Which machine should I get? Can't decide
 

I have an old Janome which has served me well, but I would like to upgrade, mostly because I want the machine to be able to set to slow or fast. A new basic one with this feature would cost me $500.00. But I am drooling over another model which has all kinds of fancy stiches and the ability to sew letters! I love it, but it is $700.00. Should I spend the extra money, or will I get it and never use it to it's full advantage? Maybe I should stick with the basic model, or then again, would I wished that I went the extra way. Help??

Get the best that you can afford. The lettering would come in handy in doing quilt labels.

I agree. I definitely believe in 'I'd rather have a door and wish it was a window instead of having a window and wishing it was a door'. If you can afford the higher priced machine - go for it. Even if you never use some of the features. I knew I was buying more than I needed/wanted with my last machine but it had features I knew I DID want. Haven't regretted it yet and even used a few of those other features on occasion.

Thanks! You have given me the push that I needed!

My Mom told me to buy the most machine I could afford. And I have always thought that was good advice.

I have just purchased a light weight machine to take to class and I'm very impressed. Only thing will not do is adjust a needle position . Husqvarna viking HjCLASS 100q. Have you looked at the pfaff machines some here have a larger throat and over in UK prices an be very reasonable. Used one at a class and was very impressed.
Unless you are sending quilt out to Laq you need as much room there as possible.
spend as much as possible and a bit more this machine will be with you a long time. Go to dealers and try the machines before buying we all have our own likes and dislikes for different reasons .

I have the janome 4120. I use this to take to classes. It is amazing and has all the bells and whistles and with in your higher price that you mentioned. It has the aphla as well. I have the janome 11000 to use at home and it is to heavy to take to classes but the 4120 is perfect.

If you are really into quilting I would advise getting a machine with the widest machine bed ( the space between the needle and start of the machine housing) that your money can buy. You can usually buy accessories later but nothing is going to enlarge that space.

It is only $200.00 more...over time, that really isn't that much more of an investment. As long as you can afford it, you will be glad to have spent that extra. I have had my machine over 20 years now. If you think of how long you will have your machine, if you have it for 20 years, it is less than another $10.00 per year. (I am really good at rationalization).