If price was not a subject, what would you consider the best machine for quilt-sewing? Especially if you've owned several brands, what would you compare, and recommend?
I currently have a Baby Lock Ellegante II, and I like it just fine, but don't like having to change the needle plate and feet and embroidery table to quilt extension table with each project step. I'd like to leave one for embroidery, and purchase another that can drop feed dogs and works well for machine quilting & piecing. I do have 2 other smaller Baby Locks without the feed dog drop options, they are good for simple sewing or craft projects, but not thrilled for quilting. Please Help

Great topic. I have no idea and will be watching this. I'm still trying to get up my nerve to machine quilt :)

Personally I would go with a machine that has IDT. Integrated Dual feed. For years you could only get this on Pfaff machines, but now I do believe that Janome has it. So much easier than the clumpy walking foot....

Love, love, love my Bernina 640!

Love my Janome 6260QC, as my workhorse. It is electronic but not "computerized." It goes through anything. Also has 60+ stitches for the creatively minded.
I also have the Janome Horizon 7700. Love it too. But, being computerized, it 'shuts down' if I ask it to go through something too tough - like 4 layers of denim (LOL). The only other thing I'd change on the Horizon is the position of the lever for knee lifting the pressure foot. It's way too far to the right to reach it when your chair is centered in front of the needle.
I love Janome. I find their products easy to use, and 'intuitive.' They also have a good solid feel and sew great!

I have the Ellisimo and don't mind changing things out. I had to sell my Janome 6500 to be able to afford and justify the Ellisimo. I love my machine, but will say that Janome products are much sturdier and have more metal parts. For my money, I would go with the 6500 and use the attachment type walking foot though. I had the 6600 which had the dual feed system and it was extremely cumbersome to change the feet. It is nowhere as easy as using the IDT on a Pfaff (which I also had). In fact, I have owned at one time, every brand of machine out there except an Elna and Janome beats them all hands down for durability and dependability.

I have a Bernina 630 w/embroidery module and BSR. I love the embroidery part but have not practiced with the BSR. I use V.5 and so far it has been okay. Takes time to learn the machine but is very user friendly. I have a small quilt that I am getting ready to practice on. Haven't decided exactly what to do on it but will post photos when I finish. Just shop around and buy what you think is best for you.

I have an older Pfaff with the IDT but it has the small throat and the Babylock Espire (now the Symphonie) with a large throat and an attachable walking foot. I love the Baby and am getting used to switching out the foot. Would not give her away for nottin'. If the Pfaff quality hadn't gone down (my opinion from personal experience) I would have upgraded to the Expression 4.0.

I have the Baby Lock Quilter's Choice Professional and I love it.

Carole

Since money is no object - I have the Janome 6600P. I paid $2000 for it 4 years ago. I love it. It is considered a mid-arm as there is 9" between the needle & head (called the Harp.) I use it for everything from piecing, appliquing and FMQ. It has a feature that could be likened to a built-in walking foot. It also has a knee-lifter that raises the presser foot while you are holding the fabric. The new Janome is the Horizon. Haven't looked at it as I don't want a new all-purpose machine. Would like a Handi-Quilter 18" though.