kellen46

I second this...I have an 830R from 1974 and it still a great machine even though I have sewn so much on it I have had to replace the Brushes twice. I also have newer more electronic machines that can't beat it. If you are looking for a more versatile modern look for a Bernina 440, maybe one that was trade in....it is sweet stitching machine and with BSR does a great free motion

Lady Diana

Do not buy a new Singer, do not purchase a machine from Walmart....no service or warranty...you have to send back to the mfg. Check out pricing and features on the internet. Brubakerssewing.com...call them and ask about used machines or show machines that have only minutes on them. Check out pricing on Allbrands.com and Kens Sewing.
I would opt for a computerized machine, you have a mechanical one....there are a lot of them on the market now at reasonable prices. Janome has several. Check some pricing on the internet, then go to Janome.com and compare the models. Features are your choice. the ones I like are needle up, needle down;automatic thread cutter; zig zag a given with all computerized machines, throat space is a consideration as well. Just think of your needs, look online, compare prices and test drive. If you find a dealer you like, see if they will match online pricing without sales tax.
best wishes in your quest.

Baconbit

I have a Brother 1500S and it is great for piecing and FMQ. A real work horse. I did not think I needed the computerized machine when my main object is to use it to quilt.

KarenNC

I have a Brother se400 that I love!!

scarlet14

I have a Brother Innovis NX 450Q I love but I think the most important thing is the dealer for support regardless of brand

Lucio

I bought this machine when I graduated nursing school in 1959 and it has many a mile on it. I was really into garment and home dec then. When sewing with knits became the rage I was ready to throw it out an upstairs window. Singer never could fix it but a machine repairman said it needed a special take up for the thread which he added with success. He also told me to never sell it because it was the last machine Singer made with all medal parts. I still have it but haven't used it in years.

MargeD

After literally "burning out the motor" on my Sears Kenmore years ago - although that machine loved sewing on heavier fabric, rather than cotton. I went to the local sewing machine dealer and after telling him how much quilting I did, he recommended a Singer, can't remember the model. Well, a year or so later, when trying to finish a quilt for a quilt show it became a "quilt and swear" as someone here mentioned, as the tension kept messing up on me, and I was only using straight stitches with my walking foot. After a discussion with the owner, he recommended a Janome 4000, and he gave me a trade-in for my Singer for the amount I'd paid for it. Granted that was many years ago, but we're still going strong, and I love it. It has all these wonderful embroidery stitches that I used in making 2 baby quilts for our next door neighbor's twins, and using a variety of rayon threads, the quilt was well received and I was very pleased. I would recommend going to a sewing machine dealer, in my area there are 2, and trying out machines to see which is the best fit for you. You don't need a Cadillac machine if you're only going to do Ford quilting, if you get my drift, buy what you need your machine to do.

Maire

Another vote for this machine, great for free motion quilting,

JeanieG

I also have this machine. It has a beautiful straight stitch and works really well for quilting because of its wide harp. I picked up mine used on Craig's list for $400.00.

CorgiNole

This is the machine I use for piecing (and did quilt on until I got my Sweet Sixteen). It is a great machine.

Cheers, K