Date: 5/18/08 10:20 AM

Thinking of upgrading to a machine with a larger sewing field, diferential feed, thread cutter etc .So far these 3 have been recommended & wondered what anyones' thoughts are on any of them?
I don't mind that the Janome does not have a free arm as I do have an older machine with one if I need if. Fast speed, quieter sewing and some built in deco stitches needed but don't want a combo machine as I have a 350E already.
Thanks!

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Reply to devonlady
Date: 5/18/08 11:09 AM

I've heard there are some issues with the new Sapphires. Maybe someone out there can fill us in?

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Date: 5/18/08 1:01 PM

I am feeling the Sapphire issues are being worked out as I am an owner of an 870Q and am on a Yahoo list for Sapphire owners and have heard really good feedback on the machines people are getting now. It seems in Australia there are some real problem machines for some reason. My machine was giving me fits but come to find out, it was mostly operator error with wrong needle, thread and adjustments of the pivot height and stuff on the machine. Now that I've tweaked things around on it, she's sewing very well and I'm enjoying the machine. It's a free arm too which I had to have. I only own one SM at a time for space's sake, plus my serger.

I have read many posts on here about new SM models from various companies with "issues" that are resolved after a while. I believe the Sapphire has been out a year or so and sense this is the same scenario, either by dealer training of new machine owners or through some adjustments at the factory? I owned a Janome for 10 years before this Viking and thought it was a great machine until I tried to free motion quilt when I began quilting some...no tension adjustment I did would make it work worth beans. My Sapphire does FM well. The extra harp area room is an awesome feature for sure and the machine is big...one drawback for me because now it doesn't fit into my SM cabinet!

Jami in WA

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Jami

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Reply to Jami1960
Date: 5/18/08 2:42 PM

Thanks for the update-not sure how long these machines have been out here in the UK as they have just been added to my suggestion list and I wasn't aware of them!
Have heard good things about the Janome range, even though it's not free arm which as I say doesn't worry me too much. Still haven't heard much about the Brother although did find a couple of reviews in that section.
I think I will be in the same position as you Jami regarding a newer larger machine not fitting in my Horn cabinet!

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Date: 5/18/08 3:32 PM

I own the janome 6600 and love it for many things. Depends on what your main sewing criteria is. The 6600 with it's accu-feed foot is great for straight line quilting and sewing on binding. It has a great free motion foot for quilting. I don't like the accu-feed foot for piecing, but with the regular feet it isn't too bad. I love the knee lift and I've heard others like the thread cutter, although I don't use that. Overall it's a high quality well built heavy machine but I would try to take a test drive on the ones you are considering. I tried a Viking, Pfaff and Bernina and really only 'bonded' with the Janome. Gook luck and happy sewing!

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sheep29

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Date: 5/20/08 10:13 AM

As sheep29 posted about the Accufeed on the Janome 6600, it brought to mind a discussion on a walking foot for the Sapphire. I posted to the Sapphire list a question asking if other owners felt this expensive add-on was worth the value. All resounded a very strong yes! Most owners rave about it for piecing and most comments were aimed at sewing on binding...it is great for that. I'm saving up for this. These are items for consideration at decision-time...Janome's machine has the Accufeed included and the Sapphire walking foot is an extra purchase item. No idea on the Brother, no experience with it.

Hey sheep29, I raise sheep! Do you?
Jami in WA

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Jami

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Reply to devonlady
Date: 5/20/08 2:36 PM

Just had to add my 2 pennies worth....I love my 6600 purchased last year and although I'm not a quilter, I love its features for home dec and wardrobe sewing..use the walking foot frequently, especially with touchy fabric/drapery, plaids, etc. for exact seams match up ...like you have older free arm machine (Janome 5700) that's still great....its attachments fit the 6600 as an added bonus and it was the machine purchase that initially bonded me with Janome and away from Pfaff used since childhood...I do still own and use my Pfaff 1250 with its free arm and original built in walking foot, so I was familiar with the use of that feature for years....but I recently completed my "family" with a new embroidery machine, the 350e and feel that Ive achieved the best combination of machines to fit all my sewing needs...best of luck in making your decision.

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Georgieann

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Reply to Jami1960
Date: 5/20/08 11:09 PM

Hi Jami in WA! No, I don't raise sheep but I have a vast sheep collection that started when I used to spin. Am now addicted to quilting, but still own my 2 wonderful spinning wheels that I get out a couple times a year just to stay in practice. There's nothing any more relaxing than spinning, but I don't knit so I don't have any use for the yarn. I used to needlepoint with my handspun, but now I just quilt! Lucky you with raising sheep. What kind do you have? If I could have one on my patio I would, but unfortunately, I doubt the neighbors in my townhouse would appreciate that!

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sheep29

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Reply to devonlady
Date: 5/20/08 11:18 PM

(Waving hand and jumping up and down enthusiastically) Count me too as a happy Janome 6600 owner. I love the smooth quite power of this machine! It has excellent stitch quality, versitile even feed system that is great for every kind of sewing. I am a quilter primarily but also so period dress for reenactors sewing with heavy wools and fine silks. The 6600 has sewn everything I have thrown at it without complaint! Currently, I am learning machine quilting... Janome just came out with a new all metal Free Motion Quilting Foot with a corresponding bobbin case holder that has a special tension adjustment for FMQ'ing. My quilting has grown leaps and bounds because of the accuracy of this machine. I recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic machine with out paying the fantastic high price seen with other brands!

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Janome MC6600 ¢¾ Bernina 240 ¢¾ Juki MO735 ¢¾ Singer 201-2 ¢¾ Singer 221-1 ¢¾ Singer 15-91 ¢¾

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Reply to devonlady
Date: 5/21/08 8:18 AM

Devonlady, I have a Sapphire 850 that fits perfectly in my Horn cabinet. As for a machine recommendation, I'm still on the fence. Lately my Sapphire has been behaving itself, though. In the beginning it chewed through needles something fierce. Maybe it was just teething? Who knows, but it's working now. Knock on wood.

Janet

P.S. and OT: I'm amazed at the number of spinners! I learned when I was in high school, and even carried a spinning wheel off to college with me. There weren't a lot of us in the 70's, for sure. Now it's all quilting for me.

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