I started my quilting on a simple Singer that my mom and dad bought me years and years ago. I now have a Kenmore Ergo3 that also embroiders. I've had that one for about 5 years and I love it. I also have another Kenmore that I use when Ergo decides it doesn't want to play nice or when I want to sew and embroider at the same time.
I've seen the Janomes and Vikings and all the other machines and think they are nice, but I love what I have. Would I buy one of the higher end ones? hmmm....don't know.
I guess what I'm trying to say is.....if you are happy with what you have, keep it. If you are wanting something else, then save for it, but don't let someone pressure you into something you are unsure of. Everyone has their preference and you will just have to find yours.

When I was looking to "upgrade", I wound up buying the low end Pfaff Classic Style Quilt machine. It isn't fancy, and as it is a mechanical machine my DBF can fix it for me (although in three years nothing has gone wrong. I also bought the Janome 1600P for quilting, but I haven't spent enough time with it to give it a vote. I love my Pfaff, but I know that Janome also makes good quality machines at a more affordable price. I've never used a Bernina, but several at UFO night have them and love them. I can say that they all have a similar whining sound when working. A good quilting friend has a 20 year old Olna that she absolutely loves. If I were you, I would recommend going to a shop that sells more than one brand and trying them to see what YOU like. Everyone has different preferences. Sorry if I have only added to the confusion.

I'm a Pfaff user but I would recommend that you check out the Janome 6600. It apparently has most of the neat features of the Pfaff - including the built-in walking foot. According to what one member wrote recently, the Janome does not pull the fabric down when you first start (definitely an issue) and she had some other nice things to say. Can't find the thread though.

Janome is cheaper than the Pfaff too and you know you can haggle!

Go test drive and see what works best for you.

I have the Janome 6600 and love it! My advice would be to go to the shops and try them out then you'll know which one is right for you. Good luck.

I have a used Bernina--20 years old. I bought it 10 years ago for $1000 and it was 10 years old then. I bought it from a Bernina dealer who does trade-ups and it has been great!!! I wouldn't trade it for anything. But then I don't quilt on the machine- only sewing. I sewed through 2 brothers and a few singers before the Bernina. Best ever!
Cheryl

I got a used Bernina 440QE in July and I am in love! Paid about $1800. Paid the 8 and got 6 mos same as cash financing for the rest. I have never regretted my decision (actually hubby insisted I get something that would last). The machine was 5 years old and I got the remainder of the 20 year warranty. I did go back and get the embroidery module and enjoy it more than I ever anticipated. The 440 comes with the BSR. I am learning to FMQ and love it. Never would have had enough nerve to try without it. Stick with a dealer as service after the sale is very important. You won't regret it.

That being said, the Janome seems to be a good machine also. The best thing for you to do (if you haven't already) is go try each one out...not for a minute or two, but an hour or two. Ask questions, get a feel for the machines.

Good luck on your search.

Rachel, I have both the 440QE and the Janome and I can speak HIGHLY about both. I use my Bernina for Patchwork and for Embroidery, but truthfully, the Janome can do patchwork just as well, if not better than the Bernina. I use the Janome for all free motion quilting and stitchin' in the ditch quilting. I've used it for patchwork once or twice and it works great there too. I really like the bright light on the Janome and if you can get the table as well, it is certainly worth its weight in gold! Please feel free to PM me any addt'l questions you may have.

I have the JukiTL98QE and love it. I piece on it all the time and also freemotion. I sew on the machine for at least 5 hours a day. It has a longer bed, so you have the ease for FM. Also has auto scissors, which is a God send to someone with arthritis.
I also own a Fwt.221, Singers,20 yr old Bernina and Viking 555. Just love my machines......

I have the Janome 6500P and love it. Have not had any problems at all with it. I piece, quilt, stitch in ditch and freemotion with it.

Decide what your pre-requisites are and look for something that has them and try it out.

Mine were automatic needle threader (poor eyesight!), needle up/down, longer bed than average, knee-lift.

I don't have embroidery capability which isn't an issue with me.

The Janome 6600P is my dream to buy. You can get it much cheaper than the retail price. Ask about sales or promotions. I would recommend that which ever you purchase there is a shop that can/will service it.