Also, if you check out the machines that do only embroidery, you will find they are mega expensive. I can't justify spending over $10,000 for a machine that only does embroidery.

I have the new 830 Bernina, It does it all as far as I am concerned, I went on a quilting cruise last year with my sister , If I were to by a different one I would consider the Baby lock, They are easy to use and they do great work

I forgot to tell you the throat is huge on the 830, I finished a quilt for my husband , KING SIZE, I did it in 3 pieces . it was a breeze with stippling :thumbup:

I have a Janome 9500 and it seems to do all the things I need. Having had a Toyota commercial embroidery machine, that portion doesn't come close, but then again nothiing will. So I stay to my 5X7 designs now and love using the redwork as quilting on my blocks. Good Luck and have lots of fun.

I love my Janome 11000 SE!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had 3 Bernina machines and love them! They do everything beautifully. But the most important thing I can say is to go to a reputable machine dealer who has a tech on site. Please do not be tempted by the low prices at box stores because they do not provide service. That said, if you have a price point in mind, tell the dealer up front, and ask for a previously-loved machine. At my LQS they come with a great warantee and our tech can fix anything!

Any top end sewing machine will do any of these things. Just remember to get a single hole stitch plate as well as the one that is supplied with the machine.The single hole stitch plate will allow for better straight stitching and quilting than the oval hole used for the embroidery. The only trick is to remember to change plates before you do any embroidery stitches. Otherwise you will break needles. My machine has a function that reminds me as to which plate I have on.

Holice has given very good advice in my opinion.

My sister swears by her Brother Embroidery machine. She has the machine one below the top of the line model. It didn't come cheap.

I have a babylock elegante...love it

I have the babylock essante, the Bernina 640, and a pfaff 2125 and if I could only keep one to do all the things you want to do with it I would definitely keep the babylock. This one also has the bigger throat than my other two and it sews like a hot knife through butter. Love it.