Brother XL-3500i
pros: lightweight(good for class)
nice stitching
economical
cons: small harp
no needle up/down feature
have to cover feed dogs
Love this machine, there's not too much I don't like about this machine, great for piecing, starting out new as a quilter, doesn't hurt the pocket book, but the down is that once you've driven the mercedes benz of your brand its hard to sew with such limited features
Babylock Espire
pros: needle up-down
pivoting feature
knee lift for presser foot
adjustable presser foot pressure and height
automatic tension adjuster(great for FMQ)
lots of accessories
lots of decorative stitching
speed control
quiet
cons: price cost me 1800 dollars
Love everything about this machine, well worth the investment in my opinion. I did a payment plan to make it more affordable to me. I would say for the first 6 months I didn't really use the machine a little intimidating, but now I won't use anything else unless its in the shop