I am going to purchase a midarm soon. I recently tested a Homesteader, but I had thought maybe a Voyager. Does anyone has any recommendations of features that are must haves? I know I want a stitch regulator and large bobbins. I would appreciate any thoughts

Have you checked out the machines at www.pennywinkleranch.com? I tried one out at Knoxville this past summer and really liked it. Of course, they are made here in Tennessee! It is also available with a stitch regulator and is reasonably priced I thought!

Should be http://pennywinklevalleyranch.com/

You might want to look at Noltings web site , the Fun Quilter is a great machine, very simple to use and trouble free!!!
I had one for 4 yrs before upgrading and loved it!

Yes to the FQ, I have one. Dan at Nolting in Hiawatha Iowa is very good getting you the info you want. He also carries some used machines. The used FQs go fast, often you have to put your name in for one.

I have my 11" Janome Horizon on my original Inspira frame.

One other thing you may want are - needle up/down. I have ahome stretched machine and would really like that. When you have so much arm length it would be great not to have to try and reach all the way to the wheel in the back. I agree that a stitch regulator is a must also. I don't have either of those features and would really like them. But - I do have a mid arm and that's a plus.

If you want a large bobbin, scratch the Voyager off your list. Definitely check out Noltings, though. Also the ABM Innova.

I played with the 22 inch Homesteader this week and was quite impressed. It is made in NC and very affordable.

http://www.thequiltingsolution.com/homesteader.html

Cheers, K