Janome or Brother for backup machine
 

I need a backup to my backup machine. DIL borrowed my Janome Magnolia backup so I am looking for an inexpensive substitute. Considering the Janome 2212 or the Brother CS6000i. Both are around the same price, the Janome is mechanical but has 12 stitch types the Brother is computerized. I don't use many stitches so the Janome would be sufficient. Mostly it would be used for piecing and taking to class.
Any problems you know of with these machines or recommendations?

I am not familiar with either machine you have mentioned.
Though I have had great Janome experiences, so of course that'd be my first choice.'

One consideration which might slant you towards Janome ... does your current machine and the 2212 use the same bobbins, feet, etc. If so there is merit to stick with Janome, so you can move things between the two.

I have the Brother CS6000i - have made 2 baby quilts on it. The manual is easy to understand. I've had it for 3 years and no problems so far. I upgraded to a larger Brother (wanted the large throat) but am keeping the CS6000i for piecing, classes and retreats... I give it a :thumbup:. Have never sewn on a Janome, though, so can make no comparison.

I am a Janome fan!! I have the Horizon 7700 and the Gem 760 for taking to classes. I love them both...the little Gem is light to carry but is a great little workhorse!!

I second the Janome Gem recommendation. I'm in the process of investigating my own new machine. I didn't choose the Janome Gold because I wanted something a little heavier (I'm shopping for my main machine) and I don't need to carry it, but it was a sweet smooth little machine.

I'm a Brother fan through and through. I have had some bobbin trouble with Janomes. Love my Brothers.

I'm a Janome fan, and one factor is how quietly it sews. If that matters to you, take it into consideration.

I just got my first janome the basic magnolia. I had a brothers machine die in under a year and replaced that with a fancy singer from Walmart that junked out in six days. I went to my local janome dealer and haven't looked back. It's been about a month and even though my machine is super basic I love it. I just finished quilting a lap quilt on it and it went really well. Even with my booger ups lol. I am already dreaming about being able to upgrade to a better janome. I just need to sell a kidney to get the gojillion dollar one I like lol.

All my machines are Janome. I googled the 2212, I don't think I would like a machine that doesn't have a top loading bobbin. I'm just not used to that, maybe you are. Good point by QuiltE, sharing the bobbins and feet are nice.

I only have one working machine--the BrotherCS6000i. I like it, but I also sew garments, not just quilts. I'd like to get a dedicated quilting machine at some point--the Brother has a small throat.