Finally back to quilting and looking for a machine
 

Finally retired! I am getting back to quilting after an 18 year break (working full time and more). I have a Brother PC 4000 that I purchased when I was quilting and loved it. However I would like a new machine with more stitches and features. What are your recommendations for a machine that has features but does not "break the bank" for a retired lady? Most of the sewing shops are about 40 miles away so I need a reliable machine. I have not free motion quilted, but do applique and stitch without free motion. I am looking to finally learn free motion as I have time on my hands. Thanks in advance for any suggestions:):confused:

I have a Brother SQ9000 (five years old) It was only $199.00 at Walmart. Has loads of feet, 80 stitches and bunches more. They are now calling it SQ9050. I LOVE mine.

Welcome back and welcome to retirement. It is delightful. I will watch this with interest because I am considering a new machine. I have a Viking Sapphire but don't really know how to use it to its full potential. I need a machine with classes! I bought mine at a shop that closed soon after I purchased it and I need more instruction.

The shop I purchased my machine from also closed, so I will have to drive to find the machine I want. I will probably also need classes. There is a local guild I am considering joining again.

I am not familiar with your DSM. I have a Bernina 1530 that I bought in the 90s and I am still delighted with piecing and quilting on it. I bought it for the buttonhole applique stitch. Best place to go shopping is a quilt show that will attract a lot of dealers. They discount the machines at the end of the show plus you get exposure to a variety of machines. Good luck and enjoy your retirement.

That is a good idea. I am signed up already to go to Paducah in April 2016.

I don't know what spending level will break the bank, but for free motion without as much stress I highly recommend a Bernina with the BSR (stitch regulator). I believe the Bernina is still the only DSM with a stitch regulator, which assures that your stitches are all the same size.

I have the small husqvana viking h100 mixture of stitches and light to take to class. Against is its small throat which would make quilting on it difficult.
my main machine is a bernina 440 nq, janome and a juke. The juki only goes back and forwards and with its larger throat is great for quilting. These three all around £1000 or$1560 approx.

The Bernina is the machine that interests me the most. What models have the BSR?

check out the yahoo group for Sapphire -- it's a good resource....love mine, it's 7 years old now, still don't use all the features but get great satisfaction from those I use