Hi. I am looking for advice on the baby lock elizabeth and baby lock melody. I thought I had it narrowed down to the elizabeth, but then I saw the melody and wonder if it has a stronger motor (since it only has a nominal amount of extra stitches and only one extra foot, etc). I wonder which is the better choice. I'm trying to stay in the $1000 range.
I am new to sewing and would like a machine that will grow with me and it definitely needs to be able to support quilting.
Thanks for your input.

I'm no help but wanted to welcome you to the quilt board:)

me too - welcome from Houston! Good luck in your search.

I have the Elizabeth, and I LOVE her!!! I don't know what the difference in price is, or how much you're looking for in a machine, but from the differences I see, if the price is morenan $100, I don't think I'd go for it. The Elizabeth already has more than I've been able to use. what is the price difference??

whichever you choose you can't go wrong with babylock. I have had nothing but great things from my babylock espire.

I have both the Babylock Ellure I bought used on Craigslist and the Babylock Melody. I upgraded to the Melody last year after using the Babylock Crafter's Choice for 1 year. I am sold on the ease of using Babylocks. I may be selling my Melody if you are interested. It only has about 5 hours of use. PM me if interested.

I have the espire too and love it!

Have you test drove them yet?

I love Babylock!

The Melody has like 9 extra stitches. It can sew sideways, It comes with the extension table. The tension is very precice. More flexability in the letter sizes. Other than that, the same, same motor etc. If you like the extension table it can be purchased sepratley.

I teach both machines and both are great. Usually between $100-150. price differance. The extension table if bought for the Elizabeth should run you around $100.00. Good luck and enjoy!

Hi All!
Thank you for the warm welcome! I also appreciate the information.