I think Clay has some good points and I respect a man who takes interest in his wife and her hobbies. However, sewing machines have a certain feel--like driving a race car vs a semi, I had a Swiss-made machine for almost 40 years, and cheap machines feel um...cheap. Some of the members have talked about doing research. I think that's what you are doing! I have found my Juki TL2200Q to be just right for me, but I own a computerized embroidery machine and a good backup machine as well. Today, many people use computerized machines--others use machines like my Juki. There are as many preferences as there are quilters. Your wife is a lucky woman to have such an engaged and caring husband. In this case. perhaps the feel of the machine is worth more than the surprise! Include her and work together to make a decision she can live with for years to come.

I have a Brother 1500s and love it both for piecing and quilting (similar to the Juki 2010). It's a lovely entry level machine (around $600.00 I think) and the harp is large enough to do a fairly large sized quilt. I also have a Janome 8900 and it does everything but wash the dishes. But at $2500.00 it was quite an investment. If you are looking for a simple machine that your wife can use to actually quilt a top as well as piecing, you really can't go wrong with either the Juki or Brother mentioned above.

:D That made me almost spit out my diet coke! My husband has bought me sewing machines but only the ones I wanted so he did all right. I'd hate to think what he'd come up with if he didn't have any guidance. :eek: He thought I was going to hate a couple of the cars I bought. One of them is a vintage 66 Mustang which is still in the garage after 20 years and has been fully restored! And he thought I was going to hate it! LOL. The other I've been driving for 5 years now and have no inclination to trade in. I'm not letting him pick a sewing machine.

Great advice!