Originally Posted by emmy
I have had the TOL Viking, White and Bernina. I spent so much time changing from rolled hem, to 4 thread, and so forth, I gave up. I saved ( a long time) and purchased the Babylock. It is a joy to use and wished I purchased it from the beginning. Not only is it easy to switch between the various stitches, but it sews the stitch perfectly. I never have to make any adjustments for stitch quality. Bring some scraps and go to dealers and try various brands.
I had a basic Janome (paid around $550 a couple of years ago)... liked it until the thread would break. Then it took almost a half hour to re-thread.... got to where I didn't want to use it anymore.
Finally traded it in for a Babylock and absolutely LOVE it!!! It's not cheap (almost $1800) but worth every penny. It's the Enlighten and has auto-threading. I now enjoy using it, changing stitches, changing threads. It's very easy to use. If this is within your budget, it's well worth the pricetag. It doesn't do cover stitch or change stitch but pretty much everything else I need. B/L do carry cheaper models too but can't vouch for them although I think B/L makes a great sewing machine too !!!