I would never buy another machine without an automatic thread cutter. I have a Elna 7200 Quilters Dream and it's in your price range. (Made just like the Janome's)

Thread Cutter on my new machine is the best feature.

Look for the Viking (I think its the 830) It does all the things a quilter needs to do. Check on Craig's list in your area, and watch for gently used machines online. You will find just the right one if you just keep looking

I would recommend either a Pfaff with the IDT feature (you won't need to buy a walking foot). You might check for used ones at a reputable dealer or if you are confident in cleaning a machine, check out Ebay. The other machine I would check out is the Elna, model 6003 or 6005. I would not buy a newer model of either of these for myself because they are now made by another company which I won't mention here. I own both and love them both. The Elna is my overall favorite and the feet are not expensive. You would need to buy a walking foot for the Elna but not for the Pfaff.

You can't go wrong with a Janome. The 6600 is as good as it gets. I paid $1549 for mine 5 years ago, don't know what they sell for now. The 6500 is the same quality, just fewer features. You can get a very nice machine for $1500, so you don't have to shop at Walmart, or resort to a straight stitch only machine. I always quilt with a decorative stitch, and obviously that would not be possible with one of those. If you had other machines to use, a one stitch only might be a good idea. IMHO, only.

Bernina's are NOT the dependable machines they used to be. My 710 is going back for the second time and I have only had it 2 months. For $3500 this should not be happening.

Sounds like you are getting some excellent advice (as I knew you would). Good luck on your machine search.

It sounds like you like the Brother brand. If the current machine still does the work for you, why not invest in the walking foot? It sounds like you are happy with the Brother brand, so there are high odds that you might get a different Brother and you could use the foot again. I am a Baby Lock fan and cannot say enough good things about my "Quilla" - They also take Brother feet and accessories.

Agree with whoever said that $1500 is not high end. Sad but true. My Baby was a bit over $2k and she is considered "mediocre" - for me she is fabulous!

Now, if you WANT to buy a new machine, I would suggest writing down the features you need. Then start checking which brand/model supports your must haves.
For me they include:
Needle up/down
Needle position
Motor speed control
Large throat
Large table
Free arm
Walking foot (built-in preferred)
Excellent stitch quality (particularly blanket stitch for applique)
Independent bobbin winder
Built-in cutter
Automatic threader (Baby Lock's is FABULOUS!)
Not picky with threads (some machines are very persnickety)

I would not buy a Viking, Singer, or Pfaff, because they are owned by a holding company and their first goal is to make money - not quality or customer service.

I absolutely love my Viking sapphire and I was able to get it at the Vermont Quilt Festival for about $800!!! Large throat , lots of different stitches, comes with a variety of feet! This is my second Viking and I love it!

I purchased a new Janome MC6600 in November for $999 at my LQS plus they will also service it when or if it needs it. It does everything but cook dinner. I haven't had the opportunity to try all the stitches but I've played around with a few and I have FMQ'd small projects (baby blankets and table runners) and I LOVE my machine.

Talk to your dealer about floor models, and open box machines. I just recently purchased the Babylock Serenade for a fraction of what it cost new, and its an open box. Its basically brand new, never been out of the box, same warranty as brand new too. And it never hurts to ask them about these, you can get some real bargins. Good luck.

(ontheriver, could you tell me a little more about having you machine on a frame for quilting? I have thought of this, but would like to more about it.)

I am so glad to see all the info you quilters share about your machines! I too am considering a new machine in the future, & really like hearing personal choices and advice from your experiences.

quiltingnewbie - If you don't want embroidery, check out the Brother Melody. It comes with everything for quilting and regular sewing. It's on sale for just under 1K for Memorial Day. It has an automatic threader (love it!), cutter, needle up/down, 1/4" accessories, and tons of decorative stitches.

You could also go to the dealer and get a used machine in your price range. Often they are traded in to buy a step up machine, and you can get some really good deals.

Good luck on your decision and let us know what you end up with.

I have the Janome 6600, I paid more than $15K but I live in an expensive area - you can likely find it or the 6500 in your price range. I don't regret one penny of the price, I've made 18 quilts on it in 11 months, including a 120" king size that I FMQ'd. I repaired the cuff on my husband's leather jacket - it sewed through four layers of leather without blinking. It's a totally different machine from what you have now - its bones are metal and it's big. NO way it will scootch around on you while you quilt!

I think it's totally worth it if you can get the 6600 or the 6500. (they're almost the same but the 6600 adds Accufeed, which is like a built-in walking foot.)

Other features I love that my prior (small, plastic) machines didn't have - built-in thread cutter, ability to hold cones, and needle up/down button. And of course 9" of throat space.

$1500.00 really isn't much for a machine with those features. I will say that I recently got my dream machine (at Christmas) and it is a Brother Laura Ashley, Innovis NX-2000 and we paid $2200.00 for it. It comes with everything you need for quilting including the walking foot, and 16 other feet, an extension table, and all the items you are hoping for. It is not an embroidery machine, but is an amazing machine and I'm still loving all the features plus it's so quiet while running!! If you can squeeze a little more out of your budget, this one is definitely worth every penny!!

I have the Viking Sapphire 875, love my machine. Its got the larger harp(10"). Its great for making quilts and garments. The other machines in the line are the Sapphire 835 and the Tribute 140, all of them are built on the same chassis.
Sharon

Have not read all the replies but a vintage sewing machine is also a way to go for reliability and durability. You can also service these machines yourself. I would recommend a Singer 15 or similar machine with a vertical bobbin. I freely admit my bias as I only own vintage and antique machines. Most can be had for under $100 and all kinds of accessories are readily available.

Edited to add: I did read all the posts and see I am the only vintage recommendee. There will be no embroidery issues with a vintage either.

Chris

Nabobw is right. I have several used Bernina's that sew wonderful for a very good price. My DD, DL, and niece also sew on used Bernina machines and the love them. I have a 930 ($25. I nearly knocked the lady down to pay her at a yard sale),a 150($1200 came with very nice cabinet and several boxes of fabric), a 163 ($700 included a very old laptop that can be used to change stitches), and a 200 I bought brand new. My DD has a 1060 that we paid $500. My niece has a 160 that we bought for $700, and my DIL has a 180 embroidery machine we bought for $1000. The Bernina is a wonderful machine. You can check Craig's list in your area, I have had good luck on eBay. You can also look on the yahoo group, "Sewitsforsale". All of these Berninas sew wonderful and are loved. We have a 2nd home is why I have several and no, I don't really need that many...but I seem to have turned into a sewing machine collector...or just a nut case. Hope this helps you in your choices. My friends have told me I am very lucky to find these machines for such good prices. I think I am persistent in searching within a price range.

She will find a very nice machine if her budget allows up to $1500. The 5,000 range may also have embroidery functions.

Sandy

This is the machine I think I'll get in a few years...the 6600.

If you want new, you could afford the Janome 6500...it has everything, big throat, heavy duty, comes with everything you need. I think they sell for about $1400. I have one as a backup and it is truly a great machine. Needle up/down, needle threader, comes with gobs of feet and also a huge slide on table. I was making bags with my high end machine and it would not sew through areas that had 8-10 layers. I went to the Janome and it sewed through like butter! It is a great machine.

I bought the Brother 1500 from www.allbrands.com It arrived in three days had has FREE shipping. They have great prices so check them out! They are an authorized dealer too. It is a very sturdy and heavy machine as others have said it only does straight stitching. I have another kind of Brother machine that I use for my "every day" sewing which I love.

My Jamone 7700 was 2300 - worth every penny...I think they are now cheaper since there is a newer model

Hi, I'm trying to decide to buy brother or Babylock for quilting and sewing. Which machine does Jenny Doan uses on her show?thank you

I have the Juki TL-2000Qi. Has all the items you mentioned, and comes with a walking foot etc. Strictly mechanical, and straight stitch only. But it is a fantastic machine and I love it. I bought it on Amazon for less than $600 (I think they're selling there for a bit over $700 now) because there aren't any local dealers nearby. Juki's customer service center is in Florida and they've been super nice and helpful answering questions for me. You could also look at the Juki TL-2010, which is the same machine but comes with a speed regulator feature and a couple other bits and bobs for a little more money. If you go this route, keep your current machine for those times when you need something beyond straight-stitching. I really love my solid beautiful workhorse, and think you should add it to your list of possibilities.

Brother and Babylock machines are made in the same factory on the same assembly lines. The only differences on the higher end machines are the color and the price. Buy a Brother and save some money.

Cari

Three Berninas on sale in your price range in December:
B215 for $499 December 1st - 7th
B330 for $699 December 8th - 14th
B530 for $1,499 December 15th - 21st

The 530 would have the largest throat since that is on your wish list. If you have a local dealer is would be worth checking out. All 3 would come with free classes.