How do I love thee...

Let me count the ways ... For this post I'm going to talk about the features that I love on my Janome 6600. The Janome is my 'off the frame' sewing machine. I use it for piecing, binding and all the sewing tasks I do off the machine quilting frame. This machine is a pure joy to use, so today I'm going to rave about it.

First of all it has a layered fabric feeding system. This means that it will pull multiple layers of fabric evenly through the sewing machine. This is great for accurate piecing and super for machine quilting off a frame.

Second, it's got a longer arm giving 2 inches more space for maneuvering  fabric around.

Third, it has a great set of handy buttons giving you fingertip control for start/stop, reverse, needle up or down and a thread cutter. My son just loved these. When he was little he sat on my lap and pushed the necessary buttons while I pushed the foot pedal and guided the fabric. It was a great way to do a mother/son quilt.

Fourth, there are 2 lights so you can really see what you're doing.

Fifth, there are diagrams on the machine to show you how to thread it and on the bobbin plate to remind you which way the thread should be coming off the bobbin. Being directionally challenged, I love this.

 

Sixth, it has an extendable thread guide so I can use the larger top-wound cones ideal for machine quilting. These larger cones are much more economical than the smaller spools, giving you more thread for your money.

Seventh, it also takes pre-wound bobbins. I really like this too, because I hate having to stop what I'm doing to wind a bobbin.            

 

 Finally, I love how simple it is to use the special features like writing letters and using the special stitches. It's so easy that even the kids can do it. Here are Rosie and Pete showing their projects.  

The Janome 6600 has lots of other great features, but these are my favourites. To see the others, follow this link:  http://www.couling-sewingmachines.com/machinequilt6600p/marthamilne6600p.htm