That's why I had to minimize the quest. I don't know what I'm looking for and wanted a roundup of favorites.
So I learned Bernina is expensive to accessorize and maintain but is loved, Vikings are workhorses and are awesome, Janomes are the most used here, Brother is on Project Runway which is a good point!

I love my new Pfaff 4.0 quilt expression. I have sewn for over 25 years on a Pfaff and didn't want to give up Pfaff's IDT--love that feature and the accuracy of the Pfaff's stitching tension. Love the new more roomy throat area---10". Good luck deciding!

I have two of these, one I bought for my vaca house which we since sold and the regular one I always use. I'll keep my spare but trade my daily because

1. The threader hook keeps breaking so I gave up and now thread by hand but that doesn't mean that will happen to you :)

2. I saw on a quicky looky-loo that other machines keep their accessory draws elsewhere, sew quieter, different ergonomics, and other superficial reasons.

3. Like getting a new car. Just for a change of pace.

I never used the idt. I dont know how or what it's for. I know I should go into my dealer but it's been 10 years so now I feel too dumb to go to them :)

I never used the idt. I dont know how or what it's for. I know I should go into my dealer but it's been 10 years so now I feel too dumb to go to them :)

I also have a Viking 875Q and love,love,love it. It has all the bells and whistles, and is a fabulous machine

The biggest challenge in looking for a new machine is trying to quite the "noise". I was so confused when I was looking or a new machine earlier this year and the confusion only increased when going into a sewing machine store.

I finally made a list of the features that were important to me, then downloaded the online brochures and features lists which helped me to match what I wanted. I was able to weed out models that wouldn't meet my needs.

When I whittled it down to 3 or 4 models/brands, I went in and sewed on them. At that point, I could decide if I liked the feel of the machine.

For example, I was so ready to just walk in and buy a Viking since I already had one and was feeling a bit of brand loyalty. Until I sewed on it. I didn't like the way it felt to me.

I ended up with a Janome Horizon 7700. The only thing I hate about it is the manual. :)

OMGosh you should try out your IDT for piecing and for quilting, so much more accuracy and no gathering! Just push it down into place and it's the best perk when you have a Pfaff. I've had four and loved them all - traded up to the quilt expression 4.0 last year and it's the very best (sold my 2048 to a friend). IDT, 10" harp, 2 lights, cutter, needle up/down, bigger bobbins, etc. I could go on and on about the stitches. Love it, but you have to take a class!

I upgraded my Pfaff 7570 to the new Babylock Serenade. I love it. Very comparable machine, IMO.

Pfaff's IDT is automatic {integrated dual feed= feeds the top and bottom fabrics together at the same time so you don't have any slippage, particularly with the bottom fabric}--you used it everytime you sewed with your Pfaff Machine!!