Had an Elna endorsed by Eleanor Burns and had nothing but PROBLEMS.

A White manufactured in 1992 is nothing like the cheap models for sale today.

I have a White sewing machine that I acquired in the early seventies with Fram coupons (My father had a service station and coupons were used to obtain household products for our home and my parents' home. We each got a White sewing machine.) This machine has been great. It was my first zig-zagger. It's put away in a closet, but I pulled it out for grandkids or students to work with it. It is a very heavy portable that is all-metal. My serger (bought in '88 is also a White). I would like to upgrade , but it is still doing very well. [I'd really like one of those "self-threaders.]

I have been using the Janome sewing machines. I have two. The one that I would recommend is the Janome Platinum. It runs around $450. It weighs 11#, is very portable to take to classes, etc; it is also a 'work horse'. I also have the 'top of the line' Janome for quilting, but if I need a good 'stand-by' I will use the Platinum. It has numerous stitches to choose from, can lower the feed dogs to 'free-motion' quilting.

hi, I'm new to this. I purchased a husqvarna viking, emerald edition almost a year ago & I love it. it has the needle up/down, a thread cutter & many other features. it does not have a 1/4 inch foot or marking for it which is the only thing i really don't like.
i think one of the main advantages to this machine is ,they offer a trade-in within one year of purchase with the full price you payed for it going toward an upgrade. this is based on the retail value of the up-grade. you can find these dealers located in some joann fabric shops. hope this helps to give you another idea

Well Tom, I have three sewing machines: a #9000 Janome (embroidery and general sewing/quilting - which I use the most); a #3500 Janome (general sewing/quilting which is my travel machine) and a #221 Singer Featherweight (which I've yet to use). I simply love Janome machines. My criteria for a good sewing machine (I am a quilter and quilting instructor) is 1) a drop in bobbin; 2) a "beep" that tells me when I'm runing low on thread in the bobbin' 3) straight and even stitches; 4) add-on parts that are reasonably priced and 5) ease of cleaning since I vacuum and clean my machines on a weekly basis.
The Janome is quiet, dependable and a work horse. I probably sew patchwork or machine applique or foundation paper piecing on a daily basis and in the Janome I've a machine that does all of the above beautifully. My #9000 is almost ten years old and like a Timex it keeps on running.
The two things (and there's only two things) I find annoying about my #9000 is no bobbin thread cutter and its weight (37 lbs.). The bobbin thread cutter was not available on a Janome until the #1100 was produced. I sure would like a bobbin cutter, but not enough to trade in my #9000...and the #1100 weighs even more!
Unfortunately the #9000, #1000 and #1100 are WAY over your price limit, but the #3500, my travel machine might fit the bill. Janome's #6600 is a terrific machine that you might want to look into also. Good luck, Valerie

Tom found a machine at Sears...
but there is a Janome Threadbanger at Allbrands.com with free shipping, no tax for $599, in the event another reader would like to compare.

I own a Viking which cost $1700 five years ago. It is an embroidery machine as well as a sewing machine. It has a number of stitch patterns built in as well.
Knowing what I know now, I would skip the embroidery function, and purchase a simpler machine. I would advise you to look into the Lily or other machines made by Viking.
ALSO........I would buy a machine from a sewing machine DEALER and not a Big Box store. Make sure the dealer SELLS and SERVICES the machines. Then when the machine has problems, you can go back there.

Isn't it wonderful that there are so many different sewing machines to appeal to so many different quilters? In her message, brmovingon decried the fact that she purchased a machine with embroidery and I am thrilled that my quilting machine also embroiders...and so is my granddaughter. I have embroidered butterflies, flowers, darling puppies and kittens on her sweatshirts, jackets, pants leg and quilts. Also, now that she is older, I've embroidered female ice skaters, soccer, baseball, volleyball and basketball players for both her and her team mates, changing the hair and skin color as necessary.
I guess different opinions is what makes the world go round...and allows makers of sewing machines to produce so many different models.
But the embroidery feature has been quiet for a few weeks while I finish three quilted Frank Lloyd Wright Art Glass Window wall hangings. It takes time and concentration to sew fabric that is cut 3/4-inch wide, with the largest piece 1-1/4 inch wide. I'm very happy to be quilting my last wall hanging and it will be quite a while before I create another FLW.

My strong suggestion is go to a dealer and let them help you. They probably can suggest one in your price range. They will give you lots of help after purchase with lessons. Getting one from online or box store will not get you help. Ask questions and get the answers.
Nancy in Indiana

Just wanted to add my two cents. :) I have both a Kenmore (Sears) and a Janome. I have received better service from the Janome dealer then the Sears machine and a whole lot less service problems with the Janome. Lots of luck in what ever you get your lucky wife. :wink: :wink:

I currently use a Bernina PE140 that I bought new 7 years ago. My previous machine was a Bernina 830, which I purchased in 1976 and kept until 2001. Personally, I think my older machine was the better as this electronic machine doesn't have the power my old one did. However, Bernina is a very good machine, but expensive. Don't buy a cheap machine; you won't be happy if you do a lot of sewing. If you're only interested in quilting and not in doing fancy embroidery, I would suggest that you check out stores that carry good machines (Bernina, Husqvarna, Pfaff, etc.) and ask about older machines that have been traded in. You can often get a good deal, get lessons as well and have somewhere to go for support and maintenance. If you know what you want, check e-Bay. I wouldn't buy a Singer. I grew up with them and loved them when they were made in North America, but the last one I had leaked oil constantly.

Just another vote to buy your machine, new or used, from a reputable dealer. Don't risk internet sales or e-bay sales. Buy the best you can afford. All machines now are made in Japan - except Bernina. Yes, Viking and Pfaff were bought by Singer and and if a dealer tells you otherwise, this is not a reputable one.

Go to a dealer who sells several lines and test drive different machines. I have had many machines and have sewn for over 60 years. Am never so happy as when I hear the purr of my well-tuned machine.

i know i'm a little late on this but all the names people have given you are great an there are a few more there are brother,singer babbylock and a few more they all have good machines out there an do some real good sewing i've had a treadle back a few years ago i wish i would have gotten moved with me when i had to move.but i now have a singer ,an two difrent brother machines anone machine i cant tell you what it is because i need to put a new cord on it but it is older than me an i'm very picky with it .it was given to me by an old boss man he was really cool.but good luck in your hunting an wish you all the luck there are alot of good sells right now an until x-mas :)

Hi,I have always hand pieced and quilted,being rather nervous about buying a machine I took the advice of a friend who had always bought Bernina but was looking for another machine.She did research and found the Brother NX-400. I rather gulped at the price £500, and walked around the store for about half-an-hour until my lovely husband said he would go and buy it whether or not I was there.I can use it without the foot and it threads the needle for me -----and I love it You would have to fight me to remove it from my sewing room.I have learnt to love it ,buy one with a quarter inch foot and a walking foot--look for special offers.I got those and an extention table in the price. You are a lovely man to be looking on your wife's behalf,hope you get what you want. Letty

I have a Janome memory craft 6600 and it rocks! It has a large throat to fit a lot of fabric when making large quilts.