In my opinion, Atvmomom's #5 and #6 suggestions should be your #1 priority. You really need to be clear in your mind about what type of sewing you do or plan on doing. If you rarely or never embroider anything, why buy a machine with that capability as you will be paying lots extra for a feature you will seldom or never need. It is also possible that two different machines might serve your needs better and might be cheaper than buying one large expensive machine with all the bells and whistles. About 85% of my stitching time is spent piecing and quilting. As a result I bought a Juki TL98Q machine (slightly used) for $600 Canadian (about half price here) to do all of my straight stitching and quilting and I love it as it is fast, powerful and makes a great stitch. Sometimes I need a few fancy stitches so I have just purchased a Juki Exceed 600 with lots of stitches and a built in buttonholer for $1100 brand new. Both of these machines cost me less than my Janome 6500 ($2100 new in 2004) which was suppose to do it all and I never liked (giving it to my sister!) You need to think carefully before you part with your $ as buying a new machine can be an expensive mistake.
Last edited by Shelbie; 12-08-2014 at 07:11 AM.