here are four machines that I have looked at and read about. I would love your input on them as well if you have one or more of them and what you think is best for a beginner/intermediate quilter like myself. The four machines are:

Singer 7470
Singer 7467S CL
Janome 8077
Janome DC1050

I really appreciate your help on this as I am so afraid of chosing the wrong one for me.

I don't use any of these so I am not much help, but are there dealers in your area that would let you try them? That would probably help you pick the one that is best for you. The other thing to consider which machine has all features that you will be using.

the Janome 8077

have you looked at allbrands.com?

I think the Janomes are more likely to be reliable.

Personally, I perfer the Janome...But when I first started out in the early 90's, I didn't cheap out...The lady who inspired me into quilting said that buying a cheaper machine in the beginning seemed a bit crazy...She pointed out that since I already enjoyed quilting, why would I buy a lower end machine. Ok I thought true in a way, then I started thinking, I really do like quilting and just like being a new quilter had lots to learn, why don't I just buy the higher end machine and learn right along...no different really...and if I discovered quilting wasn't for me, I could easily sell it. So that is what I did...glad I did that for sure, because I would have wanted to upgrade within a couple of years anyways and of course I did upgrade again but not until this past spring so had my machine for 15yrs....Unless it's a concern financially, I would go up one step and purchase like a Janome 6600p..most are sold with the table for a reasonable price if you shop around.

Janome.

Do you think the 8077 is superior to the DC1050? Just thought I would ask for your additional input. I am pretty convinced on the 8077. The price is definitely right for me.

Singer machines are not what they used to be. lots of plastic parts.

I have the 8077, and I love it!! I don't know anything about the DC1050 to be able to tell you how to compare them...have you sewn on them yet?

Janome without a doubt. The DC1050 has more stitches. Also I think the 8700 was made to sell at retailers like Hancock's, and online while the DC1050 is sold through dealers or was when it was released. If you search the Janome website, the DC1050 is listed but the 8077 is not. I would probably go with the DC1050. The main thing is that you need to sit down and try them out if possible!

Janome --- doesn't matter what model -- Janome.

Thank you so much! You have sold me on the DC1050! I will be out of town for a couple days. Will look into getting one when I get back.
Right now I have 3 vintage machines - featherweight, 1945 WHITE, and a 1914 Singer Red Eye. All wonderful and working well. However, as you know, there are things that just can't be done on them and I don't think I want to hand applique and a few other things. SOOO its the DC1050 for me.
Thanks again.

I didn't read all the responses, sorry if I repeat anything.

Ask yourself, what do you want to use this machine for?
If all you want is a zigzag and a straight stitch I wouldn't spend an arm and a leg.

I have felt let down with the way the new machines are being made. And have gone back to older machines that aren't all computerized and difficult.

I am using older Singers for straight stitching and have a Bernina (which is 9 yrs old and just was repaired for the 4th time) for the decorative stitching. And honestly I haven't had it out for 6 months.

If you are just a piecer, why not just get a good used Singer for under $100 and use that. And wait until you see a really good buy on one with all the bells and whistles.
Wish you were close, I probably could find a good buy on a used one on Craigslist.

I just went machine shopping and found the Brother E400 is the same machine as a Janome. Identical but the Janome cost $229 more. Found out they are both made by Janome so check around and make a list of the features on machines you see with the prices. I bought the Brother and will spend the rest of fabric.

Carol J.