Thank you so much for your reply. The machines all have those options and it looks like the throat is about 8". I will have to double check about the needle positioning - I know that the Viking needle can be adjusted over but cannot remember about the other machines. Thank you so much - I really want to make the right decision.

Don't have any experience with those machines specifically but I will say I love my Viking! Have had mine for probably 15 years with not a single problem. The auto tension feature is amazing. I do very little machine quilting but actually ended up doing several last year. I was able to quilt a king size quilt even. Granted, lots of tugging and pushing but it was doable.

Welcome to the QB from SE Michigan. I agree with PatriciaJ, that unless you are ready for a long term adventure in sewing and quilting don't spend the big bucks yet. Brother's makes a nice and inexpensive embroidery machine that is sold at Walmart for under $400. This will give you a taste of several sewing needs all in one machine.
Like you I have many crafting skills. The one that fascinates me the most is spinning. I have a spinning wheel but have not yet learned how to use it to spin my own yarns. The Spinning Wheel sits next to the fire place in my living room awaiting the day I learn to use it. So for now, and always, I stay with my quilting. The creativity of quilting is a great place to be.

Spinning is so relaxing and medatative... take a lesson and do at least 15 minutes a day - as with everything - the more you do it the more you perfect the art of it and hone your skills! I do not see anything at all about babylock machines and that being said I think I am narrowing it down to either a Janome or a Viking. They are both so compatible in what they do and what they offer.

I have two Janome’s and both have been wonderful machines. My first investment was a fairly basic model Janome 6600 but it is a real workhorse and it was about $900. I have a good friend who also loves her Viking. Good luck and welcome to the QB.

Thank you so much! I will have to go back and play with each to see what I want - I was leaning toward the Jamone but at the other store that sells Vikings they said that at the 1 yr sale anniv. I could upgrade and that is appealing to me. Thank you for the vote of confidence in both of those machines. I am pleased to have found this site and such wonderful people!