Hi there - I've been quilting for 25 years and currently work at a sewing machine store, so here are my suggestions:
1 - If you are going to free-motion quilt, make sure you get a machine with plenty of harp space. Take a 12"-18" square of sandwiched material to practice on with the FMQ foot for each machine.
2 - If you machine applique, take a sample to test stitches (applique or blind hem, depends upon what you like to use).
3 - Take a couple of pieces to sew together & test the 1/4" foot for each machine.
4 - If you have a preferred thread that you like to use, take some to test on each machine.
5 - I always ask what type of sewing a customer does and if they have aspirations for any other type of sewing to make sure I get them into a machine that will grow with them, so ask yourself the same.
6 - On the same note, don't let them oversell you into a machine. Lots of people get sucked into an embroidery machine and never use that portion of it.
Personally, I'm a Pfaff girl when it comes to machines because of the built-in IDT system, but I can tell you I LOVE the Aria! It's very easy to use. If it had the built in IDT, it's the machine I would switch to.
Hope all of this helps.
Sue
PS - double check your pricing, I know that we sell the Aria for at least $1,000 less than that. Feel free to email me directly if you have any other questions @
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