I use my Bernina 440QE for everything and I love it.

Let's be realistic now. You probably know your family's finances, thus whether he is just being a tightwad or if you really can't afford any machine. At this time of year he may want to surprise you at Christmas (my husband would). Sit down with him and figure out how much and when you can afford a machine. Talk to your local dealer to see if they sell consignment or can get refurbished machines. We all have our own favorites, but ANY mid-quality machine is better than no machine. Good luck.

I can't complain about my elna 6003, aka Eleanor Burns "Quilter's Dream" (which I purchased before I ever started quilting) for piecing.....some day I hope to have a long arm machine for the quilting. I'd like one with a stitch regulator.

Elna 7300 and Nolting Fun quilter.

I just have 2 old beat up
second hand machines.

I WANT A FEATHERWEIGHT.
J J

I don't have either yet!

My 201 Singer that runs so smooth and handles everything but the zig zag stuff which the 401 Singer does, and a Brother Innovis 1250 that embroiders. Mostly my featherweights are stored because they are in mint condition and one of them was one of the first ones ever made back in 1933.

Ditto to SEX!

I have several machines, but use my Bernina 630 most and then come one of my featherweights. These are for piecing and do use the 630 for FMQ of small projects. I bought a Gammill Premier with a Home Pro 12 ft table 3 0r 4 years ago for quilting which I love. It very seldom gives me any trouble and if I'd practice more I could do a better job at free motion, but I so enjoy using it. It's just the time and getting to it.

Husquvarna Viking Sapphire 830

May I know what quilting frame you have? I have a New Joy frame and am now using a Janome P1600 with it, but I was thinking of using the Janome Horizon which I just bought.
Thanks - Aida

I bought myself a Bernina 440QE about a year ago (a divorce present :roll: ). I'd used a Kenmore for about 20 years and thought it was great - I had no idea my dream machine was just waiting for me to find it. I love my Bernina! It's got the stitch regulator foot on it so I use it for piecing and quilting.

Quilting is a necessity - not a luxury....he has no clue.
I am sure someone could let you borrow an extra machine.

I have a Bernina 155, and love it, but also have a old
Nikki that only sews straight stitches, and it is so heavy,
but runs so smooth, got it at a yard sale for $20, got the
elec. cord and gaskets changed, for $45. Best yard sale
item I have ever bought, has paid me back many times over.
I would like to upgrade my Bernina to have the stitch
regulator attachment. But for right now, my passion is
just to get to sew at all.

[quote=ShirlinAZ]Let's be realistic now. You probably know your family's finances, thus whether he is just being a tightwad or if you really can't afford any machine. At this time of year he may want to surprise you at Christmas (my husband would). Sit down with him and figure out how much and when you can afford a machine. Talk to your local dealer to see if they sell consignment or can get refurbished machines. We all have our own favorites, but ANY mid-quality machine is better than no machine. Good luck.

We can afford it and he NEVER buys gifts for any occasion. He really does not want me to quilt.

My wonderful Gwendolyn, my new Janome Horizon. I got it in May and have used it for everything, including FMQ. It is wonderful! I dare say it is the best machine I have owned. It is not as fragile as my 11000 emb machine. It is by far the best $2400 I have spent! :lol:

piecing euro pro - and quilting euro pro shark --

I have a Singer Embroidery/Sewing machine and a 2056 Pfaff which I bought last year. Love both of them. Also have a Janome Serger and a Cover Stitch machine.

oh my..... I'm sure he has a luxury that he doesn't think is a luxury... Keep your eyes on craigslist and the local thrift stores.

puts a whole new meaning to hand quilting doesn't it. It's a good time to hone up on that skill. Sorry about your machine. I'd be lost without mine. Tell your DH that a machine is a necessity.

My hands there is nothing in my opinion more beautiful then a hand quilted quilt.

Babylock Espire (which is now the Symphony) LOVE THAT MACHINE. Not sure about the FMQ - probably a HQ16 or something like it. Haven't "earned" that yet.

Butterflywing - did you inform your hubby that being fed a homecooked meal was a privilege? I would! Oh, I might even threw clean clothes into the deal.

If you are financially strapped, that is one thing - but I would expect a discussion - even a negotiation - not an edict.

I use my Bernina 180 to embroider
and I use my Bernina 150 to piece, quilt in the ditch for charity quilts.

Babylock Espire or Janome jem 760

GOOD ONE LOL

Just upgraded to a Bernina 630 and am in love with my machine. Quilted for years on a 1956 Singer Slant-o-matic belonging to my mother. I still runs but everything is getting pretty loose inside as she was a great seamstress.

I wanted a featherw like forever, but I love my bernia 1630 I use an old black singer and elna also

What exactly is a featherweight? Is it an old singer or can you buy them new?
Never mind--I just researched them and answered my own dumb question!!!

Baby lock Ellegante2 for embroidery and Baby Lock Quest Plus for quilting.

Bernina 440 QE. Dreamed of it but couldn't afford. Sweet hubby bought it as a surprise, plus the embroidery unit which I have never used. I have my 40 yr old Singer (my first machine) that I keep at mountain home and it sews perfectly too. My Featherweight travels with me.

I currently use and love my Bernina Virtuosa 155 - which I bought used at my LQS 5 years ago. Before that I had a Babylock for 15 years that mdh bought for me for $100 at Cloth World on sale. There is a world of difference between a low end machine and a Bernina or Pfaff. If you have the money to spend I would say you won't regret getting the more expensive machine. My true dream machine is a LA APQS Millenium or a Gammill but both are way out of my price range at the moment. I would love to upgrade myBernina to one with a BSR system.

I agree with you that buying the more expensive machine is worth the money if you can afford to do it. I started out with the Bernina Bernette, upgraded to the Bernina QE440 and then to the Bernina 630. The BSR feature is wonderful and I'm now trying to quilt some of my own or at least the smaller quilts, throws and table toppers.

I quilt with my Bernina Virtuosa 150...love it! I use a smaller Janomi for piecing and travel..I love it too!

Pfaff 2140

Couldn't we go on and on about the luxuries!! After 43yrs of marriage, I can supply you with a very long list!!!! (Sex does work best!!)

My dream machine for piecing is the Janome 6260QC. The machine I use for what little machine quilting I have done is a 30 year old Montgomery Wards.

Midwestqltr

piecing my Bernina
quilting my HQ-16 sit down model

I've got a Bernina Activa 220, and I like it alright. I like the 1/4" foot the best; however, I'm bringing it in tomorrow for an adjustment-not happy with stitches. My favorite machine is an old White machine, it just works and works, great stitches- just not many perks. I can't afford a 'dream machine'....but a Featherweight might be doable.
Blessings,
MaryAnna

[quote butterflyquilter]We can afford it and he NEVER buys gifts for any occasion. He really does not want me to quilt.[/quote]

Tell him its therapy for you and makes you happy.