sewing machine reviews so far

Some stuff about the 6600:

Gee, I'm amazed you didn't like the 6600! I have been mq'ing like a crazy person (running it from 10 to 14 hrs. per day for over a week now) with no problems except for using Dream Cotton Request weight. I quilt the fabric to the batting without a backing for my handbags. The Dream Cotton just stretches instead of sliding, but with my Warm & Natural there's no problem. Maybe you got a machine that wasn't adjusted properly? You're missing out on one fantastic machine designed with the quilter in mind with everything we need and want in a machine. Maybe you can try again with a different dealer and a different 6600.....

Leslie, Missy & The Furbabies in MO.

I can't get my quilts to move easily on my 6500, either, Leslie. I have tried polishing it, and that does help (silicone polish); but has to be re-done of course. Mind you I don't very often get to the quilting stage, so it's not a huge problem!!. . In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes

I read somewhere just recently that you should check to see if your machine quilting foot is high enough to move your quilt under it. There should be an adjustment for foot pressure. We drop the feeddogs and assume that's all that's needed, but not necessarily so. There is also a teflon sheet you can tape to the machine bed that will facilitate easier movement under the needle.

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I have wondered about the Teflon sheet; but I figured that, if it has edges - and I assume it has to have! - the quilt would be likely to catch on them and get caught up that way? The other thing I might do is attach the quilting table (which, to my shame, I must admit I haven't done, because on my last machine the extension table used to move on its legs and that was a worse handicap than anything!). I do reduce the tension from 3 to 2. . In message , KJ writes

Yes, the edges need to be securely taped down. I'll admit that I have one (I'm the gadget queen!) but I rarely think to use it.

Try the new Babylock Quest at the show. I love that machine. I tried the

6600 and felt there was no comparison to the Quest. I put a deposit on it---it won't be available till Dec. I'll be selling my Designer 1 to get that one. I don't use the D1 for embroidery, so a machine with tons of decorative stitches will work for me. I practiced free motion for a long time at the dealers and it worked like a dream. Gen

The slippery sheet that I have is rubberized on the back.. It stays in place by itself, does not need to be taped, and doesn't roll up. It really helps!

Gen, I just realized that I posted almost the same message. We definitely agree on the positives of the Quest. I'm in PA, I just wonder where you are...since we were both promised the machine in December.

I posted this once, but don't see it. Why not try out the Babylock 6600 Quest? It has a freearm (unlike the Janome) and comes with more feet than I'll ever use. It also has the even feed feature that can be used with at least 6 of the feet! I tried the free motion and it felt very comfortable. The only bad part, it won't be available until December. But they did give me a Babylock Xscape to use and keep in the meantime. It only weighs a little over 12 pounds and comes with an over-the shoulder tote bag. I ordered mine at the Harrisburg Quilt Show.

I tried the Teflon sheet when it first came out a few years ago, Pat. I had a disaster with it, though I know some people love it. For me, the weight of the quilt caused the teflon to come "unstuck" from the machine, and soon I was quilting through the quilt *and* the teflon. Not good. :(

hummmmmm that's what I did too Sandy! Could THAT be why I don't look for it when I machine quilt? Of course, I'll also admit to getting the newer one that is supposed to stick down better. Now where did I put that?????? I don't feel that's where I get stuck when machine quilting, so I guess I don't need it. I'm usually hung up somewhere on my table....even my nice quilting table has spots where I get caught.

I always feel that when I try to MQ the quilt will 'drag' ( for lack of a better description ) when I move it to the right (usually ). I've heard that some machines will sew fine when you move the quilt sideways--I have differing results.

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in

I'll see if I can see one 'around' and have a go with one sort or another. I often worry that my polish might get on the fabric (not that I'm that assiduous a polisher you understand >gThe slippery sheet that I have is rubberized on the back.. It stays in

Hmmmmm ...? Now I'll have to ask questions and make a decision. Rats >g< . In message , Sandy writes

I live in Ohio, but am getting the Quest from a dealer in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Nothing like having your dealer 3 1/2-4 hrs. away! He was able to get one in for the show at Novi, and took orders. I played with it in his shop for about 3 hours, so really gave it a good work-out. The company has orders for way more than they expected, thus a Nov. delivery date has been moved to Dec. I have a Babylock Ellageo embroidery machine, which I love, so guess now I'm a Babylock fan. Gen