Milli

I say Janome all the way!
i also have a pfaff and hate it too!
Just saying!😟

zozee

I have the Janome 8200 because it was slightly more intuitive for me, the price was better, dealer is great. This machine does FMQ like a dream. And the 11" throat, needle down,automatic thread cutter and quietness were must must-haves. It handles thick seams quite well. Also has a ton of onboard feet. I saved up while using an entry level Janome and I have had no regrets whatsoever. When you find the one that's right for you'll know it. You won't want to stop playing!

Maia B

One thing I highly recommend, since you are researching so thoroughly, is to join the free yahoo groups related to each machine model. I belong to the Janome Horizon group (7700, 8200, and 8900) and several Bernina groups including the 7 series group. Reading those made me a little wary of the 7700 and the original 7 series (710, 750, and 780). It seems in both cases, the successive models (Janome 8200 and 8900 and Bernina 740, 770, and 790) solved issues with *some* of the initial models. I follow both closely, reading the digest daily. I wouldn't hesitate to buy either an 8900 or 740/770/790 now, if I were still in the market. I would be a bit more inclined toward Bernina, because I have and LOVE other Berninas, but I think the 8900 is also a fine machine and usually costs less.

Nothing at all against Baby Lock (or Brother), just that the current offerings are don't excite me. I have a Baby Lock Quest Plus I also adore, and it was a small fraction of the price of Bernina models with similar features, and about 1/3 the price of the Horizon 7700, which was rather similar. Unfortunately, Baby Lock doesn't have anything like that model now.

The Bernina 7 series are very heavy, 30 lbs or more. Mostly a problem when you are taking the new owner classes, but maybe the dealer has a solution for that, like letting you use a floor model for the classes. Other than that there's repairs and routine service. I have several Berninas, almost all bought used, and none has needed anything but routine service, and I don't even do that yearly, since my sewing is spread out over a few machines at least.

Best of luck in your search and purchase!

JeanneMTurner

I wish to have a top end machine and am stuck for choice. Bernina 830, Pfaff creative sensation, Husqvarna Elite, Janome 15000. I have had several brother machines and currently own Brother V3. Janome 6500 and Janome 7700.
I love the build quality of Janome compared to shiny plastic quality of Brother and wish, towards the latter years of my life to treat myself to the best creative machine available that is solidly built and not cheap plasic that yellows with age. Janome 7700 has a lovely case and is an excellent machine for general work but now is time for the tops. I quilt a great deal and patchwork. I also use machine embroidery a lot. Upholstery and heavy work is taken care of with Janome 6500 I have had for years. This next machine is for fun and works of art. What is reccommended? I am stuck for choice and have no dealers close by in France except a Brother dealer but prefer to try a different model than Brother.

LAQUITA

I have an janome 6600 that is my workhorse, I love it,
I have an janome 11.000SE. It dies. Othe sewing and embroidery, but I use mine just for embroidering,
Then we have a janome 3126- small lightweight and potable, it's great for taking to class and retreats,

I'm behind Janomes all the way! But I would suggested you call around for the machine prices before going to just one place. Our LQS sees janome but some ladies and have found then much cheaper I price by purchasing Deimos a place in Austin, they can save $1200.00 on the machine. By driving there, so check around, good luck. & have fun!!!

LAQUITA

FYI: some other things to look at when considering a new machine, (1) are u in town or live in the county ? (2) are yiu a self trainer or do yiu need lessons / classes? I ask thes b- c if yiu live in the county and quilt with a fiend close by yiu might wasn't a machine like here so yiu can troubleshoot Each bothers machines, secondly, do you get free classes with the purchase of a machine there? If. It having a friend that has the machine will be a huge help to help you in yiur learning. Hope this helps,

cathyre

I am about to get a new Bernina seven series as a reward for loosing 60 lbs it was after a great deal of looking and testing of machines that I decided to settle on the Bernina it will be delivered in two weeks , I cant wait . Cathy

Jennifer23

Hello Jeanne, and welcome!

All the machines you mention are excellent, high-end models. If you like Janome, then I would suggest you go with the 15000. My mother has had that machine for about 18 months, and loves it. She has done dozens of embroidery projects, and pieced and quilted many tops on it with no problems. I have used it for quilting both free motion and with the walking for, and it's wonderful to work on.

The machine has help videos built into it, so I would be willing to buy one even if there wasn't a dealer near by - the machine will help you solve problems. I do recommend trying one out before you buy it, even if you have to travel some distance; it's the best way to see if it feels right for you.

Good luck, and please let us know what you decide!

Wintersewer

Mickey, Have you ever used a Bernina with the BSR attachment? I have a 710 with a BSR and it is not magic. If someone is already proficient at FM, their stitches MIGHT be all even and perfect. There is still a lot of skill involved. I can't imagine how the BSR would help with topstitching, it is not made for straight line stitching and there is no guide to help line up with the edge. Normal stitching would be far superior for this.

brandy123

I went to three dealers looking for sewing machine with large throat space. I went to 2 brothers and 1 babylock to see how they both worked and the difference of both. I was told by brother dealer there is a difference in brother vs babylock. The brother has plastic components and the babylock has metal. I asked all 3 about brother and babylock being same machine all 3 said no, contrary to what has been said on this thread. I can buy brother accessories online and in stores and babylock dealer only and online babylock dealers. Some of the features are similiar but they said this is true on all machines, needless to say after talking to the 3 dealers about what both can do and the difference in both I went with the babylock