I have a chance to buy a Stitch Regulator and Fabric Mover for $400.00. My question is this, would this be a good investment for someone who would really like to seriously free-motion stitch my own quilts. I'd like to know the pros and cons from those who have had experience with them. Thanks a bunch,

MissBarkey

I have one for my Viking. I just never got the hang of it. So I went with a mid-arm frame setup, instead.

I can say Yes and No.
I love how easy it is to free motion with it. Bang! Right off the bat. It works wonderfully with the stitch regulator.
But the open area is rather small and necessitates stopping and rearranging the quilt or block quite often.
But since I do mostly QAYG it's not that big an issue for me.

I have the Bernina 440QE with the stitch regulator and I love love it

I have learned to do fmq on my reg. 35 yr. old machine. I tried out the stitch regulator on a Bernina at the store and really disliked it. It felt like I was fighting the machine the whole time I was using it. I've spoken with others that have had the same experience. If you've learned to fmq without a stitch regulator you might not like to use one. If however, you learn to fmq with a stitch regulator, you might like it. For sure, try it out before you spend the money.

I free motioned for years on my Pfaff before I got the Bernina and it is so much easier but does take practice I really like the no foot pedal thing and just using my hands lots easier on my shoulders