trolleystation

I bought Brother i6000, on the advise of a quilting friend. IT IS LIGHTWEIGHT. about 10 pounds. Perfect to transport.

Has many stitches. I purchased online from Walmart. Check internet pricing, it is cheaper than in the store.

Just checked Walmart online. This machine is now on sale $139, marked down from $169.

LyndaOH

I love my Janome NQM2016, which is similar to the Janome 3160 and 4120 machines. They all have the thread cutter and are easily adjustable in terms of stitch length and width. Great 1/4" seam too! This is my class machine, and is lightweight. I previously had a Janome Gem and found it was too lightweight. When I brought it to classes it tended to move around as my project got larger and got tippy too.

AudreyB

Several of my friends have a Brother SQ9285, a Sewing & Quilting Machine, from Wal-Mart for about $200. It's a good little machine for the money. It comes with the extension table, 1/4" foot, walking foot, needle threader, and many features. It's a good buy for the entry level quilter or for one to take to class.

Dolphyngyrl

I second the brother pc420. It would be what I choose if I needed the thread cutter

stitch678

Since this is a " second" machine, l would consider something lightweight( 10 lb)so it could travel to quilt group work bees etc. The Brother 6000i has an extension table, a perfect scant 1/4" ( stitch #37), had lots of stitch options, easy to use without continuously looking up things in a manual, and does a great fmq stitch. The one l bought my daughter even came with a hard cover and a walking foot. All for well under $200! No, it has no thread cutter or knee lift, but as a second machine, it's terrific.The throat is small, at 5 1/2", but it can handle wall hangins, table toppers & baby quilts. There are some cool dress making features as well.

coopah

Eversewn...made by Bernina or the son of the owner of Bernina. I bought a floor model Pfaff for a really decent price with warranty...just before the Eversewn was released. No real regrets, but the Eversewn is more portable has lots of stitches. Just a sweet machine and several gals I know have purchased one and are pleased with the machine. I wouldn't go back to the dealer who insists you buy what they have unless distance to find an Eversewn is a problem.