Ok,
I like my Brother 8500D but I have had it awhile...
I am hoping to get a new, fancy dancy machine that is more user friendly, for quilting and embroidering.
I would like to have a larger emb area...
Anyone have any ideas...
Not to concerned with built in designs as the one I have has all the disney designs and I don't have kids so never used em...
Thanks,
K

I think sewing machine purchasing was discussed on this board a little while ago. But my advice is to decide what you are looking for, go to a dealer who sells machines and try them out. Janome is my choice, but there are a lot of quality machines out there to look at. Good Luck.

K, You have to go check out the Janome 10,000!!! You will just love it!! I didn't opt for the embrod. so stepped down to the 6600. I too had a Brother before and this sews like a dream or 'butter' as they say!:))They are very user friendly too...I just love my Janomes!! I have a simple-simple one too!! Skeat

KO24- JANOME IS THE BEST CHOICE I HAVE FOUND. HAD A 8,000,THEN TRADED IT INFOR A 9700. LOVE BOTH. BUT DO GO TO THE DEALER , SIT DOWN AND TAKE A LONG TEST DRIVE. WILLIE

I have a bernina artista 640E emb/sewing machine. I just upgraded to it, but I quilt on my kenmore.

I have the Brother Duetta 4500 that I just purchased...
I am looking for a plain sewing machine now that I can use for piecing and sewing.
Thanks,
K

I'm in the same boat...would like something..don't know which way to turn. I"m hoping that if I bump this up, we'll get some more opinions :D

Hi, K!
I started out sewing on Singer machines, and once married, used Singer, Kenmore and New Home (now Janome). I had my New Home MC 6000 for 23+ years and the computer is starting to go. I bought a Pfaff Expressions 2038 and am still getting used to it. The neatest thing about it is the IDT (integrated dual feed) foot which is built in, eliminating the need for a separate walking foot. It is a lovely machine, but if I could have, I would have purchased another Janome. The biggest reason I didn't is because the closest service place is 60 miles away in South Dakota!

jojo

Just take a road trip and go try all the ones you might be interested in. Study them online first...and,if you have a trusty service guy/woman in the area...ask them questions! I did and from that and word of mouth, that is how I tried the Janome. The prob w/so many machines from what I understand, is there are so many plastic parts where there wasn't years before. I have to admit, my old brother could have melted to the ground w/a candle:))LOL Just like our vacuums...so, check them out and defin. check them out inside. I have many friends that all have the Janomes...which tweeked my interest at the time. So, started out w/a very generic one from Hancocks...which I still like but so love my Janome 6600...it does many tricks and smooth as butter. Now if I can figure out how to make it make my coffee!!:))Just my 2 threads worth...Skeat

has anyone attempted to buy a machine on ebay? I look but never trust the whole process. Now that is stupid because I just bought a car online and it weas a wonderful experience!!

I love my Janome 6600p I have had it for a year now. It really depends on how much money you want to spend and what features you want, I researched for a year lol. Go to the dealers and compare in your price range.
Dawn

I'm not interested in embroidery machines since I am a die hard quilter.
I have a Pfaff 4400 that I purchased several years ago and I just love it. It is used for quilting, piecing, and ordinary sewing. It is smooth and moves the fabric beautifully with the IDT walking foot. Never any problems. I hope to buy another Pfaff in the near future, one of the new ones with the large center. This larger center gives more room to move the quilt through while quilting. I highly recommend the Pfaff machines. That is the upside.

Here is the downside:

First: I could have purchased the same basic machine but with fewer built in stitches and without the ability to write names and initials for much less money. I really haven't used those features, have only played around with them. My first word of advice is to critically evaluate just what you wish to do with your machine then purchase accordingly. Buying more features and paying more money for them is not sensible if you don't use the features.

Second: Purchase from a dealer in your area that offers classes and/or will teach you how to use the extra features. I purchased from a local dealer who is only interested in making one sale after another and has no interest in teaching you how to use the machine. He is an expert repair man but with a Pfaff you will seldom need a repair. The next Pfaff I purchase will be from a dealership run by ladies who will be willing to take their time to assist me.

Right on about going with a dealer who is interested in you as a sewer/quilter and offers classes! That's why I bought my Pfaff where I did! Right now I don't have a lot of tiem to sew :cry: because with the spring/summer farm work I do a lot of running for my sweetheart, so I really appreciate my time when I CAN sew!

I also agree regarding reputable dealer. BUT bought a husquavarna with the idea of service and advice. The dealership closed within a week and now all the people that bought this brand are out in the cold or 100 miles away from person to person help. If I have to live with this reality I might as well go for price!!!