matraina

I have a Brother 9000 SQ that I use for a backup and to take to classes and on vacations. It's lightweight and I really like it. I got it at Wal*Mart a few years ago. It was a little over $100 and I think it's a grade up from the CS6000i. I can't believe it would list for a little over $300. Pricewise, I think I'd check a little further.

judi43

I have this very machine & love it, it sews on everything, goes thru many layers, easy to use, has some really cute decorative stitches that I use often and it's been to many retreats because it's not to heavy. I think you ladies would be very happy with this machine I know four of my quilting friends have it & they have no complaints either.

crafty pat

I have been using mine for five years and love it. I make clothing as well as quilting and it has not let me down yet. It is so light I can move it around easy and carry it with me if I need to. If it broke now I would replace it with the same machine as I feel I have already got my moneys worth from it. It shows no sign of slowing down.

llong0233

This machine won't "feel" like your Elna. Just like it doesn't "feel" like my Bernina. But it is very versatile; has lots of bells and whistles making it a great value. I have never seen it with an original price of $499. That just isn't true. Rarely are they over $169 new. The $145 new from Amazon isn't bad. Yes, it is a little noisier than the some of the higher end machines, but, then it's only $145. Mine came with lots of accessories and a quilting extension. You would do well to have this as a back in my opinion.

MargeD

Although I have not used it in a while, as my Janome is working just fine (I hope I haven't jinxed it, as I can't afford to have it repaired right now - no extra money on a fixed income); I had a FREE older Brother given to me at my local recycling center. As I was leaving someone was bringing it in to be placed on the Swap table. I asked if it worked, he said yes, but his wife no longer wanted to sew. I really, really did have the best intentions of giving it to my daughter, however, shortly after getting the machine, mine needed a check-up, so I turned her on and she stitched beautifully, and frankly, I think it does better tight zig-zag stitching than my Janome. Brother machines have been around for quite a while and that sounds like a good price; but I think I'd see if I could have some type of guarantee that the machine works.

bisbetica

I work for a sewing machine retailer. Brother machines at this price point are fine, but they are built to be disposable, thus they are not able to be repaired if there is a problem. Brother stitches out one in every seven machines off the assembly line, so there are times when a dud gets past them. If you are looking for a regular use machine, I would suggest investing a bit more up the line. I have had Brother machines forever and have had very few problems. All machines need serviced once a year or so, because they cannot be cleaned and lubricated properly by the user. I think you will be happier if you can invest a little more in yourself and your machine.

sewmuchlove

I purchased the same Brother at Christmas out of desperation to sew because I left my Elna Quilter's Dream in our second home. Love,love the Elna. All I expected from the Brother was to sew straight piecing of tops until I got home and it does that just fine, but it is noisy. The computerized stitches worked fine when I tried them out too and they are easy to use and adjust. It does not compare with the Elan but you can do piecing. If I could have tried it first, I would not have purchased because of the noise, but you can always turn up the music and it is acceptable otherwise.

Maire

My Brother cs6000i (it is now approx 10 yrs old & still going strong) had a problem with the foot pedal connection in the first year or so, I took it to my local Brother dealer who fixed it at no charge because it was under warranty, no problems, no attitudes, no putting down the machine, no pressure to buy something from them. Just as Brother wants its dealers to do. I was so impressed with my Walmart Brother, and then the Brother dealer I later bought the Quattro & the Dream machine

pyffer3

I have this machine and I love it. I bought it from Amazon about 5 years ago when I thought I would like the try quilting and it has never failed me. I do use those plastic foldout tables and it moves around a lot. I really would love to have a table that I could set it into, but just haven't decided on one yet. Maybe someone who has this machine could offer suggestions?

misseva

I have a Brother machine that does embroidery. Have had it for several years. Bought on line - don't remember where. But I love it. Bought my daughter a Brother Runway. She loves it. There is a sewing show in my local PBS channel on Saturdays that features all Brother Machines.