I have a Bernina that I love but want to buy a backup machine. I want to spend under $1000, so not top of the line but good quality (remember, I am used to a Bernina ;-) ).

Here's the catch - I don't care about lots of stitches, embroidery, etc. I want a great straight stitch, automatic tension, knee lift, needle up/down, feed dogs that can be dropped. I would love to have a warning about low bobbin thread, automatic thread cutter and self-threading but can live without one or all of these if I have to. And a wide throat space would be wonderful!

I've looked at the Janome 6600 but it seems like more machine than I want. The 6500 doesn't have the dual feed and I think I would like that.

I don't want a old machine - I know they are basic and well-built. I have a FW and love it but want a backup that stands up to sewing really fast because that's the way I sew.

I kind of want to trade off having a zillion extras on the machine for high quality basics. Does such a machine exist?

As you can tell, I am really confused about what's out there and I don't have time to check out every type of machine. If I could get a few suggestions from you experts, it would help tremendously. Thanks in advance! ;) ;-)

suggest you go to a shop that sells used machines and tell them your needs and wants. Sounds like an older machine would meet your needs. However, am sure newer ones are also good.

I saw an industrial Singer on eBay a while back that got me to thinking I needed a back up. I have pfaff's for my backups now...but if anything ever goes belly up I'm going back to find that machine. =)

There aren't too many machines that have the warning beep for the bobbin, and once you add an automatic thread cutter you are moving into more complex technology and of course, higher prices. You may want to look for an older used Bernina for most of those features, but I doubt that you will find what you are looking for for that price. Look in dealers where they accept trades. You may have some luck there.

You sound like me when I went shopping for my truck. I hadn't vehicle shopped in 13 years so I had a lot to learn. The biggest thing I found is that you can't order just the things you want; you have to take what they put on it. Unfortunately its the same with sewing machines. Viking has a quilting sewing machine that has the large throat, don't know about any of the other features and have no idea what it costs. Sounds like you just have to do your homework.

Have you thought about a Brother 1500? They are a straight stitch machine with a 9 inch throat and sew about 2500 stitches per minute. I love mine. I also have two Berninas.

One of your biggest problems is that only the machines with the wider stitch capability are capable of having an automatic stitch cutter - it is not possible to do on a 5mm machine. That alone tends to put you into the higher end machines.

Since you say you like dual feed, as do I, I would suggest looking for a slightly older model Pfaff with IDT.

Have you considered a Juki?? It has everything except the built in walking foot. But does include one in accessory package. I have had one for about four years now and love it. Many of my quilting friends have them also. It is an industrial type machine. Built for speed and use.

I purchased a Singer7469QE for my back up.

We bought a Viking Megaquilter for under 1000 dollars, brand new, from a dealer. It was on special for 995, then we got an additional 100 dollars off for buying the demonstrator, so 895. It fits your description of what you want with the exception of dropping feed dogs, it comes with a feed dog cover instead. It has a 9 inch throat.

If you go to a dealer and see that for more than 1000 dollars, try dealing with the dealer, you can probably get it for under.