Knitette

I got a new Janome TXL 607 in January. I had ordered a Jem for the purpose of taking to class, but when it came, it was only 1lb lighter than my basic Janome, so I exchanged it for the 607. I love the auto thread cutter, needle down and adjustable speed.

I then sold my original basic Janome for what I paid for it (bought at 50% off closing down sale).

Now I'm seriously considering buying a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4. I tested one at a recent quilt show and was amazed at how straight the stitches are and loved the fact that the presser foot lifts when you stop (I do a lot of machine appliqué) as well as the built-in walking foot and large harp. I also FMQ smallish quilts.

DH and DD both say I should buy it if I want it, but am I just being greedy?

luana

I think you should do what you need to do to make your DH and DD happy! When you think of the money spent on fabric, and the time spent on planning and cutting, why not have the machine that will do the best job of putting the pieces together? Good luck with you decision.

SuzieQuilts

You are not being greedy. It sounds to me like you have not found your "Soul mate" of a sewing machine, and you are searching for it. I do not know your price range, but have you tried a Bernina? The only reason I mentioned it, is you said you did a lot of applique. Bernina has the needle down feature, and the leg lift is standard on all machines, which frees your hands up for applique. I just love my 440 for applique, but they are no longer making them. If you do pick up a used 440, have it checked out first, as the plastic piece on the front cover is cracking and breaking. Bernina is replacing them, free of charge, but it has to come from the original owner. I hear the 500 series are nice, also. Good luck on your search.

Shelbie

Many quilters have more than one machine as the all purpose do everything machine hasn't been invented. If you can afford another machine, have the space for it and will use it, I'd buy it. I always have three machines set up and use the best one for the current sewing job. I am now debating about replacing my eight year old Janome 6500 with a Juki Exceed 600 as I've had an ongoing love/hate relationship with my Janome. I'm still debating but I'll probably do it as I spend a lot of time stitching for others and I need the best tools (at least that's my story!)

romanojg

Last yr my husband (notice I don't use DH, that doesn't apply anymore) walked out to spend more time with the bottle because I wouldn't let him do it at home. Things were tight but I was making it so I treated myself for a "used" (only 7hours) machine, a Viking Ruby. Got the full benefits from the LQS. I've been taking classes and loving embroidery so much and in May I bought the 5D Pro software so that I could learn more. I figured I was good to go for a few yrs. Well in class this past Mon they were sharing with us the new things from the Viking convention, the new Ruby Deluxe, a couple other new Opals. Great features on these 3 machines but not tempting. Then, she got me. The Diamond Deluxe, it was a used from convention and instead of paying 9,000 I could get it for 6,500 and then with my trade in of my Ruby it was down to 3,000. It came with free designer luggage and all the bells and whistles. That was such a no brainer for me. Yes, it'll still be tight for a little longer now but this machine is so great and I'm sure it'll get me thru until my house is paid off in about 5yrs. I thought the Ruby and even new Ruby Deluxe had great features, the more I read on this its amazing what it can do and now I can use thier largest hoop. Even though the Ruby had some great hoops. When I was telling my sister how bad I was, she said that I deserved it. That I don't do anything like going out, drinking or any other vices. I finally got a pretty good stash so that I don't have to run to the store with each project. I did some sewing for a lady and then answered to some free fabric on CL and wow, I had a decent stash, for me anyways. I don't need to see bolts and bolts of fabric to make me happy. I've learned where to get thread on sale for the embroidery part and how to buy so that I'm not spending more than needed. I figured that my machine has been in constant use since I got it, mainly the embroidery part and I've been using my other machine for piecing. It's not a dust collector like some have stated about their emb machine; that was my promise to myself when I got it, to use it. Now I'm going to start using the new one more for piecing and making clothes; that's my new promise. As long as you use it I think it's great. I'm hoping that I can start making money from the embroidery part but no matter what I'm going to enjoy it. What's life if you can't enjoy the extra things from time to time. It's not being greedy. I'd say, go and get it, especially but not because you have family support.

twoxover

i think you need to consider the pfaff! as your skills advance/change so will your sewing machine needs.....so i would really look at it!

Tartan

Can you afford another machine without cutting into your fabric budget? How many machines do you have in total? I own 2 Berninas and a Treadle Singer. I highly recommend having at least 2 working machines so if one goes for repair you can use your backup machine.

BellaBoo

I remember when I first started quilting I was fretting over the decision to buy a new machine. My DH said it's just a sewing machine, you don't think twice about new shoes when you want them what's the difference? LOL

Rose Marie

My Viking Sapphire 830 has those features and I love it. Bought it years ago so used should be alot cheaper than I paid.
Never had any repairs so far.
The pop up foot is great and use it all the time. In fact there is no lever to lift the foot you just push a button if you need to lift it higher than it lifts automatically. It automatically lowers the foot when you start to sew also.

Knitette

.....eh......about $1800 - that or you've got VERY expensive shoes, lol.