Sewing machine advice
 

At Maine Quilts 2014 show I looked at a Janome 8200 and a Bernina 710. They are very similar in what they have for features. The Janome actually comes with more feet but my feet from the Berninas that I already have will fit the 710 so that's not an issue. Of course there is a difference in the price. The Janome is $1,999 and the Bernina is $3,499.

The main reason that I am looking is for the throat space. Someone suggested that I look at a Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen. The show special for that is $4,495. But I've pretty much ruled it out, even though it has more throat space than the Janome & the Bernina, because both of them have stitches that I don't have on any of my machines that I would like. So if I"m going to spend the money I want to get something that I can use for more than just machine quilting.

So does anyone have any advice? Do you think the quality of the Bernina is really worth the extra money?

I can't speak about the 2 you have looked at, but I just bout the Babylock Crescendo (and the Brother Dreamweaver is the same). They have the 11.25" harp and I LOVE IT. Also has laser which I am using...didn't think I would care that much..but it is helpful! Just to add more choices! :) It is priced more like the Bernina though, but I bet when their new machine comes out in August...the prices will drop.

I have the Janome Horizon. It was about $2300 at the time. I bought it for the throat space and not the 285 decorative stitches. But one should buy the features they will use. I have only used the straight stitch.

I would probably base part of the decision on service/tech support. Which machine has a local dealer where I can take advantage of free owners classes and find service and support if needed?

I have the Janome 8900, which is similar to the 8200. I actually went to buy the 8200 and they gave me a better deal on the 8900 with the trade in I had. I've had it for just over a year and I really like it. It just went in for its one year service and the only thing it needed (other than a good cleaning) was a slight adjustment of the auto tension. It's a dream machine!

I can't speak to the Bernina; I've never even tried one so I can't make any kind of comparison between the two.

I just want to point out that the Sweet Sixteen is a free-motion quilting machine only. It does not have feed dogs! So, it is very different from the Janome and Bernina you are considering.

Thanks! I am aware of that. It is very different and I did consider it for that reason but I've taken that one out of the running. The other two are more comparable except for the price and the fact that some people consider Bernina to be a better quality machine. Having said that it seems like an awful lot of people have Janomes and like them.

Thanks Prism for that information! I did not know that about those Handi Quilters.

As an owner of two bernina's when the 7 series was introduced last year with a new "hook" system for the bobbin there were lots of buyers who had significant issues.
I would make sure to spend time sewing on one to make sure the stitch quality meets your expectations. Dealers would not openly discuss the issues, but patternreview.com has a blog with tons of comments.
good luck.

I have the Janome 8900qcp. I really like the machine and have not had any issues with it. I did not buy it from a local dealer so no classes but that hasn't been a problem. It is pretty intuitive and the manual is written well. I will never use all the stitches but that's not why I bought it. I wanted the large throat space and the machine I was using (a Viking) was 37 years old and showing its age. Because it had been a long time in between machines there was a steeper learning curve than if I had a newer machine to begin with but still not a problem.

I know people love their Berninas. I have not had experience with one. I have heard that only a certified Bernina dealer can get parts for Bernina so if you need to get it fixed you won't be able to take it to just anyone. That's not true for Janome. I use a repair person who makes home visits so that would factor into my decision because he wouldn't be able to fix a Bernina because of the part issue. He works on all other machines. You might want to check this out for sure but I've heard it from more than one source.

I looked at both the Janome 8900 & the Bernina 710 this spring. The Janome was $3,000, no trade in & probably no
classes as the dealer was putting the store up for sale. The Janome dealership is now 1-1/2 hrs away. Bernina dealer gave me $400 for trade in(only paid $600 for the machine) plus classes & is only 20 min away. I was leaning to the Bernina so took DH with me to see what he thought & He felt the Bernina was the better deal. As was mentioned earlier,
service & personal attention/help is very important. Now I just need more time to sew;)

I bought the Janome 8900 last August. I have really enjoyed sewing on it. The extra throat space is wonderful! It has tons of stitches that are fun to use. It makes a beautiful stitch for sewing and quilting, has a lot of extra feet included. Has just about every feature that a quilter would want like needle down, built in scissors, Acufeed foot, good lighting. It is a nice heavy machine with no vibrating. I am very satisfied with my purchase. Free lifetime classes are offered by my dealer, but I haven't needed any so far. It is pretty intuitive to use and has a good manual with it.

I can't speak about any of the new Berninas. I have heard of some problems with them. I do have the older Artista 180, and it is a great machine. I use it mostly for embroidery. I've never had any problems with it. My dealer quit selling Bernina, or I would have never switched machines. I love my Bernina. Have fun choosing and using your new machine.

I have two Bernina both older models, a 1030 and 1530 and nothing major has occurred with either of them. You really have to chose of which options the DSM offers that you prefer. Is there a dealer closer to you than the other? It is really like choosing a car. Dealer support is really important.

Dealer support can be important, but remember that dealers can go out of business. That's what happened a year after I bought my Bernina 1230 (fifteen+ years ago). I was really glad I had gone in for the free courses on using the machine.

I agree with the dealer support. I specifically bought my 1st Bernina because I loved the dealer. Then they went out of business and I've been forced to go to the other dealer now.

I agree! My Janome dealer sold out their store and moved just a few months after I bought my 6500P several years ago.
Thank goodness I have had no issues with my machine. There is a quilt shop 50miles away that will service the machine, so I have that option. So far I keep it clean, do not use C&C because of the lint issue and it is doing well.

My vintage featherweight, my 301 and my 99K all put the new machine to shame as far as thick seams, beautiful stitches and are just plain fun to use.

I love my Janome. I used a loaner Bernina during a sewing class once and found it difficult, so probably would not want to buy one. But you really need to go to the dealer and sew on both enough to know which you prefer. froggyinteas

I love my Bernina but find they have gotten pricy. I would have to look at a few other brands if mine ever dies.

Wow! Free classes. What part of Kentucky?

My understanding at my location is that there will be classes on "the Janome 8900 feet" for a cost.

Most of the feet are not even ones I will use in quilting. I don't see a 1/4"foot or stitch in the ditch foot. I have never used a button hole foot, etc.

I have owned every brand of machine at one time or another - I just love sewing machines. I had several Berninas and I just got fed up with their (company) attitude. Feet and accessories are outrageous. My Vikings have been fine, my Pfaff's difficult since I bought tol machines and I won't buy another one. For my money the Brother/Babylock is the most intuitive machines out there. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to operate them. I like the Janomes, but they seem to be a beat behind. But it depends on you. Find out what you like to sew with.

Just had to put in my 2 cents worth. Just attended a Ricky Tim's seminar and both he and Alex Anderson sew on Bernina 7 series. I have a Bernina White Pearl as a backup machine and just purchased a Bernina 880 this spring and am loving it! The screens are very intuitive.

Yes it is, Bernina has been made by the same family for 100 years. All others are made in third world countries. I have a Bernina 750 and love it.

I have been very happy with my Bernina 630 - it is now about 6 years old and I have only had one problem, which the dealer fixed with no difficulty and very little cost to me......I do notice that it has gotten a higher noise level as it has aged and the repair guy says that is due to wear on it (lots of quilts being sewed on it) - the quietest machine I own is a SINGER 66-16 (from 1928) - I often use one of the decorative stitches when quilting, instead of that stitch-in-the-ditch that isnt as much fun to do - good luck on your decision and I hope you will love whatever machine you purchase......

Janome 7700 sewing machine
Any problems with this machine
Looking for larger throat plate
Would this machine be good for beginner

Only top-of-the-line Berninas are still made in Switzerland (lines above Aurora). Aurora and below are made in Thailand, at least according to the following thread:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/61158

The above thread was started in 2011, so things may have changed since then.

Edit: A Bernina that was made in Switzerland will say "made in Switzerland" on it.

http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Janome

This will help you with many reviews.

I would never have any other machine other than a Janome. They're work horses and don't cost an arm and a leg. Very dependable machines.

Yes, love my Berninas