Bernina would definitely be my choice.

I tried out a lot of machines but got a baby lock The only reason being was my local store and the people in it. They can do some simple repair and they teach you all about how to use it and keep teaching till you get it right. I think most machines will suit a lot of people but without the backing of your store it will not be much fun....

sorry forgot to tell you all. I went every other day and they always found something new to tell me or show me. When I found the one I wanted I sewed on it trying different things 3 days in a row. I can not say enough about support.

Interesting to read everyone's preferences for machines. I have a Juki TL 98Q that is great for quilting but has no zigzag or other stitches--main disadvantage to it is a terrible needle threader and hard-to-insert bobbin. Saw a newer model, the Juki Exceed F600-something at a show that was a show special for $1,000 that has addressed these problems (drop-in bobbin, easy needle threader) and has the great Juki advantage of having a foot-operated thread cutter on the same pedal base as the forward pedal thing. Plus the knee-lift presser foot lifter which is also a great timesaver. Loads of extra stitches.

Less than you're wanting to spend but looks like a fun machine and you could spend the extra money on a fabulous vacation!
(Just kidding).

Dana

Hi I have a sapphire 850 by husquvarna love it and now they have a walking foot that is interchangable I love this new toy the machine has a 10 inch throat space for quilting and alot of extra stitches and lettering hope this helps paid 1100.00 good luck shopping

Janome Horizon with 11 inches of open space. If you want embroidery too, 11000SE but I think that's more like $4,000. The horizon should be in the $2,500 range.

Wanted to check and see if anyone else mentioned it before I mentioned mine. I spent about $2grand and got a QC1000 and a wheeled bag for it and a serger. I don't know how I lived without a serger up till now. Not for quilts but other things. I love,love,love my Brother machine I have had no trouble with it. It hasn't been serviced since I got it.(no close dealers in GA) Any trouble has been operator error only. I am planning on getting it serviced soon since I just moved to VA where it was bought. I clean it regularly. I can't wait to get it set back up. It will be a few weeks before I get the room set up for sewing.

Babylock Symphonie Hands down!

You have to ask yourself what features you want in na machine. If its just basicly a straight stitch, the Janome 6600 is great. or if you could find a 6500 it would be good too.

There are several good machines out there but you can't get more for your money than with a Janome.

Are you saying the Janome 6600 has only straight stitch?? Maybe we're not talking about the same machine.