Help choosing new machine
 

Hello,

I am in the market for a new sewing machine, specifically a quilting machine. After 17 years of dedicated use, yesterday I donated my ultra-basic Janome machine to a technician to use for scrap parts. My heartstrings were tugged--that little machine and I have been through a lot together.

I immediately went to check out the Berninas at a local quilt store/dealer, and I now feel like I have been under a rock all these years. Why did I not upgrade my machine years ago? I had no idea of the capabilities of these new machines! I am now freakishly excited about the possibilities and projects that await. I would consider myself an intermediate quilter and am very much ready to upgrade into a solid, mid-range, all-around machine.

I have been doing a lot of reading today, and I am interested in Pfaff, Janome, Bernina, and possibly Juki. I keep reading about repair problems and repair cost with Bernina, but it seems people Love their Berninas. I specifically looked at the 570QE and am interested in other brands' machines that are comparable to that one. Please, for those of you who own one of the brands that I mentioned, tell me why you chose it and what you love (or don't love) the machine. I was rather taken in by the BSR on the Bernina, but it is a lot more expensive than its competitors, and it seems the accessories and potential repair costs will add up quickly.

I look forward to what you have to say. Thank you!

My main machines are Bernina and Juki. I have a Bernina with all the bells and whistles but I bought a straight stitch only Juki for FMQ. I'm new to this type of quilting and the Juki is helping me improve. My Bernina doesn't have enough harp space. But I use it for everything else.
You will get lots of responses I'm sure. A lot of nice machines out there!!! Good luck and have fun in your search!

You don't mention Babylock machines, just wondering why.
I have had Bernina 153QE and loved it, but as I got older my horse tromped feet couldn't push on the peddle anylonger and I ended up with a Babylock Elizabeth, [now I own two} and I also bought the Babylock Crescendo for the wide throat space it offers.
Good luck with your decision.

Tiggersmom, I didn't mention Babylock because it didn't come up in my research. I don't know anything about them. I will look into them--thanks!

Janome just came out with a new machine - I think the 6700...looks very interesting. I have the Janome 6600 and really like that machine. A friend of mine recently purchased the Janome 15000 - to end machine - but boy oh boy is it a fabulous machine. Good luck with this very important decision.

I have a Juki TL2010Q for quilting. However, it's a straight-stitch machine, so if you don't have another machine for any zig zag or stitches other than straight stitching, that might not be a good choice for you.

That being said, the TL2010Q is a great machine for quilting and piecing. The price is reasonable, the stitches are great, and it's great for FMQ. I've had mine for 3 years now, with no problems whatsoever.

I do have a vintage Singer and a Juki HZL-DX7 that I can use as back-ups and for decorative stitches.

If you're going to have one machine only, the HZL-DX7 does just about everything, however the harp size is a little bit smaller than the TL2010Q.

I recommend looking at the babylock crescendo/brother dreamweaver, the Janome 9400, the juki qvc2000. I honestly would choose these over the bernina. I spent an entire day each on the bernina 560QE and the 765QE and I honestly felt they were overpriced for the features. I also felt they were not the easiest to use. I much prefer my dreamweaver. I have been amazed at the Janome 9400. I think there are new Pfaff also coming out. The Janome 6700 is also really nice in demo if you are looking for a nice machine with more reasonable price. I recommend if you really are interested in bernina just make sure you bond with it. Everything is expensive with that brand.

You had a Janome that performed beautifully for 17 years, didn't you? That would tell me that they are pretty darn reliable machines. If it was me, I would look no further than Janome. They have all sizes, models, and prices. From the top of the line 15000 to the little Hello Kitty model. That said, my disclaimer is I am a Janome owner and have 3, the 15000, the 6600, and the 3160QDC. They each serve a purpose and would not give up any of them.
Seriously if you are looking for a mid range, check out the new 6700. I understand that it is an "upgrade" from the 6600 which I have owned for nearly 10 years. A complete workhorse, no problems, no breakdowns, no issues. Just regular cleaning and maintenance.
The 6600 is still available and if you do a search on it, you will find hundreds if not thousands of rave reviews.
Wishing you much fun in your search for a new machine. Like you, I was amazed at all the capabilities of machines these days.

I agree with Patricia Drew - I have the newest TL2200QVP Mini (comes with an array of quilters feet/guide) and I think it's Fabulous as a straight stitch workhorse! When I bought it I knew I would be buying a second machine for all the other decorative stitches (plan to after I go to our local Sew Expo next month!) If you're looking for one machine to do it all than this wonderful machine may not meet all your needs. BUT if you're looking for a fantastic, reasonably priced (paid $999), solid quilt/FMQ machine - this is it! I'm looking at the Juki HZL-DX2000 (another $999) for my second machine.

I went to the Bernina, Janome, Viking and Brother dealers - drove 'em all! That's my best advice to you then you'll discover what you like!

Good Luck -
Christine