I have a 1222e Pfaff and purchased it in 1979 I have sewn on it not only quilting but costumes, family clothes, mending, alterations, took in custom work etc. Put at least 40 hours a week on that machine sometimes more. It has died last year. But 33 years of reliable dependable service and I mean I have worked that machine and the motor never gave out.

What caused it to die?

I have a Bernina 440QE and there is a lever towards the left side of the front of the machine that adjust the speed. Hope your does too as that would help.

Interesting. I've tried and tried to get that to control my maximum speed. I spoke with my dealer, when I actually took it in, because I was sure there was something wrong with it not with me - of course LOL. She said that in both BSR modes that slide has nothing to do with your speed. It is all in the speed of the movement of your hands. Yet other 440QE owners have told me the same thing about the speed control, that I should control it with the slide.

I have a Janome MC4000 which was one of the first computerised machines Janome made, I have had it for 20 years and for the first 10 years used it to run a wedding dress business. It sews like a dream, I have sewn continously on it for up to 10 hours at a time (large order wedding and bridesmaid dresses), sewn organza leather and I now have started quilting. The only reason I would like a new machine is that a) I want one and b) I would like a machine with a bigger throat space for quilting.

I have an old Singer that my Grandmother used, and it is still going strong. I know she quilted every day, and for a long time that was the only machine I had. Once in a while I still bring it out just to keep the oil moving in it, but never had a problem. I'd say I have other problems to worry about.