Fabriclovr

I have read through this post and it makes me sick to think that a 'teacher' would look down on the machine that is being used by a new student! They should be concentrating on the student and any good teacher, should be able to teach the basics on any machine purchased from any location. Insisting that they pay for the class, ok, I can understand that because they didn't buy the machine from the dealer and most dealers give complementary starter classes if you purchase a machine from them.

I look at it this way, buy what you can comfortably afford, if that means a machine from Walmart, then buy it, if it means a 10k TOL machine from a dealer, then buy it. It is what makes you happy and you don't have to apologize for using the machine you love. Lots of quilters use vintage machines. Lots of new quilters use the machine that was handed down to them from their mother or grandmother. You don't need all of the bells and whistles to do this craft (dont get me wrong, they are nice) but they are not necessary. If your machine can sew a straight stitch and is in good working order and you are comfortable with it.. USE IT and be proud of it!

Machine snobs.. give me a break, geese!

Debbie B

About 3 years ago when I decided that I was going to learn to quilt I bought a Brother XR-9000 from Amazon. It was a factory refurbished machine and was a good price for me. I bought it because it had the drop feed and there were lots of different decorative stitches. This little machine has ran perfectly and I've never had a problem with it. It's light enough to pick up & take anywhere. It is my go to machine when I piece my quilt tops. The only problem is the small throat space and the fixed size in the numbers & alphabet. I have bought a used Juki & frame to do my quilting. I have actually looked at the SE-400 for the embroidery functions. Please, let me know how you like this machine. Debbie

Fabriclovr

Personally, I love anything Brother, so get what functions you dream about. I also use a Juki on my frames and it works wonderful! I used to do embroidery, but have strayed away from it so the embroidery functions are not my cup of tea anymore. I cant justify paying that much for a machine if I am not going to use the functions to the fullest. JMHO Buy what you can afford and the features your looking for at the time is my motto (but I own 8 machines....just saying ) LOL

Debbie B

Susan, I have 3 machines (a 1953 Singer 15-125, my Brother, & the Juki) and my husband thinks that is overkill. Can't wait to tell him that Susan from the board has 8! I keep asking him "How many golf clubs does it actually take to play golf?"...ha. Debbie

Fabriclovr

I have often wondered how many different types of wrenches it takes to fix a car myself.. then he asks me how many spools of thread do you need to make a quilt.. ok, he wins this round! LOL

Annaquilts

You payed the extra fee so she should not down talk your machine. I would approach them and let them know you are not comfortable with the way you are being singled out.

As for quilting and what sewing machine is best, all you need is one that you can get a good consistent 1/4 inch on and if you like wonky, all you need is one that sews a line. Enjoy your Brother machine. I bought a "mass" produced Brother quilting edition for a dear friend over Amazon and send it to her on the other side of the world. She is loving hers. I bought it because other people over all liked it very much.

kiffie2413

AAAhhh, gotta love our dear hubbies, eh??.. I have my quilting, he has his woodworking, fishing, and hunting.. I talk "quilt", he talks "shop", and we both are quite content...

Fabriclovr

This is the one that I sew with. There isn't anything that I have found from fine lace to leather that this won't sew through like butter. I'm in love if its possible to be in love with a machine

http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewin...0#.TyR1usU1_NU

Oksewnsew

On my earlier post I failed to mention (Janome owner), I do have 3 Singers, have never had a problem with them except one that I let set too long and it froze up..Got it repaired and it's good as new. Two of the Singers I have are regular workhorses, can't beat them. I definitely will/would not patronize rude establishments!!

sewmary

Took a class at the LQS. Three ladies came with their super-duper highest end Vikings which they could barely get in the door. We spent the beginning part of the class with the instructor showing these ladies how to change the tension and do other simple things. They were so intimidated by these machines they were afraid to touch them.. I could not help but think someone oversold them.. They would have been better off with much simple machines of any kind.