I also LOVE my Brothers 1500. I piecing, FMQ, everday sewing on it. The 9" throat on it makes FMQ easier but it is still hard depending on the size of your quilt. What I really like about it is that you are able to raise the presser foot tension so often I do not use my walking foot since I raise the tension. This machine is straight stitch only so if you want to do fancy stitches then you will need another machine. Go to your LQS and test drive the machines and see if you like the way it drives. I bought mine from Amazon for $600 with free shipping and no tax. Amazon is an authorized dealer so warrenty is covered. Only you can decide what you want from your machine.

I really love my Brother PQ1500S for FMQ. I have it set down into a table so I have plenty of workspace. I've never had a birdsnest that folks complain about on other machines, and it's just a nice simple mechanical machine. I still tend to piece on my Janome HT2008, but that is just habit and the fact I don't have to diddle with tension on the Brother to change between the two. My only gripe (and it's a small one) is the walking foot for the Brother does not have a quilting guide (arm?) on it, so I have to mark the quilt if I'm doing straight lines. Due to the pin feed, other brands won't work on it. But for a good basic workhorse that will give you no problems, I can highly recommend the PQ1500S.

I have had my Brother PQ1500 for several years, and I love it. It sews fast, has a perfect stitch, needle down, has a 9"throat, and overall is just a great machine. I oil and clean it often, and it never let's me down. I have other machines, but this is the one I use every day for piecing, quilting, and garment construction. I agree that the only dislike is that it doesn't have the bar on the walking foot. It is a straight stitch only machine, but that is what I mostly use.

I have my Brother PQ1500S on a Gracie King frame and have used it to quilt a queen and two twin size quilts. I have another on the frame now. I love the machine. It is simple, non computerized and just runs! Oiling it is very easy. Considering having mine stretched to 18 inches.

I bought all of my Brother machines from www.allbrands.com They have good prices and FREE and FAST delivery.

Thanks for your input. What do you mean having yours stretched to 18 inches. Is there a Brother available that is 18 inches?

There is a company that will operate on certain machines and stretch them.

http://www.wowquilts.com/

Peckish is right, Wow quilts will operate on certain machines including the Brother PQ1500S to increase it to an 18 inch throat. It would be wonderful if Brother would make the PQ1500S in an 18 inch machine with no other changes. I would buy it in a minute.

I have to say I'd like it to be a little taller in the throat, also....

Thanks Peckish. I learned something new that is interesting!!!