mpspeedy2

I vote for a Bernina. They have some models under $1000 or you could get a used one that was a trade in at a dealer.

QuiltingKrazy

I toss my vote for a Janome! I got a new 6500 for $900 and love it! BUT.... with that being said.... go to any place and take a test drive of different machines. They all "feel" and "sound" different. Think about what you really want in a new machine. for me... it was a auto thread cutter, needle up & down button, and a BIG throat area for space to roll up quilts when doing my own quilting. I almost bought a new Bernina then realize the one I could afford only had a 6 inch throat area. I bought my Janome online from http://www.american-sewing.com/ about 3 yrs ago and LOVE IT! He offered a 30 day full refund and even to pay for return shipping if I didn't like it. I just he knew I would love it!!!

Good Luck in finding the right one for you.

Jackie Spencer

I have a Janome also, and I just love it! You should try and find a dealer and test drive one, I think you will love it!!

icul8rg8r

Well, I love my Pfaff - it has the built-in IDT (walking foot) for quilting (no separate walking-foot attachment required). I had a combo Brother sewing/embroidery machine (LB6800 - same as SE400) but it wouldn't quilt correctly - even with a walking foot (stitches irregular; had problems going thru multiple layers).

Pfaff has their Ambition line for under $1000 - and you may find an Expression on sale right around $1000. Lots of pretty stitches (and pretty machines!) and great, even stitches.

Dolphyngyrl

Brother hands down because like someone said ease of use, quality, amount of accesories, excellent straight stitch. I have sewn on bernina, husky, singer, but have loved my brother the most, most high end babylocks are the same as brother as they are made by them but usuallly come with a higher price tag for the same machine so unless you find a deal where it is cheaper like my espire I would pick the brother over the babylock just for cost. what features are you looking for

gale

I didn't know that about babylocks. I had one from a sewing machine shop that was considered high end and I hated that thing. Same with my babylock serger-total piece of junk. The sewing machine was given away. The serger, which doesn't work (as usual) is sitting in my sewing room, taking up space.

So that would make me avoid Brother as well. I have a Brother embroidery machine but only got it because of the price-I don't plan to embroider much and didn't want to spend too much.

TinkerQuilts

My first choice would be Pfaff, second choice would be Brother.
Best thing is to go to a sewing machine shop and try them out. See which one offers more options and best warranty. You can get really good deals on machines that have been barely used too.

threads57

I would look at the Janome 6600 or 6500. Although they are computerized the machines are heavy weight, very well made and customer service is fantastic. Another machine I would look at is a Juki. They have a great quilting machine without the bells and whistles that I have heard rave reviews about.

Stitchinpick

Pfaff, Babylock, and Brother are all made by the same company. Why pay more? Go with the Brother. I have 2 Brothers. Awesome.

Amythyst02

Everyone has their favorites as you can see. My suggestions is to shop around, and find the machine you like and the dealer you like. Remember that dealer is the one you will have to talk to about anything that might go wrong, or to help you understand your machine.

Also while shopping, ask the sales person if they have any open box machines for sale or demo machines. You can save ALOT of money by getting one of these and they come with the same warranties as a new machine. You get more for your money this way.

As for my fav., I love Babylocks. I just sold my Quest and will be picking up my Serenade this week. I got the Quest as a demo machine. The Serenade I got as an open box, and saved bunches on it.

Which ever you chose make sure its a good fit for you. Enjoy your search. Make a list of the important things you want your machine to have on it. Take that list, and some sample fabric (the type you will be sewing on ) and have fun shopping. This is also where you will find out if you like the dealer. If they are friendly and take a lot of time with you, and have a good knowledge of the machines your asking about, this is a good thing. Most of all take your time and have fun!!