Originally Posted by Cheshire Cat

So I went to the county fair. There was a sewing shop booth there. They had a lot of nice machines. I am on my third. My first was a cheaper Brother. Work for a short while. My second was a Pfaff, only $200 but for me that was a lot. My third is a Singer Quilter's confidence. I paid just under $300. It lacks power over seams but solid for all the basics.

I'm expecting a little money so I asked them what is the best machine I can get for $1000. They show me a nice computerize Husqvarna. Pretty red details. I've played with Janomes as well. The features include decorative stitches not very different from my Singer but less variety, footless control and an automatic presser foot; lowers and raises itself. Nice features but this is the only real difference. She tells me that $1000 really won't get me a good machine. That $4000 is really what I should shoot for.

I'm thinking for a $1000 I should get enough power to slide over pinwheels and prairie points, the push button cut, more stitches, and footless control.

I sew about 8 to 10 quilts a year on my little Singer. It groans some over the thicker seams but I get them through. I make throw to queen size mostly. I have machine quilted a few but prefer to have them professionally quilted. Am I asking for too much for my $1000? Really?