Yes, yes, check that auto threader. I have 2 machines, one works awesome, one sucks!!

From personal experience I would not let a thread cutter be a deal breaker. They do cause more birds nests in my opinion. The idea is great, but some times the short piece of bobbin thread seems to get snarled.

I'm putting together a box of what I want to try sewing - and remembered the rows of hexies I've been working on. Those don't need speed, but I'm thinking having the knee lift foot will be awesome.

Sounds like an exciting and fun trip. Enjoy and come home with a "Goodie"

I guarantee you will love the speed! I have been sewing on my Mom's 950 Bernina it is a "transitional" machine between true industrial and home machine. I made 2 Christmas tree skirts the other day and it took for ever to sew all that length to gather for ruffles. Man I love that speed and where do I start on how wonderful a knee lift is. I don't have a thread cutter but Love this machine I had always thought I would get a Juki or Brother but I will love and enjoy what I have. So have a great time shopping and let us know what you decide to purchase.

Having serviced both the TL98 (and I can't see the 2000/2010/etc being much different) and the Brother 1500 - I will only add this: There's more metal where it counts in the Juki. Ask them if you can see under the hood of each one.

What did you end up buying?

FYI: I have had 3 Brothers machines and still have 2 of them. I wouldn't trade them for any other brand. My dealer here is super and the machines are awesome. I do piecing,embroidery, and free motion as well as using walking foot to quilt on my Brothers. I have used Bernina and Janome but by far prefer the Brothers machines.

Love my machines(s) with the knee lift! You will become spoiled to this feature. The thread-cutter is nice also.
I have the Brother 1500 - it is my "go-to" machine for most of my quilting.
I have heard that the Juki and the Babylock Jane are very similar. Let us know what you take home with you.

I've had my Juki 2010 since August and love it more every time I sit down to sew. My favorite thing was making a wallet recently and sewing the sides, with front, back, pockets, interfacing, accordian-folded card pockets, and two layers of stabilizer - at least twelve layers of varying thickness. Not even the slightest grumble from the Juki. My old machine, I would have had to baby it through that, rip and redo, and use some choice words. The Juki is a keeper for sure!