I have the Janome 1600DB and I love it for quilting, Iv done several it isn't fussy with thread I can use most brands
I guess my only complained is the bobbin in on the side but hard to get too

I have my tables set up to fmq with a clear vinyl on top with the Sew Slip and have quilted a couple of lap size quilts. My biggest problem is the bobbin doesn't hold much for thread so I am constantly having to stop and change the bobbin which is not easily done with this machine in my setup. The bobbins my machine takes are plastic concave bobbins, to my knowledge it is the only machine ever made with these small bobbins.

Change your bobbin thread to something finer... you will go much further.. Try Superior threads "bottom line" thread.

Very believable - I went to a quilt shop once and there were gorgeous quilts all over. The lady there said she makes all her quilts on a featherweight!! Not just piecing!! I guess where there's a will there's a way.

:D :D

I have the same machine. The more I use it the more attached I get to it. I am still a beginner quilter but I think it works well for small fmq projects. I do think the table space is important and am trying to figure out how to set up my little sewing room to accommodate a larger table to hold a double or queen quilt.

I now have 6 quilt tops, and I'm a bit of a chicken...I have them sandwiched and ready to go. I'm afraid I'll wreck them. I've done one, it didn't work as well as I'd like and I spent a week picking out the stitching.

I'll be interested to see how yours works out and to hear any tips you have.

I have my table set up pretty much like this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14go...feature=relmfu

I have a 4' fold in half plastic table against the wall, with my 40" machine table, which I bought from Leah Day, in front of it, which makes it 4'wide x 45" deep from front to back. Then when I want to quilt I have another fold up table which is 24"x4' which I put on the left side, so now my setup is 6'wide x 45" deep. I hope this is clear enough.
When I am done quilting then the table folds flat and I can put it out of the way, and I still have 4'x45" to sew or use my embroidery machine. And I keep my Viking, Janome 300E and my Brother 1034D Serger lined up on the back table when not in use. Works for me.

Great Idea, Thanks:) I have a few tables that I can juggle to try to make this work.

I have the Janome 6600 and the Brother 1500 - pretty much the same as the Juki 98. The Brother does the best job FMQ and straight sewing and the Janome is great for everything else. I suggest you keep what you have and purchase either the Brother 1500 or the Juki. They all have their advantages.

Yes I think you should upgrade and send me your old one.... :thumbup:

We have a Designer 1 at our quilt ministry at church. It is a wonderful machine and we were so fortunate to have someone donate it to us - but I completely understand about the bobbin. Ours does not wind so well either so it is just a pain. Anyway, we also received a Sidewinder as a donation so that has made winding the bobbins a breeze. Takes a couple seconds to get one wound. Wonderful little invention.

Best of luck with your decision.