I have had the Janome 6500 since it came out and I love. The 6600 has a few features (built in walking foot, extra lighting) that the 6500 doesn't. I love Janome's. If you are wanting to do embroidery also, the Janome11000SE is a dream. I have it strictly for the embroidery, but it sews as nicely as the 6600. And no add on module, it is all there.
Best advice, is to take your typical work (sewing quilt seams, a quilt sandwich to try the quilting) and try each one out. If you are doing quilting, the 9" harp is a must!
Good luck! And always, ask for a deal!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

I purchased the Janome 6600MP about a year ago and I love it but I do a lot of hand work so I'm not familiar with all the features. I love the speed control, needle up and down, and the thread cutter. I am very happy with my purchase.

I have a Janome 6600 Memory craft Pro with the sewing table. My sweetest Bjoern bought it for me 20 months ago..my old Husqvarna was given to my daughter (and she is happy ).

After using the machine alomst every day since I got it I can not say there is anything I dislike about it...I just simply LOVE it.
The kneelifter, needle down and speed control is GREATE. I have 4 different blanket stitches to choose from and a lot of different stitches (and the mirror image of them if I need).
In addition to what comes with the machine I bought the 1/4" foot to the upper walkerfoot and it came with a plate for quilting ( A must have), and the darningfoot and bobbincase specially made for free motion quilting. Made a huge difference in my free motion quilting!!

The built in waking foot (upper) is a blessing!

I find it easy to maintein the machine myself (daily routine ). And, if you need extra gadgets to it, they are not as expencive as other brands.

I have a little Janome Jam to take to classes or guildmeetings...the sewingfoots to my 6600 fits perfectly with the Jem.

The sewing table I couldnt do without. When quilting big items, it is easy to drag the table where ever you need it to go while sitting in your chair .

After getting my Janome, sewing on it, I feel like it is worth all its mony and more!!

BUT, you need to figure out what you want your new machine to do for you and go to the dealers and try them out. What I think is greate and could not live without may not be what you need. There are a lot of great brands out there; Husqvarna, Phaff, Brother, Bernina etc..you need to find the right mashine for you

Happy sewing machine hunting!!!

My poor old (>20 yrears) machine is dying.... I am starting to look for a new sewing machine. In consideration are:

Bernina 440 quilter's edition with stitch regulator, 180 decorative stitches, can add embroidery module can be added ( additional > $1000.) Several quilting feet are part of the package. needle up needle down, knee lift presser foot Standard extension but Sew Steady acrylic 18x24 quilting surface is available. Bed from needle to right side is only 7-1/2 inches. Their are other features but I can't remember what they are. New machines are $3100

Next model up is the 630 and is suppose to be easier for embroidery but you still have to buy the module.


The other machine I am looking at is the Janome 6600P ( quilters edition)... Stitch Regulator is additional but not out of line. Has most of the same features as the Bernina... Walker foot is built in for free motion... 14 quilt/ sewing feet ( 2x as much) 160 decorative stitches. Speed control ( a must for me) Bed from needle to right side... 9 inches. Cost is about $2000 with a stand alone table. Special design for this machine.

What is attractive to me is since I had a Janome I have tons of specialty feet and gadgets. I am pretty sure they will fit the machine I am looking at.

The Janome dealer is about 25 miles away from me... Bernina dealers are over 50 miles.

If you have either of these machines can you tell me what you like / dislike about them.

Never looked at the Viking but probably will before I plunk my money down.