It will be awhile--so it gives me lots of research time. I don't like new stuff--cars, computers, coffee makers... :roll: so it will be tricky to ever have to adjust to a new machine.

BUT--I'd like to be able to quilt easier--and bigger projects.

There are so many options. I can't imagine needing many stitch choices--10 is fine. :-) And I don't care if it's computerized either. I just want a bigger throat area (did I say that right?) to quilt with ease.

Price--as low as possible. Maybe $500-$1000?

And you say....?????

When I was looking, there were some nice Janomes for quilting in that price range. There are also package deals available with extra accessories.

I have a Bernina Artista 240 that everyone insisted was the best. But I tell you, I'd do more research the next time. Changing the bobbin is a major task for me. I'm practically standing on my head & then it still falls out sometimes with my first stitch. Next time my first requirement will be a drop in bobbin. Second would be a wide throat. I'd check out what Eleanor Burns uses. I watch her on PBS on Sat. mornings & I think she has what I want.

I have found in my research that the machines with the larger throat area are in the high end range.... I also have a machine that is drop in bobbin and won't ever go back to one that loads under the machine. That one feature is what changed my mind about buying the Pfaff I was looking at.

Hi, I have a Pfaff 2056, so little more expensive. I've done lots of Holiday quilts and wall hangings for my kids (and a few stay with me). I couldn't hand applique or do a blanket stitch on them. My 2056 has a stitch which immitates that. I know other machines do that and are less expensive, also free moition is a plus in my book. marie

I can no longer recommend a Brother.

I'm compiling this info for future reference--keep it coming. :D

Hi, I'm new to the forum and a newish quilter as well, I have the pfaff 2056 and find it an excellent all around machine. I do think the IDT makes a big difference. My experience with pfaff as been a dream but alot of people I spoke to recommended viking as well. the viking has the drop in bobbin and i think the newer ones sport a bigger throat but cost more. I think it comes down to personal taste try them out in store until you are sure- good luck

alix--what's IDT?

It stands for integrated dual feed, it has the similar effect as a walking foot except you have that action of the top and bottom feeding the fabric evenly as part of the machine itself as opposed to having it only when you have the walking foot on. for me as a reasonably new sewer it means alot less to think about and smoother even stiches with multiple layers. You don't need a walking foot for quilting and Iused the - i think its narrow edge foot - makes stich in the ditch heaps easier. I think other brands say they have something similar but so far as i know pfaff has it as one of their main features

I have a H. Viking that I paid $1100 for and they are getting cheaper now. I bought it a Joanns and it has a 10 in throat and all the bells and whistles you need except the auto thread cutter. It really made a difference when pushing all that quilt thru. I really like that you can fill the bobbin when the needle is still threaded. It is computerized and that takes some getting used to if you have never used one.

Read all these posts, and most of you have different machines. I have an older Bernina that is a workhorse believe me. I forget to oil it, I forget to clean it or even take it in, it doesn't care it just keeps on working. I have had this one since 1981, and have sewn things like canvas boat tops, tents you name it. I know you don't have to have a machine that will do all that to quilt, but that is only an example of my machine. It just keeps on working.. Ok now that I have bragged about my machine...

Here is what I would do if I had a set budget and was looking for a machine. Go to some of the dealers you would like to try, and ask about used machines. Try out some of them in the shop. I am sure if they think they have a sale, they will help you in any way. If not you don't want that machine anyway. You want someone that is a responsible dealer and stands by thier machine, new or used. Ok this is long, and probably stupid, but its a start.

Rita

I'm with the foxx on this one. I borrowed a Bernina 1530 with all the bells and whistles for my 3 day quilt project I did over New Years. Loverly machine that kept losing stitch lengths, wouldn't reverse thread half the time, sometimes when it did reverse, it wouldn't stop sewing backwards, sometimes it would then change the stitch length arbitrarily to something approaching basting length... I am never going to get rid of my 830 for a computerized model. I think you should go find a good old workhorse with a dozen (or 22) stitches and keep it oiled and tuned up. Buy local if you can. They want to keep your business.

tim in san jose

I have a new Janome 6600 that I think will serve me for at least the next ten years. It is wonderful, has a built in walking foot, and sews wonderfully. I was using those horrible machines sold at WalMart before then and the difference is amazing.

That said, my favorite machine is a 1957 Brother, which looks like a Featherweight. I would NOT recommend a new model but their old ones are phenominal. It only sews a straight line but it does so without any dropped stitches, any change in the length, the tension always seems perfect. It is the perfect piecing machine. If you can find an old Featherweight or something similar, I definitely recommend getting it.

I have to agree about finding a dealer that offers support. The place I bought my sewing machine from has a policy where, as long as I own the machine, I can bring it in any time and they will show me how everything works. I think that is great because I don't use all the features and if I need a quick refresher course I know the dealer is always willing to help me out with a class or two - free of cost. They do this with all the equipment they sell, including the Gracey quilt frame. I've dealt with dealers who won't stand by their product so I really appreciate finding a place like this and being able to buy from them.
~Tiffany