My Pfaff is trying to die. I had it fixed less than 6 month ago and the same problem is creeping back. DH told me to "Go buy a new one" Think I'm going to take him up on it. Here's what I want in a new machine: Dual feed dogs, (a must) needle down-up, needle position, thread cutter, top loading bobbin (a must) and maybe knee lift. Knee lift is nice, but not a must. So far I've only looked at Baby Lock and they didn't have the top loading bobbin. I have a embrodiery machine and a long arm so I really don't need anything that fancy. ASG Sewing Expo is coming her in March so I thought I would shop there since I'll be there every day. Any suggestions :?:

There are so many nice machines to choose from. I have sewn on a lot of new machines, even the new Bernina and if I was going to buy a regular sewing machine for piecing I would buy the high end Kenmore.

What problem is your Pfaff dieing from?

The bobbin won't wind, so I bought the side winder. Now the latest and most important thing is when you put the pressure foot down it doesn't want to go down. I think I've just worn the old girl out. I have several machines so I'm not in a big hurry to buy. Right now I'm using two FW to piece. Why 2? One is set at a scant 1/4". Don't you hate the word scant? The other one is set at a regular 1/4".

I think going to the ASG Expo is a good idea. You can check out all of the differant machines to find the perfect one for you.

In the meantime you might want to go to the machine sites:
Husqvarna Viking, Bernina, Janome, etc. You can find info there on their different models and the features they have. It's nice to be able to do some comparisons before you talk to a salesperson.

Good luck and fun picking out a new one.

Yea, that's what I plan on doing. I know what I want and I don't plan on wasting time looking at machines that don't have the features I want. I think the Expo has the best prices, but I want to know what the prices are so I know if I'm getting a good deal. I usually like to be able to depend on the dealer, but since I am an experience sewer I can handle most things on my own.

take a look at the Sapphirs (sp) Saphires oh to earlie...
They have a lot of quilting space that with a long arm you done need but for smaller baby blankets ans wall hangings et you migh not want to oad on the LA. I love the 4 Vikings I have

The Sapphire is great but it dosnt have the thread cutter you want.
I like the needle down that automatically raises the foot so you can turn the fabric. I love this feature. Also the 10in throat. I paid 1100 for mine when it first came out. They are much cheaper now.

My Janome 6600 P has everything you mentioned and a whole lot more. I love my machine.

On sale about 1.2 years ago, I think I paid around $1200.

What else does the Janome 6600 have? Since I have several machines I really don't need alot of extras. I do understand that to get what I want I may have to get extras I don't really need.