Debating a New Machine
 

I'm giving myself a few more weeks to save up and then I'm planning on buying myself a new machine. I think I might know which model to get based on my needs and budget, but I'd appreciate the input of all the wonderful people on this board before I go and drop the money.

My current machine situation: I have two machines (technically three, but Nanna's old baby stopped working and there are no replacement motors - somewhat specialized). One is my beautiful little Featherweight I use all the time. I've brought her into my office at work and I piece during breaks and lunch. Couldn't ask for a more beautiful stitch, but she does have her limitations. The other is a plastic singer POS that Dad got for Mom a few years ago at Joann's. It's functional... enough, and I primarily use it if I need a zigzag stitch and for sewing pet hammocks. Its tension is the biggest pain in the butt and it's very temperamental.

My needs: I'd really like to start teaching myself FMQ. Neither of the machines I have right now are suited for the task. I'd also like a longer machine base to give myself more room. Buying a table to recess the machine into just isn't an option right now with the cramped quarters at home, so I have to use one of several available spaces. I don't do embroidery or general sewing, so I have zero need for fancy stitches or anything like that. I'd like something that's going to last me a good number of years without giving up or wearing out. I don't sew heavily, but I want something reliable for the scraps of time I do manage to steal.

My budget: I'm willing to invest somewhere in the ballpark of $700 in a new machine. I won't have the money for much more than that.

Soooo, with all of that being said, I'm thinking the Brother PQ1500S might be the machine for me. Does anyone have opinions/reviews on this machine? Other suggestions? I'd be grateful!

Buuuuut. There's also this machine I saw posted on Craigslist this morning, which I believe is a comparable (and more expensive) machine to the PQ1500S.

"Juki TL98QE Long Arm Sewing & Quilting Machine"
Ad: http://delaware.craigslist.org/art/3002626643.html

Would you say this was a better machine? And if so, why?

ARGH. And then there's also THIS ad for a Brother 1500 PLUS Gracie setup (which I don't currently have space for, but someday...) for a little more than I wanted to spend... but so reasonable...

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/art/2965897198.html

What say you, oh wise QuiltingBoard members?

I think before you buy anything, you need to know if there is a reputable dealer/repairman close by. Having to drive hours, or even having to ship your machine for repairs is not an option for me. My dealer/repairman is about 25 miles away and I love it. They also might have good used machines that have been traded in when someone upgraded. I have a Janome 6600, bought used from a dealer. She came with all the free instructional classes I wanted. I am not plugging my machine, as I know she is probably out of your budget. Actually, I don't want to give you a recommendation as sewing machines are as personal as cars and there are just about as many different brands! Do your research for each kind, discover what problems you might expect, and what are the strengths. Have fun shopping!

See which features the Juki has the Brother doesn't and vice versa. I've read on another group that the Juki has a needle up/down that the Brother doesn't (at least this is what I remember) and I personally love that feature. I personally wouldn't buy a frame if I couldn't set it up right away. I say this only because I was given an original Grace frame that they have since discontinued and replacement parts/upgrades are not available and they are constantly coming out with new frames so I'd want one that is a current model. Also take a look at the Janome 1600 which also has a 9" throat. I have none of these machines but have researched all of them for someday.

Suzy

I believe that Juki is set up for short arm quilting on that frame. If I'm not mistaken, I think that machine can also be used for piecing. I don't know about the other machines, but I think that's a steal for that Juki, and if you have the space for it, I think that'd be the machine to get. You can always buy an inexpensive machine later to dedicate to piecing if you want something other than what you are already using.

The juki is a short arm machine. Great for piecing and free motion!!!! That is a pretty good price.

I'm pretty sure the Juki only does straight stitching. If I were you, I'd look for a used Janome 6500P. Many quilters love this machine, and it has a bigger harp than normal which makes machine quilting easier. The only thing it doesn't have is a free arm (but your newer Singer would have that).

Have you checked for used machines at the dealerships in your area? You can typically get a much better machine for your money by purchasing used from a dealer, as many people trade in perfectly good machines for a newer model.

Edit: Sorry, the Janome 6500 might be out of your price range, although maybe not if you can find a used one.

How do you feel about used machines? If you have a reputable sewing machine dealer nearby you might get a real 'deal' and what you want.

Whatever you do make sure:
- you can bond with the machine, otherwise you won't use it.
- there is local support: beginning instruction, help for later on, and reasonably priced service.

ali

I have a Juki Q98 and I absolutely love it. It does only sew straight stitch, but it does so perfectly. The thread cutting feature is awesome. I paid $799. for mine brand new on e-bay. If you could still find a new one for that on ebay, I'd jump at it. The Q200 replaced the Q98, so they went up in price for basically the same machine. Good luck in whatever you decide.

FYI. Juki's are not longarms. Neither is a brother 1500, or a janome 1600(which i have and love) they all have approx. 9 inch harps so they are actually midarms. I am partial to Janome, but the other 2 are good machines from what I've heard and read.

Good luck and happy sewing. I love getting new toys. :)