Originally Posted by Naturalmama
Are there any "regular" sewing machines that are larger in the open area (I'm sorry, I don't know the technical term) so they'd be easier to use for quilting? I mean easier in that they allow more room for the rolled up quilt as you do the quilting.
You might check out older machines. I kept my 10-year-old Bernina PE140 because the harp area is 9". My new PE230 is 8" and that 1" does make a difference. My PE140 is still a good machine. I keep it clean and have it serviced periodically and have never had a problem with it in 10 years.