Presently have a bernia virtuosa model 150 which is about 10 years old and does a great job on standard sewing. Need some input to the newer machines that I can do machine quilting. Do not have a lot of room for a big machine plus the cost as well.
Saw a small long arm machine at a quilt show by Pennywinkle Valley Ranch. It was just the right size. Do not know how reliable or confident i feel with this company. Does anyone have any suggestions. Is the Bernia 440 now out just as good?

What company was the small longarm. I have friends with midarms that like them. Janome and Juki machines, Grace frames. I would look into them. One friend has a Hinterberg frame, not sure who makes the midarm machine, but she loves it.

I have a Bernina 440 QE and I love it. I also have embroidery module that I am just learning to use now. I like the stitch regulator on the Berninas.

I like the Sunshine 16 - I think that is the machine you referred to isn't it? They are made in Waverly, TN so that was another reason I checked them out at the Knoxville quilt show this year. There is a Yahoo group for them but can't remember the exact name. Just do a search for both Sunshine and Pennywinkle. When I was reading it, even when someone had a question, the creators of the machine seemed very responsive. Mostly tension questions which seems to be the norm. I am disabled so the sit down version seemed like the answer to my prayers and probably would have one now except for family issues!

Your Bernina 150 will do an excellent job of machine quilting. What makes you want to get something else?

My introduction to Bernina machines was at the VT Quilt Festival last year. We did some FMQ on flowers and I couldn't believe the beautiful stitches it did. That was on a 440QE. After that, I used a friend's Virtuoso 153 for a wall hanging and some placemats and it did just as good of a job as the 440QE. Since then I have bought a used Bernina 180E and absolutely love it for FMQ.

Both my Janome machines give me "whiskers" on the back when doing FMQ around curves. I don't get any whiskers at all with the Bernina.

I think you already have a great machine to do FMQ with and just don't realize it! :thumbup:

If you want more space i.e. a larger harp, have you looked at the HQ Sweet Sixteen? It's basically their standard 16" machine, but instead of being on a carriage over a framework that takes LOADS of space, the Sweet Sixteen comes set in a table that measures 30" x 36". I got mine last week and I am delighted with it. Also, it can be upgraded to a more conventional long arm later.

i was impressed with the Sunshine series but still have to see it again inperson and try it and learning more. I do have their brochure and business card from the quilt show in Oaks PA this past September. There were alot of long arm machines but all too big for me and the table models seem interesting. so Thanks

thanks. It would just take alot of practice.

It has been about 2 years since these posts on the Sunshine 16 mid-arm by Pennywinkle Ranch . Anything new to report ? I have ordered one, but am hesitating due to their yahoo message group . Seems like tension is a problem. Can anyone provide an update ? Thanks !