I had that Singer and had nothing but problems. It felt cheap and plasticky. The motor wasn't strong enough to do multiple seams without bogging down. I went through three walking feet in just a couple of weeks and when I called Singer, their response was basically well, you'll just have to get another. The tension was never correct on any stitch and I tried them all and spent way too much time adjusting settings. There was no way to get a simple accurate 1/4" seam without juggling feet and marking the machine bed. I tried every thread from very inexpensive (0.50 a spool at Joann's check out counter) to the pricier Prensencia, Aurifil and Superior. I had had a very old Singer and it was wonderful; I couldn't understand the differences. Maybe I got a lemon.....but I ended up trading it in for a Bernina and have never looked back and regretted the decision.

The newer Singers are not nearly as good quality as the old ones.

I love my Quantum 9960! It has a great selection of decorative stitches, which I like to use especially in narrow borders. Mine is going in for servicing and I can't wait till I have it back! (yes, I have a backup to use in the interim!)

I stand by my Brother machines. I know at least one member here disagrees with me (I think she got a lemon machine which can happen in any manufacturing) but they are truly workhorse machines. One of mine has been across the United States under a greyhound bus, that had to be transferred four times! It was well packed among towels and linens, but it works just as good as the day I bought it. It was not the cheapest machine Walmart sold, but was $150 total. My other Brother machine is a high end quilting machine. It works great after twelve years, so I just keep using them. Good luck on your search.

I'm a big Janome fan, great machines....if you have a quilt shop that deals with Janome go try one out...I have the 8200 and the 9900...both awesome machines.....I don't think you will be disappointed...good luck....

Mostly I sew on vintage machines. Have purchased two new machines, sold the Singer, the new Janome sits in its case in the spare room. I regularly sew on a 301A, a 50's New Home, but mostly on a 70's Viking.