Thanks again for all the replies. I had about 10 minutes in the shop before I had to be to work. I looked at a Janome 525S.

Then at work I looked more and saw a Janome 3022. I'll look up some info on the web, but at this point I'm leaning toward the 3022 because I get a great discount.

Not sure when I'll get to tinker with the Brother. Tomorrow's lookin' pretty busy.

Janomes are very good machines and have a great reputation. You may want to check out their website, where you can compare the different features of each model and look at the details (www.janome.com) Some of the top of the line models are quite pricey, but the more economical machines are still just as solid and user-friendly. Lots of our fellow board members have Janomes. I've got the 6600 Memory Craft and love my newest "best friend"!

I just bought a husqvarna viking with a 10inch arm. What a difference a couple of inchs make when quilting, the extra space really helps. It dosnt have a stiche regulator which I really wanted but could not afford.
It has many good features for quilting. Its the new Sapphire model. Cost $1200. at Joanns.
Thread does make a difference especially for keeping your machine clean.

My main machine is a computerized Brother my DH bought me for Christmas about 4 years ago. I have had tension trouble twice... both times were from using cheaper thread (I was making Halloween costumes one of those times & cheerleading bags another & didn't want to use my precious quilting thread on such menial items. :lol: ). Well, each time the service guy told me the threads had wrapped around the tension discs on the inside. So, with the $65 I spent each time I had it repaired, I came to realize that not only should I have used good thread, but that money would have bought a whole lot of fabric!!! (& thread :lol: )

I am an avid fan of Brother machines, but they do not play well with lower end threads. For all of my piecing, like Tim, I use silk wrapped cotton Mettler. For quilting, well that depends on the project, but I assure you it is never the cheap stuff... it costs way more in the long run.

Good luck in your decision & congrats on the new job!! :D

:P Ya I fully agree sooo often it can be your Thread. I have found out I have to do some experimenting and find out what really works for a fabric or project.

OK, I took the plunge and bought a Janome 3022 from work. It happen to coincide with payday for us and some unexpected work hours, so I haven't even had time to take it out of the box! Shameful I know.

I haven't checked the Brother and changed thread either. So I'll do that first and see what happens before I take the next steps as to what to do if it works. Keep it, return the Janome, sell the Brother......decisions, decisions.

I am fond of the brother, I have 2. I worked for wally world for a time and the ones they carried were not bad ones. You might just want to get your machine a tune up. I am not fond of tune ups myself but sometimes they are neccessary. If you lived in Edmonton I would take a look at it for you.