http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-123773-1.htm

This isn't fancy frame quilting, but it does show that you can do a jumbo queen on a Brother 1500S even if you are a beginner. The space is really wonderful.

I know Riversong has the 1500S also. She does beautiful things.

I wanted the Brother but the shop showed me the Baby Lock Jane and said it was the same machine.
I bought it with the Imperial table.
It is in layaway now but I am surprized by how many straight stitch machines are out there that I did not know about.
I also got a stitch regulator. They are not on sale and run $499.

Could anyone who has these machines answer a question for me? (I haven't been able to figure this out by poking around online...) Does either the Janome, the Juki or the Brother have a "Start/Stop" button on the machine?

I've "trained" myself to free-motion quilt using the Start/Stop button because I can't seem to get the hands/feet moving harmoniously together. I'm starting to wonder about buying one of these workhorse machines but that's a criteria I need to check into.

I have both the Brother and the Janome. The two machines are very, very similar.

Brother - no variable speed control except for what the foot pedal provides. Has needle up/down, automatic thread cutter, a needle threader.

Janome - variable speed control button, needle up/down. Doesn't have automatic thread cutter or needle threader. This particular model takes round needles. (Janome 1600P DB)

My Brother is my "daily driver" and the Janome is on the frame.

Just bumping this to see if anyone can answer my question about the Start/Stop button. Thanks!

The janome i test drove did have a thread cutter. 2 different models are available?

If you need a manual speed control (start/stop) there is a $50 attachment available from the grace company... This plugs in instead of the foot pedal.

Where did you find the Brother on sale. What is that square hoop.Does it help with FMQ.

The square purple thing is a tool to help you move the quilt as you are quilting. I can't remember the name of it....someone else here will, though. Sharon Schamber also sells one called the Quilt Halo that does the same thing. It kind of "sticks" to the fabric so you don't have to struggle to keep hold of the quilt.

There is no start/stop button on the Brother1500S.

Have you looked online to see if you can get a better price? I got mine online for $599 free shipping, no tax.[/quote]

Could you tell me where you bought the Brother for only $599. I just priced it here in B.C. for $1699.99. Hey it's under $1700.00.