Test drive is the best way -also find a great dealer that will help you through the learning process - I have a Husqvarna/Viking - my first nice machine and love it. Make sure you let us know what you got.

:thumbup: I second that!!!!

I agree!! :)

Make sure you like the dealer

I went test driving with an adamant plan for a Janome. Instead I came home with a Babylock Elizabeth that I lllooovvvveeee. They are all great brands, I think it just matters to find which one works best for you.

any machine with a nice even straight stitch can be used to quilt with- try out as many machines you can find-in your price range then choose the one you like best-
it is nice if the dealer you work with offers free owners classes for your new machine- this makes sure you learn to use all the bells and whistles.

There are several good machines out there. I have Viking (Husqarvana), Bernina, and Janome and they are all great, I think you should pick a machine according to where you will get the best service. I mean for tune-ups etc. Don't choose so far away or so difficult to get to that you find it hard to keep up. Look online at websites like Allbrands.com and look at many brands. Buy by features and price. Just sayin'.....

I disagree that any machine with a straight stitch will work for FMQ. I have seen several (mostly Singers) that have a nice straight stitch but when the FMQ foot is put on it will skip stitches every time when asked to go in any other direction other then front to back. That is why I say do not just go by the advertisements. Go and test drive the exact model you plan on buying. If they will not let you do that then move on.

we are a Janome family

So how goes the machine search?