GaelP...I also have the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0 but I have had nothing but trouble when it comes to FMQ... When it had it's yearly service I asked for the take up lever to be replaced (I'd read reports on the net that this was a "problem" area that needed fixing)...I was most annoyed though because I was told I'd have to pay for it. As far as I'm concerned Pfaff made the error in the design of the machine...they should really have recalled these machines and fixed them. I've read more negative comments on this machine than positive. I tried to contact Pfaff but got no response. I'm not impressed at all with their poor service. It's really a hit or miss when I go to FMQ... I was able to FMQ quite well on my Husqvarna Lily but I wanted the wider harp which is why I went for the Pfaff QE. Alas, I would never buy a Pfaff again... they're not the machine they used to be

I have the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0 which I love. One of the best features is the IDT (integrated dual feed) which can be used for nearly everything to feed the fabric evenly not just when doing quilting.

I have an Elna Quilter's Dream that I love. I actually quilt on a big HQ 16 sit down model. Honestly, If I'd bought the Elna first I probably never would have bought the HQ. It has extra large throat space that would have done me nicely and it free-motions like a dream. I use it when I don't want to change the thread on the HQ, for instance for one area with a different tread.

I have my mother in law's Janome Emerald which I hate!!! She bought it when her old Pfaff died and she doesn't like it either, so I gave her my mom's old pfaff, same model, to use. I normally use my Brother Innovis 4000D and it's pretty good for free motion but it does have some quirks. Well, today it is quirking it's little heart out so I gave up in frustration and tried to freemotion on the Janome. I almost threw it out the window. So I came upstairs to sulk. I want to be quilting! Next time I buy a machine, I will definitely test out the freemotion capabilities before buying anything.

The Viking Husqvarna Quilt Designer II is AWFUL for free-motion quilting. I think it has to do with the computerized foot, as opposed to a foot that is spring loaded. My suggestion would be to look for a spring-loaded foot or avoid this machine.

Thanks for all the great info so far. Seems like overall most folks enjoy the Janome 6600 or a Bernina.

I have a BERNINA 440 Q with BSR. I LOVE IT. ( $3500)

I also tested the Janome 6600 and would have bought that machine if I had trusted the lady demonstrating the machine. I had a MEOMORY CRAFT / NEW HOME / aka JANOME for over 25 years and loved it. I had planned to buy the 6600. Good stiches, decorative, great button hole $2000 with table. BSR could be purchased seperate from another company (GRACE). ( JANOME now has THEIR OWN VERSION OF BSR for the newer machines) I know the repair guy at this shop was good but his shop lady turned me off the machine. She was just pushy and I did not want to deal with her. Since she owned the shop I just did not see myself dealing with her.

I think you need to have trust in the shop you are buying the machine from and trust your repair person before you buy any machine from anyone. This is not to say that you will need a lot of repairs but with the modern machines it is a good idea to take the machine in one a year for cleaning and service.


Lady Rags

....

I just got this machine and have been drooling over the different feet available. I hadn't seen this one, do you have the part number for it?

I've only had my machine about 3 weeks but I love it so far.

Sarah[/quote]

Sarah, the part number is 202001003. You can see it on Janome's website. http://janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Accessories/All/Free_Motion_Quilt_Foot_Set%2C_Convertible_%28High_Shank%29

I love to free motion quilt with my Elna Quilters Dream 2...I purchased a special bobbin case for special threads in my bobbin and the free motion embroidery foot that has a cover for the feed dogs...my feed dogs are left up and I have better control...lots of special feet that you can buy. PETEY

I too have a Janome 6600 which I love using, especially for FMQ, I also have the convertible FMQ feet which are very good, especially the round see through one with markings for easy lining up when shadow quilting. Just have to spend the next few years practising!!!!

Jan in NE Scotland

I wouldn't change my Janome 6500 for anything!!! Well, except maybe a longarm. But since that isn't happening, I'm very happy with what I have. Don't even know if you can get one anymore. Let us know what you decide!

Love my Bernina 440 with BSR

janetstone wrote:
I just got this machine and have been drooling over the different feet available. I hadn't seen this one, do you have the part number for it?

I've only had my machine about 3 weeks but I love it so far.

Sarah

I love my Bernina 440 (Quilters Edition). I like to free-motion with and without the BSR, and the quilting looks very nice. The only thing I don't like is that the harp area isn't any bigger than for a "non" Quilting machine. If you do a lot of large quilts, you might want to look at one with a larger harp space.