I am new to the quilting board, but when I saw this question I just had to register so I could reply. I have had a Bernina 1230 since 1991 and I am SOOOO totally happy with it that I just had to tell you. It's one of Bernina's best. I have an older Bernina and a 1630, plus a Bernina serger and I wouldn't go with any other. That's my own opinion, of course. Every once in a while there's a 1230 on ebay, and they will still go for close to $1,000 - which is half the price of the new in 1991. Good luck to you.

I have a Creative Vision from PFAFF got it three years ago, have taken it back 19 times for repair. Have always had Pfaff machines in the past and loved them. Just got it back from repair on Friday, broke Sat. Pfaff does not stand behind their machines, new owners since older PFAFF machines. I have Janome, and older Pfaff and singer, love all of those, but I wanted a embroidery machine.

Check out the Janome Horizon 7700 - It is a quilter's dream and is extremely quiet. It does so much! $2500 is not a bad price either! Before you make a decision, be sure to check it out!!!

I have a phaff that I love when working. The service sticks and the company does not help.Been in the shop again for 2 months. Same 2 years ago.

I have a Viking 500 that I bought 14 years ago, have never had one bit of trouble with it! I also have a Bernina Artista 730...awesome machine that I probably still haven't used to its full potential!

I have a pfaff 2134 which is not quite what you are looking for and i have a 1963 singer slant needle in a cabinet that I will be selling soon. I just don't use it.

I have a small Janome which I love. I just bought a used Janome 6600p and a Janome serger. There is no better stitch than theirs. I would recommend one that fits your price range and your needs. Hancocks sells several models which are less expensive than the fabric shops. happy sewing.

I have a Pfaff.. it is the most wonderful machine.. I have several others as well, but the pfaff is my #1 choice. It has a wonderful thing called an IDT, which is like a walking foot that isn't in the way.. it feeds the fabric perfectly so your seams are just exactly where you want them to be.. It also raises the presser foot just slightly when you stop, so that you can either pivot if you need to or feed in another block if you're chain piecing.. It has a thread cutter that's fabulous.. no more cutting all those pesky thread tails.. I love this machine.. I don't ever want any other!!

I have Brothers They are priced good and I like them very much. They are reliabe, contrary to the downside I've read about them. I have a Viking and Singers, but I'll most of the time use the Brother. I learned on a Kenmore with the cams. It lasted 26 years with 1 repair. It finally died.

I have a Phaff and a Bernina. Can't say I like one better then the other. Both sew great. I was always a die hard Viking machine owner but my last purchase of a Designer didn't hold up well so I traded it.

Nettie