I have a Janome 8900 and have used it to FMQ. Love it!

I was seriously considering purchasing a Brother (mainly because that's within my budget) but your comments about sandwiching has me concerned. Sandwiching is my least favorite part of quilting, and I have enough issues with that process without having to worry about the machine.

I have a Janome 6600P. It's a great machine with a very nice stitch and a larger throat (harp- the space to the riht of the needle). I like that it has the built in walking foot and does a very nice FMQing stitch.

If I were to buy a second machine I would get a Juki 2010 to start a little collection going.

I also have an older Elna 6300, but that's at my Moms house indefinitely for her to use. She wanted to "buy" it from me, but I decided an indefinte loan is better. I can't take money from my Mom...

My sewing machine repairman said that Brother and Baby Lock are the best machines being made today. So I have two Brothers, one Pfaff (7570), one older New Home, a Viking 1100 (on permanent loan to a friend), and a 1954 Featherweight. Incidentally I teach sewing and quilting in my home.

When I was looking for a new (or newer), machine I had the same questions you do. I found that I made up quilt blocks (cut out the pieces for a simple block or mug rug batting and backing), placed it into a zip lock bag. I made 12 of these bags up, then placed a large recipe card into each bag and all bags went into my car. When I went to a dealer (we have a number in my area), to look at a machine I would take a bag or two into the dealers with me. They show you all kinds of things, but you need to do some sewing your self. I would sew a block together, then make my notes on the enclosed card. If I used a second machine in the shop I would do it all over again. I also had a couple of finished blocks with me that I would try free motion quilting on, I would also make notes on a card also. This gave me things to look at and reread my notes when I was away from the sales people. With the price of machines any dealer that doesn't want you to make a block, doesn't want to sell a machine. I have found that the dealers I went to, thought it was a good idea (and I was asked back to teach a tween sewing class). Just something you might want to try. Good luck.

Free motion on a domestic machine without stitch regulator takes loads of practice. Many, many quilters out there do beautiful work with free motion. I own Brothers and now a basic Bernina 153 Virtuosa. I would probably trade them all for one Bernina with the a stitch regulator. There may be others out there with stitch regulators, domestic sewing machines I mean, but I'm not aware of any. So for free motion and all other general sewing (not embroidery) I would go with that. You of course should try out as many as possible and find what suits your needs. As Nammie to 7 says, you will get raves about every brand! I recommend you try free motion with, and without, the stitch regulator at your local dealer.

Whatever you decide, make sure you get some type of instructional classes, support FREE, no extra charge!!!!

My hubby just bought me a BabyLock Crescendo for my birthday. It has an 11.25 inch harp so it is great for FMQing. It has auto threading, thread cutter and needle up/needle down. It also has a laser guideline that you can set to your seam width and follow for perfect seams. I just got it less than a week ago, but I know I'm going to love it.