Date: 10/31/09 11:51 AM

I have been looking into the Janome 6600 and have read some great things. I recently checked out the machine and in the store they have a Brother QC1000 for the same price $1999. I don't know which to choose.

I'd be looking at quilting (including free motion). The lack of free arm doesn't concern me - I have an old kenmore for that.

Any thoughts??? I'm also not thrilled with having to adjust tension my self - as you do with the Janome. But the Brother is all touch screen with alot of stitches I might never use.

Decisions, decisions!

Haly

Next page>>

Reply to halykb
Date: 10/31/09 4:12 PM

Full disclosure: I just purchased the Janome 6600 and I absolutely love it!

Have you tried both machines? Only you can decide which machine is best for you. Let us know what you decide

Next page>>

Reply to halykb
Date: 10/31/09 5:58 PM

I haven't had any "hands on" time - but the dealer walked me through a number of things on the Janome - which really impressed me - that goes with out saying because me Kenmore is 25 years old!

Then I asked to look at the Brother and it blew me away! They both have pros & cons.

Janome - manual tension (I haven't a clue about that stuff) and a beautiful flat bed and a table that goes with for a $100, I would have to buy the differnt free motion feet & bobbin separately.

Brother - auto tension, pages & pages of stitches (Overkill) but has built in storage. Has the additional table (but not a "real" table) and comes with the 3 free motion feet.

I think I've almost talked myself into the Brother ??? Any Brother owners out there???? I mean before this week I thought they made label makers & printers - what do they know about Sewing machines!!!

Next page>>

Reply to halykb
Date: 10/31/09 6:21 PM

I have two brother machines. One is a tote around smaller (3/4 size) and then my ULT2001. I've had the ULT since 2001 and it has been a great machine! It is fun to sew on and it has never given me any problems since I purchased it. It does beautiful stitches and I do use this one mostly for embroidery which can be harder on a machine. I've never brought it in to be serviced (don't tell the sewing police)!!!
I've been very impressed with the brother line and you do get a lot of bang for your buck

Next page>>

Date: 10/31/09 6:56 PM

Do you like the big accufeed feet? That was one thing I just didn't like with the janome 6600P, no matter how much I kept trying to talk myself into the 6600p for all its other great features. The knee lift is quite far to right I found, making it a little tricky to lift the presser foot.

Some users seem to really like the big feet though.

I think the auto pivot foot function is great on the QC 1000. The foot raises a bit when you stop stitching with needle down ( a lot like the husqvarna sensor foot). I think is so useful for chain piecing, applique, and top stitching.

Next page>>

Reply to halykb
Date: 10/31/09 8:12 PM

BUY THE ONE THAT MAKES YOUR HEART SING.you'll be using that baby for a lot of years,you gotta love it's feel

Next page>>

Reply to halykb
Date: 11/1/09 7:36 AM

I have owned both the Janome 6500 and 6600. I liked the 6500 better because I hated the accufeed foot; I found it too big, clumsy and difficult. I thought attaching the walking foot to the 6500 was perfectly adequate. The Janome machines are easy to use, however. I just bought the Brother QC 1000 after comparing it to the Babylock Quest Plus. I had trouble deciding because in many ways I preferred the Babylock, but I decided on the Brother because of the "create your own stitch" feature and the upgrade possibilities. I don't know where you live, but the prices you quote are very high, I think. Here in Atlanta, they are much lower. The Janome is going for about $1200 and the Brother $1700, though I saved about $200 at a quilt show. I find it very hard to really get to know a machine in a shop so I am not sure that I will ultimately be happy with my choice. I will say that I do find the Brother rather complicated.

Next page>>

Reply to janlorraine
Date: 11/1/09 10:14 AM

The price is difference is due to my being in Canada. I should mention that $1999 is the regular price for the Janome, but it's $1000 OFF for the Brother (regularly $2999.00). I did look at Babylock as well, but I'm not sure of the pricing.

Next page>>

Reply to glenj
Date: 11/1/09 10:16 AM

So far they are both making me stressed!!!! Not sure if I mentioned the Viking Sapphires - love, love, love the look of the 870 , but I've seen some harsh things on the discussion boards and apparently they are louder than most machines - I don't know how much louder, besides I could always turn up the radio :)

Haly

Next page>>

Reply to halykb
Date: 11/1/09 10:38 PM

I have the 6600 and I am a quilter. I love the ease in which the 6600 has allowed my quiting skills to grow. Don't let the size of the Acufeed feed dissuade you. I have found a way to attach them in one motion. Accufeed is an invaluable tool for quilting... some people I know even use it for piecing.
Also, Janome has recently designed new quilting feet for FMQ'ing. Ask about the convertible free motion quilting foot set or the metal FMQ foot. Also ask about the blue marked bobbin holder for FMQ'ing. These are fantastic accessories that are worth their weight in gold. If you get the 6600 ask to throw a couple Acufeed feet or the FMQ foot and bobbin case.

------
Janome MC6600, HeartTruth 2008, MyLock 644 Serger, 1941 Singer 66-16 and 1950 221-1 Featherweight

Next page>>