Last September I bought a Brother PC420PRW(Project Runway).

I love it because:
1. Easy peasy machine threading
2. Easy peasy automatic needle threader that works EVERY time.
3. Easy peasy bobbin winding
4. Easy peasy bobbin placement with a see through window to keep a watch on how much is left in the bobbin.
5. Needle up/down feature
6. Automatic thread cutter with the puch of a button.
7. Knee lifter (OH IS THIS EVER HANDY)
8. The machine is so quiet and just purrs
9. Many, many built in decorative stitches and (small) monograms that (now that I have them) actually use.
10. VERY easy to follow instruction manual.
11. Came with a walking foot at no extra charge and all the other feet needed, including a quarter inch and a free motion foot.
12. Built in handle and not too heavy if you want to take it with you to class.
13. Heavy enough to have "grit".
14. Can disconnect the foot pedal and use on/off sewing with the push of a button. (this is really good for FMQ because...........
15. Speed control that goes really really slow or way fast.
16. Came with a top cover that the handle fits through.

Things I don't like:
1. The light is not good at all. It does NOT light up the needle area well at all. I now have a telescoping "office" lamp and it's sort of a pain, but I'm used to it now.

I paid $479 on Amazon.com

Highly recommend this machine.

It is great that all of the Bernina owners love and are so devoted to their "one and only". But I had to laugh LOL when I watched the video of the big tada intro of the big 830 here in the U.S. when they rolled the drums literally that they have now a built in walking foot??? I mean it was a BIG honkin' deal, and I thought WHAT? Pfaff has had one since the 1970s, when the Pfaff 1222 models came out with IDT. I noticed there were other features they were tada-ing about that were already on the Pfaff Creative Vision 5.5 and BTW IDT comes on all the Pfaffs; Bernina just on top of the line so I've heard.

Also I heard from two different dealers that the Bernina's are not as user friendly as the Pfaff and the Brother. One of the sales ladies works in a store that sells only Brother and Bernina and she bought herself the Brother Quattro. But again, hats off to the Bernina fans that love and can use their machines just fine.

But I have to say that if you find your "true love" machine than go for it, no matter what the make. As quilters and sewers our machine is our vehicle, whether a Cadillac or VW, and we go for what gets the job done at the price we can pay.

Purchasing a new machine needs to be a serious search. Quality of all the brands has gone down greatly in newer machines as the manufacturing and parts are not of the standard they used to be. When you look at a new machine, by all means take a look at the inside- they don't want you to look at it then don't buy from them. Also find out who can service it, what will it cost and what are they most commonly in the shop for. Many of your good old fashioned repair shops are being squeezed out by manufactures not willing to deal with them unless they sign up and deal their product. Find out who are your service options in your area and what the quality of their work is. We took a Pfaff we had bought for our daughter to the only Pfaff shop left in our town and the same one that had serviced mine 6 years ago. Turned out they had changed hands and the standards as well as quality were aweful. After the fact, and a long drawn out battle we found sewer after sewer who had simular stories and not one of them had felt they had the right to do anything about the shop. We have made it a point to inform anyone we meet who sews to let them know not to take their machine there as well as refer business to other shops with people we personally do business with and trust. We refurbish vintage machines and deal with shops for parts and or referals at times and we know who to trust. Also check the warranty on the machines- what exactly they cover, who can service, if it has to be sent to the manufacturer who pays for that, how long will it take and what gaurentees do you have of new parts as well as work being done that actually needs to be. One true mark of a good service person is one who will tell you up front if they can't fix it they don't charge other then a small inspection fee and they may refer you to someone else if they think that will help. You have to look beyond the bells and whistles. I personally have a Pfaff 1475 and am so blessed with it but if I abuse it, it will be in the hundreds and the closest person to work on a computerized Pfaff is 100 miles away I baby it more then ever and do my heavier work on a Pfaff 130 or Necchi BU or a Green machine Husqvarna/Viking.
Unlike most people I have a huge inventory to play with so having a machine down is not much of a problem especially since we service our inventory but for someone else having a machine down is a major issue so think before you buy on how often it'll be out for service and how much it'll cost.

My newer Singer just jammed up during my afternoon quilting session and has to go back to my repairman. Thank goodness for my little 1950's FW 221!! She never fails me!

My Viking 500 (circa 1994) is sick right now and I'll get it fixed again. I love the machine. I did buy a Brother Quilter Machine to take its place from Walmart for $200. It does everything the Viking did, has the flat face up bobbin, auto thread, needle down, speed control, sews when I step on the pedal and is so nice. I'm in love! I've had brother's before (have a 1200 short arm for quilting and had another small machine that I sold.) Guess I like the Brother because it didn't cost so much and it is a great machine. Has 71 stitches plus letters - can't beat that with a regular machine! Oh, it came with the walking foot and the quilting foot as well as other feet. Has the neatest 1/4" quilting foot. It is designed for quilting, so I think I did really well. Comes with a 25 year limited warranty. My Viking didn't because I technically bought a second hand machine - it was used for a week and returned to an upgrade model. I think I'll be sewing a bunch again!

My work horse is my 25 year old basic simplicity.
Recently bought a Bernina 180 and love it... but haven't used it enough to really critique.
Have an old singer treadle and a featherweight I just bought... but really don't know enough to comment.
Good luck!!!

One thing I would consider before making an investment in a new machine is the location of the dealer, the expertise of the staff, and the availability of service and repair. My dealer is close by, and it is nice to be able drop the machine off when I need to get it checked. They have a certified technician on site. The dealer also offered hands-on classes to help get the most from my machine. There are a lot of good sewing machines out there. Have fun finding your favorite! Take lots of test drives.

BTW: I have a Bernina 1530 that I have had for over 16 years. I still love the machine and have not been tempted to trade it in on a newer model. (The prices have gone up a bit since I bought mine.)

I also have 2 Brother machines-
I have the basic, not computerized, 10 years old, never in the shop, works as well as when new. ($150.00)

I just last year bought my Brother NZ-650 quilting machine. What is does- 429 stitches, 10 spot stitch saver memory, 3 Alphabets, Wide table. sideways feed, 10 buttonholes, custom stitch function, automatic tension, up to a 5mm stitch, Knee lift, thread cutters(2), push button needle treading, walking foot, quilting foot, FMQ foot, and 5 other feet (I haven't used them yet) and speed control.
What I don't like- blue and white instead of Pink :mrgreen: And it's not built in (yet).
Cost- $1,000
Would I buy it again? YES
Would I recommend it? YES
:thumbup:

I currently have a babylock Ellisimo which does sew, quilt and embroider. Unfortunately for me, I am about to sell it due to financial straits. Paid $7500.

2. I love everything about this machine and it breaks my heart to let it go. It has auto tension that is amazing when doing FMQ. It has 10 inch throat space. Embroidery features are beyond description.

3. There is nothing I don't like.

(If anyone knows of someone interested, PM me. Asking $6300.)

I have Brother Quatro 6000, which is like the Babylock Elisamo - twins I think... If you can afford it, it is a wonderful machine. Like the above machine it quilts, embroiders, sews, has a catalogue of great features. When I bought mine in Nov. the sales person said the learning curve was easier than the Janome, which they also sold. I also paid abt 7000 for it.

Hi Vintage Bicycle, I work in a Sewing Machine Sales/Quilt Shop. The Quilters ALL love the Pfaff Expression 4.0. Too many features to list them all. They sell in our store for $2,200 Canadian. Some of the features are, Automatic Pressure Foot lift, 2 free motion modes, Large throat space 10 - 12 ", Dual lights, thread snips, Tie-off, Electronic thread tension, 9 mm stitches, tons of fancy stitches. The Janome machines are popular with the ladies that do fashion, home decor, upholstery, denim etc. The Pfaff Expressions 2.0 and 3.0 are being discontinued, and replaced with a machine that has a smaller throat space, not too sure how well those models are going to sell with the quilters. Check out your local supplier and find out about warranty and have some demos done on different machines. The shop that I work in warranties the new machines that it sells for " 3 Years" That is hard to beat, but I tell you, quilters are very happy. Our city has no dealer for brother or Husquarvarna, (spelling ???) and the local seller, Walmart, leaves the buyer on his own to get any kind of service after 90 days. Buyers are left with huge shipping bills, to get their machines repaired and are also left to pay shipping to have the machine returned to them. Make sure your local repair/ warranty shop takes care of all makes and models. I notice that many of the machines are in the shop lots, they have thrown out of timing in their machines. If your machine is not under warranty, it is a $75 dollar touch. Don't know if the newer models with lots of plastic parts are easier to throw the timing out or if the old machines were just built to last. All I know is that I have a 35 year old Kenmore that has never had the timing thrown out !!!!!! and has only been in the shop once in 35 years. It is just a workhorse, and quilts beautifully. Hope this has been helpful. Auntie B in Saskatchewan.

What are you wanting to do with your machine?

I am upgrading to a big girl sewing machine because I want to sew all stuff not just quilts. I am getting a Juki tailoring machine for 1400. - it will sew!

For playing I love my Bernina's
One I use for needle felting more then anything else - it was the cheapest and I have the least problems with it.

I like my anniversary 9mm more or less for free motion embroidery.
My other one is in the shop for an annual - I like it 2nd best - I think it is a 160.

I have a Bernina because of the local service, the quality of the stitches was better then Viking, this may no longer be true. I sewed with both machines on the same piece of fabric.

I have used many different machines over the years, I now have 3 baby locks, One I use for Class is the Decorators choice, then I have the Quilter choice, love that one also, but my very favorite is my Ellisimo, It is a great machine and does great embroidery. My suggestion is to go to different dealers and try out various machines and make your own mind up. As I said have used a lot of other machines White, Singer (which I would never buy again), Elna, Brothers. For EZ to use, I like the Babylock's, but try them out yourself. What I like the feel of and what you like might be two different things. They are like car's
to many to choice from.

I have a New Home that I've had for 10 years, paid about $350. I love the stich and it purrs. I also have a new (1 yr) Baby Lock Quilter's Dream, paid $1200 for it, haven't had it long enough to say its my favorite, but I do love the on-off button that I use to save my foot pain. It has lots of stitches, alphabet, ets. After I got it out of layaway, I had health issues and didn't play on it very much, back in the saddle (or my sewing chair) so I try to play at least once a day. The only feature that I'm not too crazy about is the bobbin is not a drop in. My new home has a drop in with a clear plastic case that enables me to monitor my bobbin thread. Good luck, happy shopping.

So much good information sewing machines. It has been a great help to me

I have two Berninas. I paid full price for the 153 11 years ago, and love it. Best machine I have ever owned, but the one that gets the most use is the 220 that lives in the quilt shop. It is used by any and everyone who needs to show something quick, bindings, backings, etc. I bought it for less than half price from the dealer. Many are turned to by those who want to upgrade. They have barely been used when the purchaser feels it is enough. The dealer sells them, and they are viturally brand new.
They do everything. The quarter inch foot is great. It makes my stitching perfect. I used to have them serviced often but it is really not necessary.
Look at this option.

I have a Bernina Artista 730. Paid about $7000 for it. When I bought it, I was debating between it and a Pfaff. I thought they were abt. the same in quality, etc. I decided on the Bernina because the shop that sold it is local. The Pfaff was a distance away. I figured for taking the classes, maintenence, that would be better. The Pfaff I had had for years and was very happy with it. I am very happy with the Bernina, but I wish I had gone with the Pfaff for one reason. The Pfaff had the built-in walking foot. It was very easy to use and could be used on most stitches. The Bernina has the walking foot, which you have to put on and cannont be used with as many stitches. It is inconvenient. I didn't think it would make that much difference, but it does. I miss the Pfaff's walking foot, and if I could do it over, I would go with the Pfaff. Good luck!

I'm a Janome lover!

THIS is my "dream" for quilting. I have a sew/embroidery Janome 9700 which I do love but I would like a longer throat for "quilting". The Janome 6600 would work for me too. The Horizon is a wonderful machine, you lucky girl!
sandy

That is a bargin. I wanted the Elisimo but could not afford it so purchased the Elegante. I love it they have the same features, just a few less built in designs. I upgraded from the Ellure, loved it 7 yrs of sewing. It all depends on what type of sewing you plan. Do you embroidery, quilt, garment sew, or all of them. I investigated for months before staying with the Baby Lock. I do all kinds of sewing an it really meets my needs. It has built in quilting designs. You never have to use the foot pedal, push button. It has sensor for fabric thickness. Pressor foot up needle down for continuos sewing around corners. You can set it to cut thread, and raises pressor ft when machine stops. It does embroridery stitches without connecting embroidery unit due to sewing in all directions depending on design you choose. Lots of room for free hand quilting. There are too many features to write about. Check it out on the internet. Baby Lock site has demo interact online. Prices 4999 up to 9999 for Elisimo. Well worth the price. If this is going to be your last machine, dont cheat yourself buy the best.

I love my Pfaff. Creative Vision. It was my Christmas present from my DH this year. What a great guy!!
It has lots of features that hopefully, I'll learn to use here shortly. It is pricey, but it will be the last machine for me. If you lived near me, I would suggest the Wilson's Quilt Shop in Hagerstown, MD for dealer help. They've been wonderful to deal with and have a great group of ladies for support help after your purchase. Also, their classes have been really good.
Good luck.

Thank you...it's my first machine in about 25 years, and probably will be my last, so I didn't feel too guilty...lol.

My recommendation is to purchase the best machine you can. Make a list of what's important to you, you know, which bells and whistles you need/want, share your list with the dealers, and sew, sew, sew until you find the perfect fit for you. Be careful not to let a dealer talk you into a machine that has way more functions than you will ever use; I believe thats when one over spends.

While it may seem expensive right now, it (a machine with a perfect fit for you)will last a long time. Also, take all the classes that are offered as part of the purchase. You'll be suprised at how much fun your machine will be to use when you know exactly how to use it. Seriously consider a used machine, too. There are some great 'older' models out there that have been traded in for a machine with more bells and whistles and I bet you can find the perfect one with your name on it.

I purchased my Bernina 830 (the very first issue) in 1973. In the 28 years I have had this machine, it has NEVER broken down. I have taken it in for cleaning, etc. about 6 times, and I replaced the cord for the first time just a few months ago. It is a full metal machine, and very heavy, but sews like a dream. Doing maintenance is quick and easy, so I can keep up with it. Hauling it to class is not a problem, it just takes a little extra muscle to lift it in and out of the car and on and off the table. The reason I said to buy the best machine you can: my machine is still exactly the machine I want, still fits my needs, and works like a champ doing exactly what I ask it to do so I don't even think about trading it in. I paid less then $500 for my machine, and if I wanted to (which I don't) I can sell it for almost three times the purchase price. Cool, huh?

There are many features that I love about my machine, but one especially worth mentioning: when you start sewing on the edge of the fabric, my machine doesn't shove the material down into the feed dogs even if I don't use a 'leader.'

The only downfall (for you, not me) is that the throat is 7 1/2". I don't long-arm so it is a non-issue for me.

You are going to use this machine a lot, so take your time and do your research, and lots of test sewing. Stay true to your expectations, and the perfect machine will find you.

Good luck!

Chris

I have 2 Janomes-- 1 of which is for workshops as it is light and easy to carry. I payed $300 for it on special.
The other is the 6600p embroidery machine. It has lots of different patterns but if I need it for a workshop it is a bit heavy to carry all the time. I payed $1800 new
The third machine is a Brother 1500D embroidery machine which is one machine that will be staying where it is as it weighs a ton , also the top is also heavy. I payed $1500 second hand from a friend. I am having fun with the patterns that she gave me plus ones I downloaded from the internet.
Other than these minor glitches I have had no other problems.

I have an old electric Singer, and three Brother machines, one NX200, one NX400, and one QC1000. I love all of them. The Brothers come with lots of "feet" and other extras, plus extension tables that fit on the side. The QC is my favourite, the lighting is really good, it has a touch screen (including drop the feed dogs), several needle positions, and in-built scissors. It has a knee lift which I don't use, because it can be set to cut the threads and raise the pressure foot with a push of a button. I also like being able to slow down or speed up the stitching by sliding a switch.
Good luck with your hunting, I hope you get a machine you love.

I have the Bernina Artista 630.....I think it was around ... uh....darn, I dont even remember......but I really do like it........I was also looking at Baby Lock, but found out that Bernina has all metal parts, Baby Lock has plastic stuff.....also, with Baby Lock, it something breaks, they have to replace a whole section, with Bernina, they just replace the little thing that breaks...the walking foot is aboaut $150.oo.....its not hard to put on and off, and I have sewed some plain lines with it,at times too.........works great when quilting the sandwich.....I have a very good local dealer..I think that makes a big difference too...having a local shop for whatever you might need.

i have had my Bernina for 30 yrs and use it constantly. it is very user-friendly. it took me a while to get used to a Janome,(when i was away from home last yr and only had that brand to use), and it wasn't nearly as user friendly!! some brands thread easier, come apart easier to clean or change parts, don't loose their stitch. Bernina is motor driven, not belt driven, like some are....which means when the weather changes, you could have to adjust your machine's tension again on a belt driven machine.

Well you got 10 pages as of now. When you ask a question on this board you will get honest answers and you will know what you want and the right price to pay for it.

This group is great for helping you decide all things important to you. I love it. I asked about rotary cutter vs scissors and got lots of good reasons for each.

I was interested in all the answers too. Thanks for asking.

Carol from NC

I can't tell you all how VERY helpful all this information has been - I'm still hunting :)

I will be SURE to post to this thread again when I bring my new baby home!!!

I have the Husqavarna Model Emerald 118. My boys bought it for me last xmas. So mine was FREE what a great gift. I love it . It has all medal gears. So many machines have plastic. the price of mine was 500.00 on sale.

Look at their machines & see what you think.

Okay, All - I'm going to need a little more help with a specific machine that I found an amazing deal on - I'm going to start a new thread :D

Thank you!!!!

Here's the link to the new thread I posted: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-119181-1.htm

For me the MUST DO for buying a sewing machine is to see if the dealer can give you lessons AND can repair your machine. NO machine is any good if you cannot get the full benefit from it OR if it is in the shop "somewhere" and you are without one for a week or more.

1.) What machine you have
Janome 6600

2.) What you love about it
Love the accufeed, needle up/down, needle threader, big throat, reference guide to what number to punch in to do what stitch is right on the machine, removable extension table, easy threading, what foot/tension/foot pressure is right on the screen for you

3.) What you don't love about it
Not a big fan of the thread cutter because the ends get pulled back into the bobbin area

4.) How much you paid for it (I know this may be a rude question, but I just really need to know what a "good deal"is on these machines... I walk into a dealer and feel like I'm a sitting duck!!!)
DH got it for me for Christmas 2010. Paid about $1200 and it came with the extension table, a dozen feet and free classes whenever I want.