Austinite

I have a Juki 2010 and a Janome HD3000 both are great mechanical machines. The Janome 2212, is a nice basic machine, the 2206 is good too.

newBe

Wow! A lot of options. I am so excited about looking into this at more depth, and really appreciate all of the advice and suggestions. You guys have made my day!!! Thanks. I've been searching at Goodwill, Estate Sales, Thrift Shops, and Yard Sales for about a month, and am thinking a new machine is the way to go for me at this time.

Bebe2Ten

The Juki 2000Qi is still available for under $700. I bought one recently to replace an older Juki and the new one is fantastic. It is a simple straight stitch machine, but has the wider harp space.

quiltingshorttimer

don't have one, but I'm hearing the same thing and a friend that sells LA recently started stocking them because they are so dependable.

Peckish

What price point would you consider "inexpensive"?

Please do not discount the used machine market. I purchased a wonderful machine, a used Brother PQ1500 from another quilter who was upgrading to a full-sized longarm. It's a mechanical straight-stitch only and it's a workhorse. A new one runs about $700-$800. I purchased it for $400. I own 7 machines and it's my favorite.

Try looking for a used machine at your local sewing machine dealers, and let people in your local guilds and quilt shops know that you're in the market.

Also, check into reconditioned machines. Years ago, my husband bought a reconditioned machine from Overstock.com for $300. It came with a full warranty. It worked beautifully and was my "daily driver" for years until I bought the PQ1500.

cathyvv

Exactly what I would recommend. I have one. It works well and travels to guild meetings well.

Bjbaxter

This ad is for the Juki 2000 not the 2010q, but I have seen the 2010q cheaper on line with free shipping, you just have to look.

JustAbitCrazy

For piecing, make sure you get a machine with built in top feed dogs (as well as lower feed dogs). I suggest buying an older Pfaff. They are awesome machines, and you can probably find one for less than $500. I had two and sold one a few years ago when I bought a newer machine with knee lift and thread cutter (Babylock Serenade) besides top feed dogs. I still use the Pfaff for backup. I just didn't need two backup machines.

quiltingcandy

Do you have a sewing machine repairman near you? Sometimes they take in trade ins. You can pick up an old (I mean vintage) Singer for under $100.00.

My sister bought the Brother Quilting package at Costco years ago and has been very happy with it.

Annaquilts

A mechanical Janome if you want a new machine or used Singer 15-91 or the like.