Skratchie

If you already have a Janome, then you might want to stick with Janome. I had used Brother machines exclusively for ages, then bought a Janome 8900. I've never bonded with it, so I bought another Brother and will do what comes naturally with the 8900. When I unpacked the Brother, even though it was a new model, it was like coming home again. I am thrilled to sit down at that machine every day, whereas when I sit at the Janome, it's like a chore to be done. I never sew more than a seam or two with it, then I'm back to the Brother.

You have to buy what you love, so test out all the machines in your price range and buy the one you like the best. Good luck!

dc989

I just bought a Janome 2014 to take to classes. It replaces my 2010 which I gave to my granddaughter because it is simple, easy and dependable. The 2014 is the same. Couldn't be more pleased. Paid around $500 and got several extra bobbins and a foot for free. I truly wish now that I'd stayed with these basic machines instead of investing in several fancy models.

cflykins

I have a Babylock Espire and a Janome 8900. Both are great machines but have different features that stand out. The Babylock has a great threading mechanism and tells you when you are about to run out of thread. I bought the Janome for the 11 inch harp and the walking foot is much better than the Babylock's. I think the Janome is the more solid machine with more metal than the Babylock and seems like it goes through thicker layers of fabrics with more ease. I have a Kenmore that was built by Janome that is about 14 years old and I have never had any problems with it. It is the machine that I use for classes and travel. Before you buy, you should test out each brand and then decide what features are most important for you.

oldtisme

I am saving for my dream machine Janome 6600, but right now using a little Janome Jem Silver limited edition, this little jem has me sold on Janome, I've researched it to every end I can. I have 3 other older machines but since getting the Jem at an Estate Sale & hearing her purr as I sew has me hooked on Janome...Still saving but I will have her someday..I will name her "Faith" because I have faith that someday or some year I will have her!

oldtisme

I called Ken's yesterday to see if they had the Janome 6600 in stock because they are having a 2 yr interest free deal on financing I was told I had to go to a local dealer for that 6600P $1,5999, but if I would move up to the 7700 $2,599 and spend another $500 I could get the interest free 2yr financing. (I had to spend $3,000) to get the financing, ummm NO I just want the 9" harp which is far bigger than my little jems throat, of course the 7700 has an 11" throat but I don't need that either. I bought an older Tin Lizzie w/frame for $2,000 (don't even know how to use it lol) so I'm still going for the 6600P, starting to think I just might used a credit card and just go for it.....I deserve it

Mdaniels

Buy what you want and what you can afford. Are you sure you would not want an extra 2" of harp space?

bhanes

I think Janomes are great machines.

Judi in Ohio

I'll throw something else in the mix - how bout a Juki? I love, love mine. Fabulous machine with a strong motor - my biggest complaint with the big names - they all use wimpy motors. That Juki will sew thru anything with no stalling. I just traded my 98Q for a 2010, and I also have a F-600.