I have a Juki TL98E and it is a real workhorse. It has a straight stitch, needle-down feature, knee-lift, thread cutter on the foot petal and on the machine and the feed dogs drop. I use it to piece and machine quilt.

the best advice is to try out the machine and find a dealer you like and the works on the machine themselves

I have a Babylock Espire Quilters Dream Series. It is AWESOME!!!!!!! has 300 plus stitches. long neck for FMS up to a king and can be set into quilting frame and used as a short arm quilting machine. It is ultra quiet and runs like a dream. I got a great deal by asking the dealer for a class room demo model, saved big bucks and still has all the warenty. Also came with all the attachment & feet. can be hooked up to your computer and down load new stitches (this I have never tried)

I also a have a Janome DC3050 a good sewing & peicing machine but can't keep up to the Espire.

Michelle

Me too and I love it. Smooth sailing. It is now my favorite machine over my Pfaffs.

i have a kenmore 16 stitch that i just love - i think it cost 179.00. i also have a brother that i got at wal mart - can't remember model and a brother embroidery/sewing machine. for piecing - i love my kenmore.

I bought a new machine recently. Did a lot of research, and decided to buy a Janome DC2010. Then, I found the exact same machine at Sears, that says Kenmore, for $100 (plus tax) cheaper! So far, have made two kid sized quilts...piecing and straight line and fmq...and love it! The only thing I don't like with it is that it is awkward to lower the feed dogs to do the fmq....but love the feed system.

I have a Bernina 630e.
Love my machine but it is pricey!

Did you know that Kenmore and Janome are made by the same manufacturer and their attachments are interchangeable.

thanks to all for your wonderful advice.i will be checking out those machines! :)
i have been quilting since 1972 with the old singer.my daughter will take it home with her to do mending on when i finally find the one i want.
i usually have one quilt i am piecing and one on the frame at any given time.currently i am in chemo for return of breat cancer from 5 yrs ago.all will be well-but my summer and fall will be taken up by that/so,now i have two quilts in the making,two throws that are waiting to be made and my own quilt which needs to go on the frame.hope to do that this weekend.......marty

I have a janome memory craft 9500, love it, quilting embrodiery machine, I have a Janome Platiumn. Can't go wrong with the Janome Jems. I also, have two old singers that purrs like a kitten! Can't go wrong with an old machine either. Thing of what you want or need in a machine, do your homework! There all good!