:) welcome from se TX

Welcome from Indiana!

I test drove several different machines but like suern3, get the best you can comfortably afford. If you buy through a LQS they usually come with owners lessons and it's nice to have a place to go to for questions or problems. I ended up with a Viking Emerald because of the features and feet that came with it. Both Baby Lock and, Janome have really good reputations so I don't think you can go wrong. They aren't cheap so take your time and pick out what suits you best. Have fun and welcome!

Waving wildly from the other side of the State of Washington. :thumbup: Welcome!

Hi and welcome :o) I have a baby Lock Sofia II for taking with me because she has tons of bells and whistles and she's an embroidery machine also, she is small, couldn't quilt a quilt on her but for piecing and embroidering and quilting small table toppers or maybe baby quilts she's perfect. My main machine is a Janome, she has a bigger neck and has all the bells and whistles I wanted and then some but she was a fraction of the price of the other machines. I've been sewing on Janome now for 5 years and I love it! Check out everything and see what you like best. I was on a small budget but still got a great machine that I am very happy with :o)
Tina

Welcome from NJ. I'm a Viking/Husqvarna girl myself. VERY happy with my machine - about 10 yrs old now. Don't know how comparable they are to what you are looking at or price differences but would highly recommend them for the features you mention.

Hi Barbara welcome from NE Ohio.

Welcome from OHIO! :wave: My advice would be to make a list of the features that are most important to you and then try out different machines that have those features.

Waving hello from Maryland! If I need to get a new machine, I shall probably go with BabyLock, have FW, Sears Kenmore purchased in 1970 while in high school ( the only new machine I've ever had) used Bernina with embroidery (which I love) Husky serger ( given to me since the other person wanted it so much ha ha ha) The Kenmore has been a workhorse.

Welcome from Vermont!

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting :)