Horrizon
 

I have been disappointed in my last two new sewing machines....a Pfaff 4.0 which was returned to factory and replaced with a Pfaff Smarter (down grade) which is too difficult for me to insert the bobbin...I am looking at a Horrizon...a dealer would take the Smarter in trade plus $2000. I think that's a lot of money, but I really want a machine that I can love as I do by 25 year old Bernina 1230...The Babylock Quilter's Professional (Jane) "board" blew up after 6 months and that machine is now weeks back at the dealer...I would apprecialte your input...it's not that I can't sew anymore, it's just that I want to treat myself as well as I can....Right?

I think if you find something you like and you can afford it, why not? I try to get my mother to do things for herself but she never would. Life is too short for regrets. I know nothing about the machines you're talking about but lots of people on here have them so I think they'll be able to tell you more.

I dont have a 7700 but have been looking at them. I know prices flux alot.. but the dealer here has them for 2200.
Good luck on your decision

I looked at the Horizon and the dealer even let me take it home and try it because it was one that was used at a quilt show for classes. I think your dealer needs to negotiate a better deal. I don't want to share the price I was offered for that machine, but it was less considering the machine you are trading in. I did a lot of research and came to the conclusion that the Horizon or the Babylock Symphony were my favorites. When I was at the county fair - they were about the same price for either of those. I will say that I did not have good luck with the Horizon and FMQ...so I did not get it. My current Viking SE does better than it did...so I am keeping that machine until it dies.

Sorry no help here, I don't have the 7700
I have the Babylock Quest Plus and after three trips to the dealer and sent to manufactuer (all in the last 3 -4 months) I got her back today and she is working sweetly. The new one is the Serenade, they do have some sweet features.
Have you looked at any other models/brands?

I love my Horizon and it FMQ's beautifully, I haven't had to touch the tension and the stitches are perfect. It is too heavy to take to classes but as a stay at home machine, I love it. :thumbup:

If you love your Bernina, I would be looking for another one. Bernina is getting rid of the 430 and the 440 and replacing it with the 550? There might be some great prices going on those machines. I know that the 430 is under $2000.00?

I think this sounds like a great idea! I'd definitely check out the Bernina (even though I do love my Viking.)

I love mine! Leah Day has a great video and advise on her website.

I say if it's not going to break the bank, go for it. If sewing and quiltig are your hobbies, you should have a machine to use that you really enjoy sewing on. Good luck with your decision.

I have a 7700 and wouldn't trade it for anything. Everything on it is great even the fmq. I know they can make you a better deal than that, tho. Mine was also used for the class my dealer took and I got it for $2,500 without a trade in. She would have given me $800 trade-in for mine but I need old one for classes, etc. 7700 is too heavy for a class machine UNLESS you are under 55. Good luck in this venture.

I love my Horizon and I loved my 6600 before I had the Horizon. FMQ on the Horizon is a breeze; no tension adjustments - just put on the foot and go.

I also have a Bernina 1230 that has been a jewel, but I bought a Horizon about 18 months ago, mostly for the extra harp space, and love it to pieces. Try to get your dealer to throw in some goodies like the table or extra Acufeed feet, if he won't come down any on that price.

sorry about your machine woos.
I just traded up from a 6600 to the Horizon and couldn't be any happier.
Good luck which ever way you go. nunnyJo

My DH would love to replace my Bernina with a newer, top of the line model but I am sticking with my 1260! I bet you find that you will be using your older machine the most even if you make this purchase. I will tell you that my sewing machine repair person (a lady!) told me she would love to find one of these machines (1260) for sale for herself.

I always here really good things about the Janome 6500 and 6600 too! I thought the Horizons had come down from the $3K price tag, so I would shop around!

I thank all those people "friends" who took the time to read my post, consider, and then offer their thoughts...I really was touched and read them all to my husband, noting that they came from all over...amazing....today I am going to the World Quilt Show in West Palm Beach so I'll get to check out several dealers...we live in a life care facility (I'm soon to be 78) and my idea is to use what little money we have left and my husband pulls back worrying that we won't have enough to last....it makes for interesting conversation that never is too serious, mostly done with a smile...life is good! Hattie

Hi Hattie,

I have the Horizon and love it. I'm sure that you can get a better deal with your trade-in. Maybe save more with a show machine or a trade-in to the dealer.

My MIL's middle name was Hattie. My DH was always told that his mother's name was Molly Happy because she was such a happy baby. Only after we got her original birth certificate did we find out that it was really Hattie.

Good luck,
Cathy

I would look for a Bernina - if that was what you loved. I'm not sure I could go back to my old machine after sewing on a Bernina. It is not the top of the line but it just is a great machine.

I love my Horizon and haven't had any problems with it. I found it very easy to use too.