go read the whole 1500+ pages on the vintage sewing machine shop - there are some gems out there for pennies if you are willing... it will give you good ideas what is any good - if you aren't happy with a Viking you might find something vintage that intrigues you. I got rid of my Viking and my Janome and now only use vintage machines. Love them and I can repair them too.

I love my Brother Innovis and a Janome. MOST MOST MOST important is that you purchase from a dealer who responds to questions and problems.

Depends on what you want to spend.

I have a Janome 11543 I paid $60.00 for from Overstock.com, It is a refurbished model to boot!
It works great and I still use it. It works great for quilting heavier quilts and making clothes.

Then I have a Brother SQ9000, I paid $199.00 from Wal Mart.
I love this machine, lots of cute design stitches.

Then I have a Brother PE 770, total cost close to 1K with all its toys. It is strictly an embroidery machine.

You really don't need a high priced model to get great results. I go for function and what I need the machine for than the name brand and its price tag.

I love my Bernina. My first one is 40 years old and I have never had a problem with it. I decided it was time to purchase something newer so I got a new Bernina this winter but I will never part with my 40 year old.

My preference is Pfaff. The model will depend on what features you want. Good luck and enjoy shopping!

I have both Babylocks and Janomes. Love them both. They're easier to use and the feet are interchangeable.

Check them out. One big recommendation is for you to go to a place that has several types, sew on them, see how easy they are to use and make the decision for what works best for youl

One more thing, it also depends on your budget and what you want to do with the machine. I like both of these because they are reasonably priced and have alot of bells and whistles. I have top of the line for both.

I have a Janome DC2010 that I just love. I've had it now 2 years and it runs like the day I got it. I now want to buy a machine with more fancy stitching. I don't know yet which one I'll purchase, but you can be sure it will be a Janome. They are a great machine.

I have a Pfaff Select 3.0 and just love it! It's very quiet and sews like a charm. I especially like the built in walking foot. Of course, I've only had the machine since the middle of May, so I haven't done a lot of sewing on it yet, but it's a nice machine.

Recently bought a Pfaff Expression 3.0 and I love it, but can see myself upgrading to the 4.0