The select models are great if you're sure you won't miss needle up/down and variable needle positions. They are solid and easy to use/care for. Piecing is great with the narrow feed-dogs and IDT. They're around $500-$600 new.

It's the fuel feed that drew me too look at the pfaff as is the original designed duel feed and still the best so the man said. I am only looking at the select range as I've got 2 computerised machines that do all the fancy stuff. I just want a good basic piecing machine.

Oh I know I will miss the needle up and down and the ability to move the needle but I don't want to go over £400 . My long suffering husband had been so good, really can't justify another £ 100 or so just for those features.

I have the Pfaff 4.o quilt expression and I LOVE it was pricey but well worth the $$

I like my Pfaff. It's an older model, but has what I want except for the serpentine stitch. Lately there's been something wacky with the IDT and the feed dogs, so I need to go sit with the tech and explain. I've taken it in twice and explained, but each time it comes home, the problem still exists. So yes, check out the tech as well as the shop where you're buying. This was purchased in Seattle area and we now live in FL.

I'm still sewing every day on a Pfaff 1471 I bought in 1986 and it has the IDT, needle down and tons of features. It is the best machine in the world and will sew through very thick fabric. I have made totes out of denim and upholstery fabric and it never hesitated. I will use it until it quits.

I love my Pfaff! Yes the duel feed is perfect for any kind of sewing. You have lots of needle positions to get that perfect 1\4 inch seam too. I have had a Pfaff for 20 years now and I sew everything and anything with it.

I have the Pfaff 7570 and love, love, love it. I've had it for over 15 years and refuse to upgrade. In fact, I bought a second 7570 and a 7570...giving me three identical machines. (The 7570 has an embroidery unit, the 7550 does not. Otherwise the machines are identical).

I have referred many friends to Pfaff and they all agree that it is a great machine. They have different models, but all Pfaff. Some of my friends who bought another brand wish they had purchased the Pfaff. I'm not saying other machines aren't good, just that my friends and I love the Pfaff.

I love the IBT feature and am able to use different feet with the IBT engaged. They have a Stitch In The Ditch foot that really helps getting the stitch IN the ditch. Mine has the needle down position and the ability to move the needle left or right. And a lot of other stuff.

I hope you find what you are looking for.

I also have a Pfaff. Mine is the Expression 2.0 model. I bought it four years ago on the recommendation of my sister Audrey....(see AudreyB above).

I have had no regrets. I have only been quilting four years though I have been sewing all my life. Audrey has been quilting 20years or so, and I really valued her input (and still do). I also "drove" many different machines before I made up my mind. You want to do that if you can. I like the built-in walking foot and the ability to move the needle left and right the most. Oh, I also love my SID foot.

Good luck on your decision.

Dina

Thank u soooo much Dina and everyone else who was kind enough to share their knowledge. I have a sister that quilts too but she started off hand sewing . I haven't got the patience lol