For a while now, I've been mulling over trading in my brother Innovis QC1000 that I've had since 2010. Pretty much replaced by my JUKI TL-2010Q in 2016, I've mostly used it for sew-ins, as a back-up, or when I wanted to quilt with its serpentine stitch. It's been ages since I've been 100% happy with it, thus the JUKI purchase. Honestly, though I've been happy with so much about the JUKI, lately I haven't been completely content with the quilting. Or is it my quilting? Not sure. All I know is stitches aren't always consistent, and feeding of the fabric layers isn't even.
Long story, short, last Monday when I was picking up my JUKI from service, I took time to check out the Janome Memory Craft 6700P. Several years ago, I had sewn on a friend's Janome all through an out of town retreat and thought it sewed like butter. And though that particular machine is no longer made (and way more than I needed), the clerk when I dropped JUKI off the week before suggested the 6700, so I'd been researching it. What I was really interested in was that AcuFeed Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System. With a 10" throat space (larger than both the JUKI and brother), the Janome also had three areas of lighting, the necessary (to me) needle-threader, two different quarter-inch feet, an independent bobbin-winder (similar to the brother) and that serpentine stitch I like. I was tempted.
So I initiated conversation about the price and maintenance plan, and contrary to what I'd been told the week before, it was now 1/3 off due to the shop's moving sale. No more consideration was necessary. That elusive 'better' quilting quality made me want to try it. So I've had it a week, and I like it very very much. I've made a baby quilt, and the quilting (and piecing and binding) quality met my hopeful standards. Obviously I need more time on it - and larger quilts - to share a valid opinion, so I'll be back at some point with more of a review. And I'm not saying goodbye to my JUKI, especially for piecing and bags (and ??), but I'm going to spend a little time getting to know the Janome, and then we'll see.
Sounds like a fun adventure! And yes, keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI upgraded from a 6500 to a Janome 6650 last summer and love the Start/Stop button - great for making frankenbatts and quilting small projects (placemats mostly.) Less strain on my back and right foot. I pieced a log cabin twin quilt using the feature.
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering if I'd be happier quilting on a Janome for years now, but I definitely don't want a much more electronic machine than my Juki, so I've been torn. I will look forward to getting more updates from you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and recommendation. When my Pfaff died I replaced it with a Janome 8200QCP. Six years ago? I really like the serpentine stitch. However, the straight stitch (either centered or 1/4") has REALLY declined. I can push the stitch length up to the max and it still sews small -- probably the feed dogs aren't gripping properly??
ReplyDeleteMy Pfaff has a 10" throat space and that's a game changer for so many things (not just quilts). I also have two different 1/4" feet and when I take my travel machine somewhere I find I'm disappointed by not having the option. I hope you love your machine. I'll have to see if my Pfaff has a serpentine stitch!
ReplyDeleteagreed! That throat space helps so much! And the serpentine is nice for a baby quilt or one that just can benefit from a little curvy. Plus, it sews up fast!
DeleteI have a Janome Skyline S7 with the AcuFeed system and I love that feature! It's great for straight line and serpentine stitches, my two main go to stitches for quilting. I look forward to hearing what you think!
ReplyDeleteI have three Janomes and I love them all. enjoy your new machine!
ReplyDeleteHopped over here to read your blog post about your new machine. Sounds great! I love my original little Janome - and still feel a loyalty to it. LOL. Now I basically use it when I need a zigzag stitch (it doesn’t have any other stitches as it’s a very entry level machine). I do find that when I need to switch to it from my Juki I seriously miss the Juki’s beveled head area - so nice for visibility when you’re tall. I’ll look forward to seeing how your new machine journey goes.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you! It's always a big leap to settle on a sewing machine that's "just right," and it sure seems like this Janome fits your criteria. For a short while, before buying my Bernina 770QE, I quilted with a Janome 1600P. It was great for that - quilting only - but I wanted an all-in-one sewing machine. Seems like this model fulfills every desire. Is the Acu Feed Flex part like a "walking foot" or "dual feed"? Did this machine coming with the capability of free motion quilting? With a fmq foot? Does it need a feed dog cover? Interesting about it having two different quarter-inch feet. Sorry to know about the Juki not being quite right. I tested that model and declined because I thought it was noisy, and that's idicative of gears not engineered soundly.
ReplyDeletewonderful
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