Hello
 

I am new to machine quilting. In the past I have made a couple of baby quilts by hand, but mostly my sewing experience has been curtains, crafts, bridal wear and competitive sequenced lycra outfits for active wear.

My sewing machine, a Janome is 25 years old. I have been shopping for a new sewing machine with machine quilting in mind and embroidery options. I want to start machine quilting.

I really like the Husqvarna Designer Epic (It has everything I want for embroidery and sewing. It's pricey)but I am not sure if it has the quilting options I need. The Bernina has a stitch regulator which the Bernina dealer says is a must have.

Should I purchase a cheap Bernina with a stitch regulator and The Husqvarna Viking Epic or can anyone offer me some advice? How important is the stitch regulator? Thanks Jodi

Welcome to the board from Southern California. You really need to get out and test drive all the machines out there to see what will fit your budget and your needs. I am still quilting on my Bernina 1530. I don't like all the electronics now a days, so many things can go wrong. I don't know of any cheap Bernina. And you don't need a stitch regulator if you have the coordination to do FMQ. That is a dealer who is thinking of himself and not you.

Welcome from N Texas.

welcome from North Dakota. yes go and test drive. you will get awesome advice from the people on this board.

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting :)

I really know very little about machines except that I have an older Bernina which I love. Welcome from the beautiful mountains of western NC. You will learn many things on this site.

:) welcome from se TX

Welcome from SC Texas.

Hello and welcome to the board from New Hampshire.