I have been a hand quilter for 20 years. I would like to get into machine quilting. My current machine is 23 years old and mechanical. I did not make quilts when I bought it.
I have no idea what to look for in a new machine. Would gladly listen to any and all suggestions.
Thanks.

Stick with a dealer. They can show you all the things a new machine can do and if you need some maintainence, they are there for that too.

thanks

Good for you. Today's machines have so many features so you might want to do some homework. Try to determine your "must have" features like:
needle up/down
dropping feedogs
thread cutter
decorative stitches
embroidery capability
wide throat for quilting ease
the list goes on and on.

You can look up the sites for all of the major brands:
Husqvarna Viking
Bernina
Janome
Brother
Singer
Babylock
and learn about the features that are available. Once you have narrowed it down, a trip to your local sewing machine dealers would be helpful and allow you to test drive some machines. Some dealers can be high pressure salesmen but if you go in and explain that you are considering several different brands they should tread lightly. How they react to you will speak volumes. They also should have brochures that you can take home. All of us have our favorite machines/features and I'm sure you will find yours. Do you have a specific budget in mind? Have fun with it and you will find the perfect one for you!

HI, I just bought a Singer Futura CE-250/soft w/package.Great buy on the internet. Was 2999.99. I got it for 949.99. What a great buy. Brand new never used!!!!!!
https://www.sewingmachinespluse.com]https://www.sewingmachinespluse.com[/url]
So happy with this one. My old one is 27 years new

:) Am adding this topic to the new Virtual Section (Under "User Defined Sections")

I can't really help you too much on the machine issue...how much are you looking to spend? There's a machine out there for every budget! :)

I just spent a good deal of time investigating machines. I had ordered a Singer Quantum L-500 from HSN because it had ALL the features that were important to me but it was too rough for me. (I'm used to a smooth Pfaff ride) I sent her back.

Then I went back to the dealers and test drove all the other models. Turns out I fell in love with the Babylock Espire - She was on sale and came home with me. What did it for me? The one-touch needle threader, great lighting, smooth operation, and the bloody thing sews sideways and angleways. Not sure if I will ever need that but it's like a car that parks itself. HOW COOL!

One place I got a lot of info was on patternreview.com They have a machine review section and lots of members write reviews for lots of different models.

Ballpark estimate on the price of the Espire?? If you don't mind saying.

Nope don't mind: $2200. The best quote I had gotten was $2100 but I would have to drive for over an hour and I don't know what kind of service would be included. Plus - I know this dealer has certified technicians and I get 4 lessons.

This machine runs unbelievably smooth. In the beginning my dealbreaker features were: machine HAD to have front load bobbin AND it had to have a built-in walking foot. This machine has neither but it handles the fabric like butter (without the grease stains - lol).

thanks everyong