Thank you all for the information - this is a lot to digest! I did hear from a friend who has a Viking Diamond that people who have the newer Janome's are not happy.

She also suggested looking at a Baby Lock - any opinions on them?

thanks again!

Janome would be my choice, however your diealer is important, for help and reliability. Try several brands out to see what you wuld like best.

I think the Aurora 440 comes with BSR or is an option and is around 3k - a bit more than I wanted to spend but certainly not out of the question.... thanks!

Lovin my new Janome 7700!!

I have a Mega Quilter on a frame and am not too crazy about it. Wouldn't mind selling it.

I'm very pleased with my Babylock Quest Plus, and the Pfaff Smarter C1100 Pro, Janome 6600, and Elna 7300 Quilting Queen are all similar for $1000-1500. Also consider the Brother Laura Ashley NX-2000 if you can do without the built-in dual feed. It comes with many accessories. The Horizon has a lot of fans on this board, too. Read reviews on patternreview.com and post about the machines her on QB. Test drive them with you own samples!!!! Only buy from a dealer who you feel confident would resolve any problems you might have.

can I ask why? I was looking into this machine just for that. I own Pfaffs/Viking

This is just my opinion: I own 7570 (1999) & 2027 (2005) Pfaff, ones that were made in Germany. Nothing against China, I myself am Korean. But I feel there is a big difference in the workmanship now. I love both my machines, not a single problem with my 7570, I've only taken it in once for cleaning. I was lucky to find the 2027 brand new still sealed just this past weekend which I'll use for classes and traveling. Piecing is a breeze with the Pfaff's IDT foot (comparible to a walking foot, but not so bulky), it can sew multiple layers and any thicknesses without hesitation. I also have a Viking Mega Quilter, I bought the Viking 18x8 and everyone raved about how they had upgraded from the Viking MQ and kept it for piecing. I like that it has a longer arm than my 7570 but I'm not impressed with the piecing, so I only use it for my bindings. Then I have a Bernina 180 (2000), I bought that just for my embroidery machine, which has done a great job and have yet to take it in. I haven't given it far shot for sewing/piecing because it's set up just for embroidery. I did have to use it while my 7570 was in for cleaning and I wasn't disappointed. Good luck with your machine hunt!

I have a 16 year old Viking. Would't take a farm in
Texas for it. It is a computer machine. Never had
a problem with it. I use it on nearly a daily basis.
Yes I love sewing. One of its best features is the
ability to move the needle left and right. You are
able to get that scant quarter inch seam with accuracy.
I have friends who have come over for lessons. They
just love it to. Brenda from Wadesville In

I have a 16 year old Viking. Would't take a farm in
Texas for it. It is a computer machine. Never had
a problem with it. I use it on nearly a daily basis.
Yes I love sewing. One of its best features is the
ability to move the needle left and right. You are
able to get that scant quarter inch seam with accuracy.
I have friends who have come over for lessons. They
just love it to. Brenda from Wadesville In

I love my Pfaff's.

However, if I were buying again, I would list my wants and needs then compare it to the machines and see which 'fit' my list best for the price ... and which I bonded with the most.

Personally, the bonding is more important to me.

ali