapphire 870Q or the Bernine 440Q or the Janome MC6600P all recommended. I was told not to get a machine that I could not have classes with. The closet Janome Dealer is 100 miles away, the closet Viking dealer is 45 miles away and we have a Bernina Dealer here in town but the Bernina intimidates me a little. Do any of you know about these machines? Do they help control the stitch length with uneven movement? It is hard to teach an old dog to do new tricks. :wink:

I just purchased the 6600! Looked at the Viking and they are wonderful machines, but the $$$ are waaaay more than I wanted to spend. Didn't go and check out the Bernina's because when I called up to talk with someone about the machines, I didn't get satisfactory service (hard to explain on e-mail), sort of got a bad feeling that I might not get the service I wanted out of them.

I decided on the 6600 for 2 reasons:

1) Its an AWESOME machine and has gotten great reviews through Consumer Reports;
2) Janome is coming out with a new one that will replace the 6600 and the prices on these machines are really great right now!! Through my dealer, if I decide I want to upgrade to the new one within a year, they'll credit me what I spent on the 6600 towards it. Can't ask for more!!

Also, you have to remember when you pick up your machine they will show you how to operate it and they should go through all aspects of the machine with you. I went on line and read the machines manual before picking it up and came up with some questions for that day.

Patrice J did answer a question for me about eyelashes and that's because I didn't set the tension correct. DUH!!! I do find the manual pretty inclusive though. Guess just excited and brain-farted!!

FMQ is something that you really just need to get used to! You just need to practice, practice, practice!!! The Bernina does have a stitch regulator that is suppose to assist in this area, but from what I've read here on this board from the ladies, it just takes practice to get your rythym. You know how fast you put the pedal to the metal and your motion of the fabric. Once you have that, no need for a stitch regulator (then x-tra $$$). Do you happen to use some gloves to assist with the FMQ?

As far as the classes, I really don't know if they're needed. Haven't found something I would need a class in yet. My dealer is more than willing to answer any questions that arise and the wonderful ladies and gentlemen are always more than willing here to try to assist anyone with a problem.

Just a little note, I'm noooo spring chicken either!!!! I've just learned to rollover!! :lol: :lol:

Good Luck, I know its very confusing to sort out all the machines, it gets mind-boggling!! Let us know what you do!!

I ditto everything sewcrafty says! I just finished 2 twin size quilt tops with my new Janome 6600. I'm still getting used to it... hard to remember I don't have to snip so much because of the auto thread cutter, and the needle up/down feature is so cool. I am going to take advantage of the free classes, though. I want to learn everything this baby will do!

Good luck!

Sewcrafty---- You are SEWSMART! I will go online and read all 3 manuals. That should help a lot! I know I have said it before but I LOVE THIS BOARD!!! :-D

Good Luck!!! I know this is a terribly difficult personal thing. You wouldn't think it would be this hard would you? :lol: :lol:

Are you taking classes in NH?? If so where? I am interested in taking a few classes for the Jamone.