:-o :D .. Ok I found my old replys , so... I am actually going to buy
myself a new sewing machine, I dont want to spend alot, so are there any features I must look for to use for quilting? My 5" squares are cut out
Now what?
PS.... My grandbaby is going to be a GIRL!!!

what's your price range?

good for you!!! Get the best machine you can afford...it doesn't have to have all the goodies. I prefer to buy a machine from a local dealer, who offers lessons, help, and repair for the future. I'm not a big fan of buying one at Walmart, they change machines all the time. and you won't get help from anyone at that store.
But, my favorite thing on a machine is auto tension, and the wonderful feature of needle up/down. Great for pivit points. Hope this helps.

Love the needle up/down option too......like being able to adjust the needle position, like a large harp area (between the needle & machine) like being able to drop the feed dogs, would be nice to have a built in walking foot..... I only have one alphabet and would enjoy some a little fancier for doing labels.....It would be great to have a machine where you didn't have to put the presser foot up & down by a lever....just automatic.....right you didn't mention how many $$ you were able to put towards it.

I just got a new machine for Christmas. It's a Kenmore:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ewing+Machines
I think it has a lot of features for a decent price.

You can drop the feed dogs on it. It has needle up or down stop position. It has speed control, which I'm loving since I'm a newb. You can adjust the speed to where it won't go faster than you're comfortable with, even if you put the pedal to the floor. It has a whole bunch of stitches. Granted, I've only had it a day but so far I think it'll be a good machine. It also has some really good reviews you can read on that link up there.

Oh yeah, and the drop in bobbin is so much easier than how my old machine loaded the bobbin. And the little door is clear so you can see how much bobbin thread you have left, while you're sewing.

I bought a kenmore and so far its great, mine is the one down from the one shown . I do use my old singer and kenmore for heavy stuff :D