Need help choosing...
 

I just got back into quilting and with that I am slowly building my stash back up, right now I have been splurging on fat quarters. I also bought myself a Brother SQ9050 for piecing and FMQ for small projects (baby quilts, wall hangings). Now I will be in the market for another brand new sewing machine but one that can handle large projects, it will be used for FMQ only since I will still use the Brother for piecing. My question is what do you suggest, the price point is up to $1000, would prefer to stick around $500 but if there is an overwhelming response about one or two machines then I would be willing to go up to the maximum price point.

Another question I have is how much of one type of material do you like to keep on hand, I mean you like a fabric, but don't have a project for it yet, you just want it on hand for a future project, do you buy a FQ, 1/2 yard, yard? Where do you get your fabrics online? I have a couple LQS's within a 1/2 hour from me, but I would also like to buy online.

Also can you buy batting by the roll versus just precut sizes? if so can someone point me in that direction...

Thanks in Advance, you have all been very nice and helpful.

Rosie the Wyldwytch

I have a viking that I use, paid about a 1000, as far as fabric I buy about a yard, check out Marshall Dry goods.com. great batiks and its the same as at the store! I buy batting in a big roll, it may last for years but I always have what I need and I get it on line at battmart.com or Joanns with the 60% off coupon. Good luck.

Thank you Patski, that definitely helps to get me going to research the Viking and check out the places you mentioned.

Looking forward to hearing others opinions on machines and fabrics.

Thanks

Rosie the Wyldwytch

In buying fabric: I will buy a fat quarter bundle and then a couple of the fabrics I like, I will buy a few yards of each. Or I will buy a layer cake and a couple of different yards of fabric from the line. I can't just buy one piece of fabric because I think I won't be able to match it, so I buy charms, jelly rolls, etc., and some yardage that I know I'll need for sashing and/or borders. I pretty much buy part of a fabric line, so I have fabrics that match. I have never made a scrappy quilt yet.

You can buy Warm and Natural at Hobby Lobby from a roll. With a 40% off coupon, it is still pricy, but do-able. I have yet to buy a whole roll, but I am going to go look at battmart.com and see what I find. :)

Dina

I like that idea, I never thought of that. Thanks Jeanne

Rosie the Wyldwytch

I have a Bernina that I paid 1000 dollars for because the LQS was trying to get rid of them all and make room in her store for the newer models. I had to travel 2 hours to this shop but it was worth it. I used the phone book and let my fingers do the walking calling different quilt shops asking what they had available.

I prefer to buy from equilter.com for my fabric. Their selection can't be beat, their price is fair and their web site is the easiest one I have found to use. If I love the fabric but have no idea what I will use it for then I seldom buy less than 3 or 4 yards. If it is a rather basic type of fabric and is on sale I will buy more.

I have the Janome 6600P and the Viking Topaz II (because I wanted a machine that embroiders and sews) both are good for quilting. And I LOVE them both, plus my old Singer 15-91, so my advice is to check out several brands. Especially with year end you may get some great deals - and take your time. Which is hard with a good sales person right in front of you. But you should be able to find something at the top end of your budget without too much trouble. I have very little sales resistance especially when I am ready to buy - but there are a lot of great models out there and you just need to find the one that rocks your world.

I have been told you should buy atleast 3/4 yard of fabric if you like it and 2 yards if you want it as your 'focal fabric'.

I too buy my batting at Joann's with a 50% off coupon.

HTH