question about machine quilting machines

I bought a Janome 1600db with about 9-1/2 inches of harp space and stitching speed of about 1600 spm and have been very happy with it. If you check online you can get the base machine for about 600 dollars and free shipping from a number of venders. Pocono sew and vac, was where I bought mine and I love the added space it gives for bed size quilting, Janome stitch quality is famous, also. This is a straight stitch machine. Another machine, that is similar is the Juki, and it is about the same amount of money. Your choice, but I have had experience with Janome and I like their products. Service is more likely to be available locally if you need it on the Janome also. I would suggest getting the optional table extension for whatever you buy as it gives more support for the fabric that you are feeding through the machine and this is helpful on large sized quilts. I built myself a large table and cut out the top to allow the machine to nest into the top of the table and it provides a much larger platform for support of the quilt. Here is a link of a picture of the machine in place.

I hope this helps,

John

Hi,

Several of us have the Janome MC6600P (or the MC6500P). There is a yahoo group just for these machines. It is at >

I have the 6600 and love it although I have not used it for quilting so I can't speak to its capability there. If you join the yahoo group and ask this question, you will hear raves about it though :-)

Rita L.

Musicmaker wrote:

I bought the 6600 a few months ago. It is a nice machine. If you need an overall multitask machine it is a good choice. If not I would look into the Janome 1600 John mentioned. I have a Brother 1500 that is basically the same machine as the Juki-TL98. It served me well. It actually sewed faster then the J-6600 but had no bells or whistles. I think Pfaff has a similar model. I would suggest sewing on all that you can. There will probably one that is right for you. I realized after I bought the 6600 that it is slower at top speed than the Brother 1500 but the 1600 should be faster. May or may not make a difference to you. The one thing that has been really important to me is having any machine in a table or cabinet that is flush at a good height for you. Will be a big help. Older cabinets can be modified. Janome makes a table for a bit over $200 that their machine can sit in too.

There have been discussions here before so you might want to google to get additional comments. If you are doing much machine quilting on a home machine the extra size really does make a big difference and it worth it IMO. I am pretty irritated that Bernina won't come out of the dark ages and realize that. Let us know what you get and how you like it. Taria

Rita > Hi,

If you want even more space, but don't have the room for a HandiQuilter, they do offer a sit down, table version. I took the plunge last year and bought the full HQ16 system and I'm NOT sorry in the least. It's a tight fit in my sewing room, but well worth the sacrifice.

LizA. Kent, WA

Yes, the Husqvarna Viking Sapphire:

-Irene

------------- "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

- Mae West

I just read that a new machine is being unveiled at the Pfaff convention next week. While details are apparently hush hush, there was a suggestion that it will feature a large harp area. Unless you are in big rush, you may want to wait so as to include this in your search. Pfaff's integrated dual feed is hard to beat!

Mary

I'm glad I'm not going to purchase this immediately - it looks like the machine makers are beginning to respond to the need for a larger harp space. It so far looks like the Husqvarna Viking Sapphires have

10 inches long harp, larger than anything else for the home table top user. I definitely want to see what Pfaff is unveiling on Sept 5, though, cause the preview looks like it has an even longer arm and harp space. Now, to figure out how to communicate to my dh about this very special Christmas gift I'm hoping for.....

Musicmaker

If you need help on the communication for Christmas presents then we can probably help do that. Nothing as subtle as Pat's begging. YOu have to be straight forward about this kind of thing. The best suggestion I have is something along the lines of letting DH know you are going to be getting the sewing machine for yourself after the holidays. If he wants an easy gift that will in the long run save him money since you are going to get the machine anyway and he has to buy a gift anyway he will buy the machine. Get my drift?

Taria

Musicmaker wrote:

Good one, Taria! . In message , Taria writes