Ok please post your opinions! Change in plans?
 

Hey Ladies (and Gents) in my previous post I was so excited that DH was taking me sewing machine shopping tonight. Well I called the dealer to make sure that they had the Janome 6600P and 7700 in stock. Of course they sold the last floor model yesterday but have a 6600P at their other location. They also sell Baby Lock. He explained on the phone that they sell 4X more Baby Lock Melodies to quilters than Janome. He told me all about some of the advantages but I'm sure that maybe there are some disadvantages. Either way I believe we will go test drive the baby lock, I'm just disappointed that I won't be able to test drive the Janome too. So I guess I'm just asking what all you quilters think between a Janome 6600P or Baby Lock Melody? Thanks for your opinions, I really value your help.

I can't help really, as I don't know either machine. Just drive the machines that are available and see what you think. Take some of your own fabric even. You will know it a machine is right for you, and if it isn't, well, it just isn't.

Dina

Could you go to their other location and try the Janome? Or could they bring the 6600 to the location you will be? It would be a shame not to have the two machines to compare side by side. I would think if he wants to make a sale that he would be accommadating (sp?). Maybe call and ask if that would be possible.

He said that they could bring it up but i'm checking as to whether or not that could happen for this evenings trip. I just can't find many reviews for the Baby Lock Melody. He really talked it up though. Said that timing wouldn't be an issue with that machine over the Janome and it had more feet and options with it. I'm just as confused as ever. Hopefully i'll get more info soon.

I have a Babylock older straight stitch only and love it.My daughter has the quest and loves it-they are all great machines

Do a Google search, for "Baby Lock Melody reviews." You should be able to find some opinions, from other folks who own one.

Also look into the availability and cost of accessories, for each. I have a Janome 7700 and one thing I really love about it, is the convenience and ease of buying bobbins. It takes the same bobbin as my Brother, so I don't have to have separate bobbins for each. The bobbins are available at WalMart, so couldn't be easier to find!

Don't buy anything until you test drive the one that interests you. If you do, you'll always wonder "what if".

Deepika sewing reviews has tons of reviews. I don't remember the exact website.
Also, check the features on the mfg websites before you go so that you know them.
Hope that helps.

Found this thread on the Babylock:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/73575

Note that one of the posts in that thread says the Babylock Melody, Innovis 650Q and Innovis 800:Laura Ashley are all the same machine. You might want to check for reviews of those other machines.

I don't know anything about the Baby Lock but just from looking at their
brochure online it seems to have a much smaller throat than the Janome 6600.
It does not have the accufeed system that Janome has.
I think you get 14 feet on both machines unless he is throwing a few
extra on the Baby Lock. I've had the Janome 6600 for 4 years and
never had any problem. Never been serviced either. I try to take
good care of my machine and make sure to clean it regularly.
Lots of quilters here have/had the Janome 6600. Some have
upgraded to the 7700, 8200 or 8900.
Test drive a few machines and see what you like. Also make
sure the dealer offers classes. Are there other dealers within
driving distance? I really like my dealer because she didn't talk
me into buying anything. She asked me what I wanted then
showed me what would meet my needs and let me try the
machine I was interested. Of course I had my mind set on
the Janome 6600 before I walked in the store. LOL