I am new to this board but wanted to get some opinions on which machines are the best for the money. I am looking for a machine to do it all (sewing, quilting, & embroidery). My DH has given me permission to purchase a new machine, and has said I can spend up to $2000 on it. What in your opinion is the best machine for my money?

I would consider splitting up the money in order to get a separate machine for embroidery. That way you can be piecing or quilting on one machine while the embroidery machine is working away on a design.

For quilting, a bigger harp (area underneath the arm) makes it easier to quilt a large quilt. A lot of quilters like the Janome 6600 because of this, plus it has lots of embroidery stitches and other features.

Keep in mind that "best" varies from one quilter to another, just as the "best" automobile varies from one person to another within a given price range. There is no substitute for actually sitting down in front of a machine and doing those things you like to do with your own fabrics. You can see how responsive the machine is, if the stitch quality is what you want, you can tell how loud the machine is, etc.

Thanks, I will keep your suggestions in mind.

For that price, you should be able to get a Janome 350E and 6500P used. Both are great machines and would allow you the embroidery option as well as a formidable sewing/quilting machine.

I spoke to some gals in a class for their embroidery machines and EACH one has a separate machine for "other" sewing and quilting. They dedicate the embroidery machine to just that. For one thing, once the embroidery runs - it is pretty much on its own until the thread needs changing. SO, are you going to just sit there and watch the machine run? Many of these gals sew and piece while they babysit their embroidery machine.

As for "the best" machine.....that is like asking for "the best" car. It all depends on the features that are important to you.

For quilting, I would put a large throat, needle up/down, needle position shift, good light, motor speed adjust as must haves. I used to think that a built-in walking foot was a must and it is a nice feature to have.

The gals in the class had Brother or Janome machines. Can't remember what models.

There is no best machine but there are lots out there to choose from. Make a list of the features you would really like and then do your research. After making a short list, go and try them out. If you have a quilt guild show or Creative Needlework Festival as we do in Toronto twice a year, it is a great opportunity to try out and compare all of the machines. Take some quilt blocks to actually stitch when you try out the machine. Don't let them hurry you into making a quick decision. For $2000 you should be able to get a fabulous machine or even two (everyone needs a back-up machine just in case or to take out for classes).

This question has been discussed many times here. There is a search button at the top of the page, if you go there, you can see all kinds of threads on various kinds of machines. I think this will be very helpful to you.

Welcome to the board! :thumbup:

I love the Jamone Horizon because it has a nice large throat...so I am able to quilt large quilts without having to roll it. The largest I have done is a queen but it should be no problem quilting a King size. I save money not having to send out my quilts to be FMQ'd

Ck out Husqvarna Vikings...I think they have the best that do much more then other brands...

Test drive the new Brother Innovis 2000 Laura Ashley. I just purchased mine in November and I love it. It has the arm that the Janome 6500 doesn't and it has a ton of stitches and embroidery-like stitches. It comes with 14 or 17 feet, even the walking foot. I got a lot for my money. Also, Brother periodically offers a rebate on this machine. I got a $200.00 rebate when I purchased. Remember, the right dealer is very, very important. If you are near a Bernini dealer near the Kansas City area here in Missouri,(Independence, Overland Park, and North Kansas City), he offers a five year warranty, which covers all parts and labor free. You just don't see that much anymore.