Jill_in_Texas

I currently have a Brother PC-8500 that I bought used several years ago from a reputable shop. I have loved every single second with this wonderful machine, but about four years ago I took it to a different shop for a cleaning. I'm not sure what happened, but the machine has never been right since. When I went back and complained, I was told that the machine is so old it's not really repairable - and that I should consider buying a new machine. I checked around, and it's true that it's impossible to get the parts for the PC-8500, so I did buy another machine, though from a third shop, which I really liked (Brother Innov-Is 2500D) but I began to worry about it - I think it was also used, but sold to me as new - and I sold it and went back to the PC-8500. I can't use the thread cutter because the machine doesn't sew right until I turn it off and "reset" it. This means I can't use the embroidery unit either - which is not a big loss to me because I never used it that much anyway. I believe that machines are like people, and you have to have a good chemistry with them. I know that sounds ridiculous, but until I bought the PC-8500, I never really did much sewing even though I'd had sewing machines for years prior.

But now I'm getting tired of having to remember not to push "this" button or "that" button to keep my machine working, and I feel it's time to retire her for good. I am a Brother fanatic, but since I'm considering buying a new machine, I feel like I should consider all the angles. I'm looking to keep my cost below $2,000, and while I know that many quilters love the older machines such as the Featherweight, it just doesn't do a lot for me. I probably won't be buying anything till after the first of the year, so I'm in no rush and I have every intention of trying out several machines. I've read threads here about different machines, but it's not always clear why folks like a certain machine - maybe they just can't put words to it; I can understand that! But if anyone has any suggestions for a good, heavy duty quilting/sewing machine, I would be most grateful ...

Thanks!

Becky Crafts

Hi Jill, I am also a Brother fanatic. Love my Brother's! I have been saving up for a new machine so I can do my own FMQ on bigger quilts. (I'm using an HS-2000 now & adore it!). Anyway, after doing much research, I've decided to go with the Laura Ashley Special Edition, Innovis NX-2000. I've seen it up close & personal & must say I'm impressed! I can't wait to bring it home!! It was designed specifically for quilters & I was told the price is $2,000.00 with all the extras I'd usually have to buy singularly. Best of luck with your hunt!!

Dina

I have been quilting for just under 3 years, and I have only quilted on two machines, so I may not have the "experience" to advice you really. That being said, I have a Pfaff expression 2. and I just love it. It cost around $1500, and I did buy it locally so that I could have it serviced. I am very happy with it. What sold me was that it has a built in walking foot and a bobbin that I can't put in backwards.

I think not being in a hurry and trying out lots of machines is your best bet. Take your own fabric with you, so you can really feel what it is like. I hope you enjoy the hunt.

Dina

romanojg

If you don't care about the embroidery part, Viking just came out with two new quilting machines that are great. I think the name is Opal on both of them. They are around or 1,000 I think. I have a couple of Vikings and they are great. I have one that is from in the 90's and even though it is hard to find parts for it, it can and has been done if your repair person knows how to look. Maybe you just need another repair person to check it out.

sewbeadit

If you love Brother I would stick with Brother. You already know how they work which makes it so much easier when buying a new one. They have many nice machines from which to choose. Try Amazon, they often have the best prices.
I have a Janome 6600 and am very pleased with it. I don't think I could live without having the accufeed that it has and the stitches are great and it does everything I want it to do and with ease. It does not do embroidery but has a lot of good decorative stitches and also many sewing stitches. Good luck.

LyndaOH

I've got a Janome 7700 and love it; I loved my Janome 6500 and 6600 before that. Janome has a new machine out (8900) and is lowering the price on their remaining stock of 7700s, so that would fit in your price range with a bit to spare for goodies. They are coming out with the 8200 in the next month or so, and that might also be a good fit. I believe it's going to have the nice features of the 8900 with fewer stitches. You should definitely check them out if it's quilting room you are interested in and a good solid machine.

I also have a Juki Exceed that I love for piecing and thicker seams. I haven't tried it for FMQ yet. Here are the specs on this one: http://www.jukihome.com/products/exceed_f600.html It's harp is a bit over 8", while the Janome 7700 and 8900 are about 11". The Juki is under $1000 and comes with a lot of accessories.

Hope this helps!

GrandmaNewt

Brother fanatic here too. That being said, I have been looking at the juki exceed f-600 for awhile now. Ummm, until Brother came out with the Dreamweaver series. I havent been to a dealer to look at those yet, but the videos on Brother's site make the machine look amazing.

Jill_in_Texas

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate the advice.

This machine has been the focus of my attention, actually ... I saw it at the LQS and loved it, but I don't know anyone who has one, so it's nice to hear you like it. I do quite a bit of sewing, so I need something that is, as you said, a work horse.

Is there anything about it you don't like?

Dolphyngyrl

what makes you believe that you machine was used, for your budget I would suggest the laura ashley nx-2000 it is just for sewing and quilting since you have no interest in embroidery. I got my espire used and it was a wonderful machine until I traded up, used shouldn't matter if it is from a reputable dealer that knows how to service machines, I am sure reputable ones inspect and service trade ins before offering them up to customers.

patski

I love my Vikings, and they are under the $2000.00 price