I was surfing the net the other day, looking at sewing machines. I have a Janome 1600DBX, it is a workhorse, but it is just a straight stitch machine.

I am looking at a Janome 6500, I want the large throat space like I have now. I want the ability to stitch letters, and do zigzag, buttonholes would be nice too. No embroidery, I do that by hand. One just sold for $610.00 on Ebay.

DH said to wait until after the first of the year and we will see what we can do. My interpretation of that is the first couple of weeks of January, I could be wrong though.

My question is what other brand should I consider? I don't think I want a Bernina.

Thanks,
JulieM

6500 for $610 sounds great. Janome 3160QDC now on sale here for $630. Does the 6500 have Accufeed? If not, see if you can find a used 6600 which does have it. I have a Babylock Quest Plus, which is like the 6600, except that the 6600 doesn't have a free arm and I don't have autocut. The integrated dual feed (called PDQ on mine, Accufeed on the 6600) is amazing! I will never be without it again. It's very easy to engage and disengage and works with very many feet, unlike an add-on walking foot. I think used 6600s maybe available as their owners get Horizons. Quest Pluses might be avail as the upgraded Serenades and Pfaff Smarters come out. For $600, I think Janome, Babylock, and Brother are the best choices, in that order. Good luck!

I would go for the 6500 over the 6600. Don't know about Maia B's Babylock Quest Plus and how the PDQ works but the dual feed on the 6600 is a pain! IMHO! Good luck with your search.

I've heard it both ways about the accufeed. Pain and not a pain. I personally love mine and have no problem with changing feet or anything. In fact it's no harder for me to put on the accufeed foot than it is the regular foot. The accufeed (and the throat size) is why I bought my 6600.

Wait until January may be a good plan. The dealers may have tradeins or older stock that they have to move to get new models in. You could probably swing a bargain.