I think the best sewing machine in the world is the Janome Memory Craft 6500. It has an extra sewing space for bigger quilts. It has never given me a bit of trouble and is now 5 years old. The cost is probably around $1300 but it will give you years of sewing. I use mine every day as I am an avid quilter.

I do not know where you live but if you are new Toronto Ontario Canada there is a place called The Sewing Machine Factory outlet on Lawrence, east of Warden on the south side of the street.

They sell Janomi and Bernina machines. But of these machines are excellent sewing machines. I also think you need to look at an embordery machine that works as a sewing machine as well. They also have rebuilt machines that are very good.

If you do not live in Canada go on line and type in quilting and ask them for there advice on where to go.

Jo-Ann Lander

Please pardon my ignorance :oops: but, what do you mean by "quilting stitches."?

I'm juming ahead of a response to you....but the machine manufacturers are promoting three different types of quilting stitiches these days.
1.Feather stitch----for crazy patch.
2.Quilt Stitch--Looks like hand stitched...there is a very tiny space between stitches called a hesitation stitch---------
3.Stipple Stitch- A few machines have a stipple stitich, but not many,and the quality is not as good as a little practice by the quilter just doing free motion.
Hope this helps....

I've yet to meet a sewing machine I can't kill! I'm hopeless with them and can destroy them/severly injure them in under an hour. My sisters and my Mom wouldn't let me near theirs. I failed Home Ec because of the damage I inflicted on the school's sewing machines. Yes, I have tried, but even I can't bear to make another one suffer! My Mom left me her Baby Bernina when she passed away and I gave it to my grandaughter when she expressed an interest. They're very happy together, while I do all my piecing and quilting by hand. I do enjoy curling up on my sofa and quilting in the evenings, something I'd feel awkward doing with a machine in my lap. I like being able to get 8-10 stitches per inch by hand, something I don't think I'd've been able to accomplish if I had relied on a machine. I do envy the speed of machine quilting and piecing, but I think of each stitch as part of my dreams and hopes going into my quilts.
I'm mechanically challenged, and happy anyway!

Don't wprry about being a man ina quilt shop ,a good many men are now quilting and many men are in the business as teachers and makers of quilt frames and other quilting notions Enjoy most quilt shop are friendly places we always enjoyed the men coming in and always had a specila evening at Xmas for husband shopping only., we even wrapped the parcels :)

I'm a Pfaff girl myself. I have the Embrodary machine which I use mainly to do peace work. My friend said I would be sorry if I didn't buy the big boy and I hardly never take advantage of all the stuff it does.
I also have a Inspria quilting / long arm system that came with a Pfaff work horse. I am not crazy about the outfit but love the sewing machine.
THe path for quilting is only around 8-10 inches but it does do King size. I am working on a King size all hand peaced Grandmothers flower garden now. Will be glad when it's finished being quilted. It's taken me three years to finish as I have little time for hand work.
I think sewing machines are like cars what ever you like is great for you.
Been reading your posts for a few years now and finally decided to join in.

Hi, I bought a Pfaff years ago and LOVED it. I don't remember the model number, but it was the last of the brown colored models. I gave it to a daughter who started quilting and I bought the Pfaff Performance 2054. I wouldn't have any other machine. The only machine it compares to is a Bernina. My beloved Pfaff does everything and never needs repairs. It has all the bells and whistles. I make tradional quilts, contemporary, and art quilts. I make for charity and have I have sold some some of my quilts. I also do some teaching. I tried many machines, but made the decision to get a Pfaff and am glad I did. Happy quilting!!

I didn't want to sound too braggie but I Love my Pfaff too. I think what ever machine you get use to you love. I own a business, have a large property to maintain, take care of my mother who lives on the property. and still do alot of quilting for charity and firends. It is my tharapy! I have been doing some knitting for Christmas too.
I was lucky to have a client/friend who was a 20yr quilter and she taught me what she knew. We got together twice a month and worked on projects. I live in the Seattle area and each year the whole west coast of Washington has a quilt shop hop which starts at the Orgon end of the state and ends 1 mile from Canada. There has been as many as 64 shopes and it is a five day thing. Each shop gives you a block and some or the fab. of the year them you add to it and make a quilt with how many blocks you got. I learned on those blocks. Great fun. My firend and I head out the day before and don't come home till it's over!

Glad to meet you Birdie. I'm from Pinellas Park, FL which is between St. Petersburg and Clearwater..........all a matter of blocks apart. My life has been full of many challenges (as I call them) and my quilting is my therapy as it is yours. I'm grateful for such a fulfilling hobby. Most of my quilts go to my 4 kids and my brothers kids. But I also do a lot of charity projects.