MistyMarie

I have a Janome 6500. I paid over a thousand for it when it was new, but now that the new 6600 has come out, you can pick up a 6500 for less than $500. I love my machine. I would like it to have a built in walking foot, but I have found that putting on the attachment is not much of a problem. I love the thread cutter, the needle threader, the knee lift, and the fun stitches. I have had no problems at all with my machine. The only drawback I have found is that it does not have a free arm. I sew patches on my husband's uniforms and I have to use my old Montgomery Ward machine for that. However, if you are mainly looking for a good machine for quilting, this is my recommendation. (I looked for months at a variety of machines and this fit my price and what I wanted in a machine. I own two Janomes now and I really like them.)

cborman

Thanks for the recommendation. I've read lots of good things about your machine, but I figured it would be too much. I'll look around.

cborman

Thanks for all of the great ideas and encouragement, everyone!! More ideas are always welcome, too.

MadQuilter

Nice quilt. I love that pattern - did one for DH a few years back.

As for the machine: I suggest that everyone make a list of features and break them into the MUST HAVE, Would be nice to have, and can do without categories. For example, Needle up/down and low bobbin indicator are musts for me, as is the built-in walking foot. That is why I went with a Pfaff (although I would look at a Janome too).

The modern machines have so many features, that you will most likely end up with a bunch you won't need in order to get the ones you must have.

I would recommend you check out the Janome brand and go to a reputable dealer in your area. Sewing machines prices can be negotiated. (In case you didn't know)

Jingle

I have read to check out the quilting that can be done on a particular machine that you should take a quilt sandwich with you to see how it quilts. You could take about 18" x 18" and quilt the devil out of it. Make notes which machine worked the easiest and best. :D :D :D

Iluv2quilt

I use a Janome, the ladies I sew with all have Phaff's, mine was under $500. Also, there are used machines on Ebay that may have everything you're looking for.

I really, really like your quilt!

Emjay

I have had a Singer, a White, an Elna, and now a Bernina.
After using the Bernina, then returned to use my Elna, which I have always loved, I felt like I was working with a Cadillac. I think you get a Bernina in your price range.

I haven't tried any others. My neighbor has a Pfaff and a Bernina. She likes both.

Quilt is lovely.

Have fun on this new journey.

Lindastaley

I have been trying to find this pattern for quite some time now. Is it something you can share? I would love to make one of these! Thank you in advance!

cborman

I don't have a pattern, per se. I saw a picture of a tumbling blocks quilt and asked a friend to help me set it up. I made strips of alternating parallelograms and triangles and then sewed the strips together so that the matching triangles came together (making the third part of the box). I hope that makes sense (I don't have the quilt here to look at it).
Someone told me that the pattern is called "Not your grandmother's tumbling blocks" if that helps.

Oklahoma Suzie

I agree, beautiful quilt.