Ever since I purchased my used Memory Craft 6500 Janome (pronounced Ja-NO-mee) about a year ago I became a huge fan. 
JANOME 7700
Wow – this machine offers the best of the best. I was drooling just reading about it. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this thing to try it out – so off I went to the dealer with my Janome 6500 and credit card in hand and my husband shaking his head at me. I was ready to trade in my faithful 6500 for this beauty.
And a beauty it is. It offers a huge work area, a free arm (which my 6500 and the 6600 do not have). It has fantastic lighting, a built in accufeed system (similar to a walking foot). A gorgeous touchscreen display, a foot plate that changes to a straight stitch plate with the touch of a button. Wow. It was super nice AND it had a super high price tag on it for well over $2000.
This forced me to be a bit more critical about the machine. For some reason Janome got rid of the independent motor for bobbin winding. I LOVE and rely on that – I would really miss it. This machine is also bigger – great for working, but then what do I do with my brand new Janome Sewing Table? I just purchased it and it would be useless with this machine. The machine has a ton of bells and whistles which honestly, since I am not a quilter, I really wouldn’t use. I started thinking that I really didn’t need this.
I focused my attention to the Memory Craft 6600P, which is the updated version of my 6500.
JANOME 6600
With a price tag less than half that of the 7700, this machine offered all the great things of my 6500, with the addition of the accufeed system, a 7pt feed dog and it runs much, much quieter.
For me, the most important things a machine can offer is high quality stitches, speed and great buttonholes. The 6600 offers it all. All of these high end machines offer a top speed of 1000 stitches per second. For the average home sewer this is more than enough. I however, crave and need more – so, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the Janome 1600DB.
JANOME 1600DB
This is an industrial strength straight stitch machine that boasts a top speed of 1600 stitches per second. I’ve been dying to try one of these. I should not have sat down – this thing is fast! And, the stitches are absolutely perfect. The dealer must have seen the light in my eye because he quickly informed me that he had an
“open stock” machine that he would sell me at a discounted price.
I walked out of that shop with TWO new machines. The dealer cut me a deal I could not resist. I purchased both the 6600 AND the 1600 for a total significantly less than the Horizon by itself, AND my tried and true 6500 is getting serviced for free. I also got a very cool “B” foot thrown in to help keep my button holes perfect! Best part – BOTH machines fit my Janome Sewing Table!
I was up and running within 30 minutes of getting home and I just adore these machines. Sorry Horizon, you may be the dream machine for many, but this girl is happy with her less expensive workhorses!
My 1600DB fitted with a very cool 1/4” top stitch foot – a perfect top stitch everytime.
Needless to say, I’m an official Janome Junkie. I plan on keeping these machines for a very, very long time. With a 25 yr warranty, who wouldn’t?
Do you have a Janome? Are you a Junkie like me? I’d love to hear from you!
I ran across your post and read every word of what you had do say because I too have decided on a 6600 over a Horizon (mainly due to the price) Thanks for the information. Enjoy your 2 new machines.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post...I have to say since I've been using my 6600 for over a month now I have not questioned my decision once. I know there are many people out there who are in love with the new 7700, but for me it wasn't worth the high price tag. The value of the 6600 paired with the 1600 is priceless for my purposes.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your 6600!
I stumbled upon your craftster post and came here for the details. :)
ReplyDeleteI had a similar trip to a local sewing machine store. They were having an awesome Memorial Day sale for open stock floor models on top of another sale. I just needed something a little more simple than you, but wanted to upgrade from the super-basic Brother model I found in the swap pile a year or so ago. (It's getting tired in spite of servicing, and I wanted a few more features.)
I ended up sitting down to a Janome DC4030 (boobie cancer model AKA Pink Ribbon). I didn't much care for pink, as I'm NOT a pink person, but WOW! That little machine totally sold itself. The special series included more accessories than the regular one, so it made up for the color. I ended up paying around a third of the original price for the machine and some other cool accessories as well as some fabric I couldn't resist.
The real selling point for me was the stop/go button with optional foot control. So very handy for someone who doesn't have the space for a proper sewing set up right now. I'm running on a table that is too tall to sit and use the peddle.
The button foot is amazing. I love attaching the foot, pressing the button, and letting it go to town. There are more than enough stitching options available, and it's way easier to set than my Mom's Singer. I can drop the feed dogs easily, threading is a breeze. I like how smooth it is. You can really cruise along with it.
It still has the independent bobbin winding motor too, plus it's substantial, yet still something I can carry if I decide I want to do some random classes or do a sewing party with friends.
:) If/when I get to the point of wanting something more professional, I think I'll go with another Janome, particularly after reading about how much you like yours!
I hope you love your new ones!
Hi! I am happy to say after 3 years I still LOVE my Janome machines! Aside from their annual service, they don't ever visit the shop! They are reliable and meet all my needs. I'm glad you are enjoying yours as well!
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