I am much more interested in hearing what each of you advise for a good machine that isn't too expensive since I've been thinking maybe I need one. My old Remington, about 1964, has done wonders, and I have a Singer that is ok, but I've seen the Janome and admired it, so it's very helpful to hear what you all are saying.

I paid less than $200 for each of my Singer machines. The best feature though is the drop in bobbin that you can see without removing any part of the machine! I wouldn't get a machine without it. The newest one I got even has many different stitches to use. Just remember, regardless of what machine you get, write down the first tension settings in your guide/user book and if you have any trouble, reset the machine to the way it came and start again. Be sure to use the correct bobbins and read the manual anytime you do anything to the machine. Keep it clean, not by blowing into the machine, but with a new clean paintbrush that can fit into the bobbin case and clean out the mini dust bunnies.
Treat your machine with respect and love it! You don't NEED fancy settings but ALWAYS get the drop in bobbin so you know if you have enough bobbin thread to complete a task.

I have several machines from the top of the line to Featherweights. I sold sewing machines for a few years and the machine I like the best for Quilting and Machine Quilting the top is the BERNINA 440 with the stitch regulator. It is pricey but you get what you pay for. And I wasn't selling Bernina but I think that the Bernina Machines are the best made.

Hi, I have had a Kenmore for many years. It is reliable, easy to learn and has many nice features.
Being I have been quilting since '83, I purchased a Bernina a year ago. Of course I really love it but it is out of the price range you are working with. So I would suggest the top of the line with Kenmore.
Elaine

I have a Brother, a Singer, and a White. The Brother is a low end one sold at Wal Mart and I love it. It sews like a dream and never gives me any trouble. My son uses the Singer for his sewing. It's a nice machine, but I like my Brother better. The White is a Jean Machine. It works great on heavy fabric. That's about all I use it for. I have a Juki for quilting. I absolutely love this machine. It runs like a dream and has made it much easier for me to do my own quilting. Now, if I ever find the room in my house, I want a Gracie frame.

I HAVE PURCHASED 5 MACHINES OVER A 6 YEAR PERIOD AS GIFTS ETC.,FROM THESE FOLKS AND THEY ARE VERY DEPENDABLE. THEY HAVE THE JANOME MAGNOLIA FOR $349
THE "sTART/STOP" FEATURE IS GREAT!
fREE SHIPPING AND YOU RECEIVE IT IN 2-3 DAYS.
YOU PAY NO SALES TAX!
yOU CAN GO TO A LOCAL DEALER AND TELL THEM THAT YOU CAN GET THIS MACHINE FOR THIS PRICE AND NO SALES TAX AND SEE IF THEY WILL MATCH IT IF YOU PREFER, BUT ALLBRANDS IS A REPUTABLE COMPANY.
I DON'T WORK FOR THIS COMPANY: ALLBRANDS.COM
Janome 7330 Magnolia 30 Stitch Computer Sewing Machine, 6 Buttonholes, START/STOP, Memory Needle Up Down, Speed Control, Threader - 20/5Yr Ext. Wnty

Magnolia 7330 is the only Janome computer on the internet with Start/Stop button without foot pedal(also incl).
Price:
$349.00

I forgot to tell you that my preference has always been Janome/New Home/Elna....all made by the same company at one time or another.

Good quality. They are good computer machines at a reasonable price.

For your price range the Magnolia Janome is a good choice.

I just bought a Janome 6600 for $1100. It is built for quilting.
I love it.

Shop and try them out....then look at the site I told you about and then negotiate with your store....if not order online....Good luck on your quest.
Diana

http://catalog.ebay.com/Simplicity-A...328358QQ_tabZ2
This is what my Hubby bought me 6 years ago to starting my new start in quilting. I loved it as we at the time were on a budget and two years ago i got my Janome 6600p. I still use both and never had a problem.
Dawn

I'm afraid that in your price range of $200-$300 would not buy you a good quilting machine with a 10 inch bed. If your wife wants a good quilting machine please take a look at the Sapphire 870 that has quilting and decorative stitches, plus a 10 inch bed with an automatic cutter for the bobbin thread - which is great - because you might accidentally cut the quilt on the backing. It also has a start /stop switch. I have a Sapphire 850 which I intend to upgrade to the 870 and also have a Designer 1 USB machine (Both are made by Viking). I used to own Singer but the Singer workmanship on the machines in the last 10 years has gone down hill

I have 2 Husqvarna---viking machine's..Freesia 415,--& Viva.. For me I like them..I will alternate them when sewing.. There is only 16 different stitches, but dont reakky do any fancy sewing.. The only sewing I do is when I'm making a quilt, or shorting my blue jean... Don-isewman1

Hi. I have several sewing machines. They are quality machines and work very well. Since I cannot get what they are worth on a trade-in, I just keep them whenever I upgrade. I am a big fan of Pfaff and Janome machines and also a strong believer in buying from a reputable dealer if possible. He/she can help you find the machine that meets your needs.

For quilt-piecing and quilting, there are many important features to look for, several already mentioned in other responses to your question. One of my favorite features is the auto. needle up/down. Another important feature for me is that the needle position can be changed from center to left or right.

If you have the luxury of a local reputable dealer, previously owned machines are well worth checking out. They are traded in for various reasons and very often have nothing wrong with them. A good dealer will give used machines thorough maintenance before putting them up for sale. It's possible to get a fairly high-end used machine for about the same cost as a new basic machine and often comes with "extras" that the former owner has bought in addition to the standard accessories.

Best of luck! Weezie

The word was suppose to be really..Sorry eeryone...

I have had 3 machines in my sewing life, of 30 yrs. I have seen a Bernina in action, and wish I had the budget for one. But if like me, you are on a budget don't rule out a Brother. I'm not going by history, other then for myself. I had a basic Brother for several years, then 3 yrs ago I bought the CS 6000. And I have been totally pleased with it. I've had it in the shop 1 time. And it's because I sew just about everyday. I truly give my machine a work out. I bought it at Walmart and I payed close to 300.00 for it. It had all the features I wanted and a booklet, that is very easy to follow. Several different feet, incl/ free-motion ft, as well as several others. Push button stitch width and length control. I have been very happy.I'm an avid applique quilter, as well as design my own quilts. So I just wanted to add my imput.
I passed my basic Brother on to alittle girl, that wanted a sewing machine of her own, and it's still working.

I am a quilter.....just finished 4 quilted wall hangings and a quilted purse. I use a "Quilters Classic" sewing machine made by Simplicity. Best sewing machine I have ever had. Bought it at Walmart a couple of years ago....it is still working great.

HI-- I use a Kenmore sewing machine. It has many decorative stitches-alphabet and numbers and easy to use-I have done some quilting and I find it very easy to move the fabric along. Also, the attachments are great.

I also had a white sewing machine I used for about 30 years-I dropped it and could not get it fixed. That machine was great, too. It did not have a lot of stitiches but it did what I wanted to do.

Time to get sewing!!!

I use a 1951 Singer. It is a beautiful running machine.

Dean Newbie,

Sewing machines are personal choices and are very dependent on the user. I suggest a gift card stating an amount to be used for a new sewing machine.

I presonally prefer my Pfaff due to hand problems and dual feed technology.

Big hints: What is in your area as far as service? Will the store you purchase the machine offer easily accessible classes for learning the machine? Can you go there or call whenever there are questions?
How costly are the different feet for the machine? Do you wan t only a sewing machine or a machine that also does embroidery?

Be prepared to shop around. Have fun with this journey.

Good luck,
alice

Hi,

The machine that I use almost exclusively for piecing is a vintage Singer 201. It is heavy duty, accurate, simple and reliable. It is 50+ years old and will last at least that much longer. It can be purchased for under a $100. It would be difficult to find a more durable machine and certainly none in the price range. I really thing the old "pre plastic parts" machines are more desirable than a new one...even the high end ones...unless you want to do fancy embroidery , etc.
Now , I do own a Viking which has the bells and whistles but I never use it so all those extras were a waste for me. I like to piece quilts and quilt them on my APQS longarm machine so a good reliable straight stitcher is all I need.

NinjaQuilter

I love allbrands. They have always been good to me. That's where I got my Juki.

I also have a Janome 6600 Professional machine. I have had many machines in my lifetime and this one is the greatest.
It has a long neck for machine quilting, A built in walking foot
A scissors (built in) to cut threads on the top and bottom. The best needle threader that does work, and a locking stitch to tie your sewing. Up and down needle in & out.
Before I had the 6600 I had the 9000 Janome embroidery machine which I still use. And for classes I have the Janome 760 Gem .
I love them all. I have been sewing and quilting 25 years. Good Luck in picking a machine.
Gert in MA

I always had top of the line Singers, loved my last one but they have changed. I now have a Brother 1500P, it is wonderful, but it's only a straight stitcher but for piecing & any straight sewing it is the best.

I, also have a Janome 6500 that I really like too.

And for classes, I bought the Brother CX6000, I think that's the model # & I really love that too.

They all came with all the feet & the Evenfoot too.

That's what was nice with Singer too, they had everything before every body else them. Stuff that is just showing up now, drop in bobbin, thread cutter, stop & go, needle down, etc.

Now, some machines, you have to pay extra for every little additonal foot, etc.

But my Big Brother is the best on stitching regular stitching.

Tegakat

i have a bernina artista 730e ,that i paid 7000-8000 with taxes,i love it has so many features but best of all it has a stitch regulator for quilting your quilts i love that regulator it,s good for smaller quilt tops but hard to quilt a quilt size like a twin,double or queen size quilt very hard to handle that size projects evey thing eles is wonderful about my bernina,then i have a elna that i brought several years ago now that sewing machine was put away for a long long time now this baby works like a dream to be trueful i think it sews better then my bernina and i think i paid 1,500.00 for it ,thats a very good sewing machine ,i was surpise when after several years of it not sewing i just took it out cleaned dust off and guess what it sewed like it was new wow ,what i like about this sewing machine is very easy to use and low maintenance hope this helps

Hi, I have a Jannome 6600, it is wonderfull for pieceing,applique and quilting. I also have a White 710, which is several years old but is a great machine . I use my Featherweight 221 a lot just for pieceing. I enjoy these 3 machines, and they have never given any problems.

Hi everyone. It has been a while since I posted. I actually have a Bernina Bernette. I bought it used and refurbished at a local sewing shoppe for a very reasonable price. It only cost us $100. I know it is not fancy, but it does a great job. I'll upgrade eventually. I was able to quilt a king size quilt top on it, so don't worry about the small size.

My mom is computer challenged, and is not a member of this board. I'll post for her, anyway. She uses a Janome, also. I have actually used it, and it is a nice machine. Can't go wrong with a Janome.

Robbi

I have used a Baby Lock machine for many years. I'd like to trade it in for a machine that does embroidery as well as regular sewing.

The thing I would recomend is to be sure that if she is to machine quilt the quilt that the extended throat is very hellpful. I have a Janomie a New home that is over 20 years old and a Bernina that just sits. I have worn out PLASTIC machines. I love my Janome

Also the idea to get a little more than is wanted now is a great idea. I have several friends that purchased a simpler machine and traded up to more stitches. I use the fancy stitches on clothomg more than quilts.

Don't forget the walking foot....

I do not know what Sears carries but maybe go to a Janome store to see what is available before going to sears. I often wonder how much the sals people know. Good luck

:) I love my kenmore.It is a workhorse. It is basically a janome but does more. I bought the cheapest computerized one with about 50 or sixty built in stitches a a needle threadler . As far as I'm concerned it is the workhorse of the industry. But I'\ve only been sewing and quilting for about three years. I have two other machinesa lower priced Janome that does't do musch but still is an excellent machine and an embroidery beginning of the line janome.
Go for which ever machine is the best buy for your need s and pcketbook.
ceegee

You've got a great big heart, DH. But DO take her with you for her to pick what she thinks will be more comfortable for her. And yes, I can picture you in a quilt shop. You are such a good sport. :thumbup: Keep us posted.

:roll: You have another Janome user here. I have sewn on my still treasured Singer for years, but last year I got a Janome 3022 and I have never been happier. It has a self threader, a lock stitch, a needle down position and many patterns. I use it for sewing the quilt top, and quilting it using the walking foot. It's a great machine and I paid$299.00 and bought it at Hancock Fabric. Good luck, I just know your wife will love the Janome. :lol:

To answer the general question about what sewing machines people are using, I have two machines. The first is a computerized Kenmore which is very easy to use. When my local quilt store had a big sale on the Bernina Activa 220, I recently purchased one. The Bernina Walking foot, needed for quilting, was pricey, but well worth the money because it is a dream to work with. It is smooth and quiet. I have destroyed other walking feet on lesser machines in a short amount of time.

Here is my two cents about choosing a machine. Many stores have sewing machines you can test drive or even have free or low cost classes so you can play with the many of the features. If you are shopping for a used machine, check to see if parts are still available.

I broke down and bought my first new machine in over 20 years. I got a Janome 760 Gem Platinum that is only 12 lbs but it a workhorse. It has a needle threader YAY, 60 stitches and I have made quilts like crazy since buying it. It cost $500 but is worth every penny. I do have to say that the first one I bought broke down a lot and the bobbin winder wouldn't work so I finally took it back and they gave me a new one. They also gave me classes for free. This little bundle is so easy to take along to classes or our trips. Your wife will no doubt want to take some classes to refresh her skills. I have made quilts up to Queen size with it but the previous posts are right in saying you need a wider throat for quilting. I try to stay with no larger than lap size with the Janome. Let us know what you decide. This is the place to get the expert's opinion!

I sew on many different machines. My favorite for piecing is my Bernina 1030, about 20 yrs old. A real workhorse. I sew for craft shows, so put about 8hrs on a machine a day every day. I use my Juki TL98Q, LOVE IT. So fast and needle up/down,and thread cutter. It only does straight stitch but that is 90% of my sewing. I use my Singer XL1000 for all the embroidery and my Viking for all the fancy stuff . I also have a couple of old black Singers that I would never part with. Machine total= 10

I have three Janomes, and love them all. I recently purchased a Brother at Walmart for its embroidery capability. Service is a very important feature -- you want to be able to have it available as local as possible. I would suggest looking in your local yellow pages and give repair shops a call and ask them what models they recommend, what models need to be worked on frequently, etc.

My machine at home (USA) is a regular old fashioned Singer 401, but my hubby allowed me to bring a wonderful machine with me as we traveled abroad. I have an Elna Heirloom etition with a quarter inch foot for quilting seams. I could not ask for anything better.

If I were going to suggest something for a "full time" quilter, maybe the stronger the better. I continually have to fear what will happen to my Elna, not because it is inferior, but because it endures tropical heat and humidity all the time. Literally everything deteriorates in the tropics. If I had my choice, I probably would bring the old Singer to die here rather than my new, precious one.

I've been using my Janome New Home 8000 for more than 15 years, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

jo

I have been garment sewing for many years. Deciided to start quilting last November. Bought a Brother CS-100 . Not expensive... about 279.00.It has handled nine king size quilts.. all of the stitching and machine quilting, five queen size and several over size baby quilts, as I have five grand kids and another in the oven. This machine has surprised me, especially with me being a novice to quilting! It has also handled every thing from from fleece to multiple layers of denim. I bought it because it came with many features and and the quilting foot. I figured if I HATED it ...That it wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg. Darn good machine! :-)

:-) A few months ago I bought a Baby Lock Denim Pro. I use it for piecing and quilting and it works for both. There are a few features that it does not have because it is the bottom of the line starter machine. Luckily the store I got it from will let me trade up for the full price and I plan to do that. I would like a machine with a fast and slow speed and one that I can end with the needle up or down with a quick switch.

There is one more little detail that I never even thought of until I started using the new machine. Some machines have a bigger "step" or angle between the part that pulls off so you can get to the bobbin and the plate with the feed dogs in it. My old Singer had a smaller "step" so with the Baby Lock, I have to be careful how I feed my pieces so that it does not mess up the pressed seam allowance, flipping it up as it goes over the step. I will be sure the next one is flatter there.

Good luck finding her the perfect machine!

I use a Brother CS-80 that I bought oh, about 3-4 years ago. I paid a bit under $200. It has everything needed to get quilting.
It has the needle stop button, auto sew button, auto threader, drop in bobbin, about 80 stitches, a throat deep enough to handle a queen size quilt. It came with all of the necessary feet, including walking foot, 1/4" foot and quilting foot.
This machine is used every day for at least an hour per day and oftentimes 4-6 hours at a time. It could definitely qualify as a "workhorse"
I'm sure there are many other quality machines out there, but I have to say for under $200 (brand new), this Brother was a definite bargain!

When I was seriously shopping for a machine for our daughter for a high school graduation present, one VIP point someone showed me was how the machines lay the stitches on the cloth.

My singer laid them one in front of the other in a precisely straight line, while some other machines laid stitches slightly diagonal to each other. I had never noticed that before, because I did not own one of the cheaper models. But when they pointed that out to me, it was very obvious.

It seems to me that all machines could leay stitches straight if they would, but they don't.

GramMER

Hi,

I have a Janome 1600P and it's a great machine, I'd say it was the best I've ever owned. I use it for sewing children's clothing and for quilt piecing and machine quilting (though I'm a hand quilter by preference). They are not inexpensive but I'd buy a used one in a heartbeat. I love the wide working space it provides and the stitches are beautiful.

Steer clear of my previous machine, the Singer quantum futura sewing/embroidery machine, you spend more time clenaing it and fixing it and setting it up again than you ever do using it. I always had Singers before that, and it really put me off of them. Even the dealer that sold it to me new the year before wouldn't take it as a trade in on a different machine-- that's how much trouble they are.

Best of luck! You sound like a keeper.