I love my janome 8200. Big throat. Lots of features and stitches. Auto tension works like a dream and my FMQ is beautiful :)

Viking Sapphire 970 Quilt. I love mine. It does just what I need without a bunch of bells and whistles to go wrong. I am not crazy about the bobbin winder, but everything else is great. Especially that 11 inch throat

Babylock Crescendo.

11" harp, needle up/down, presser foot up/down, 8 directional sewing, laser light, electronic pen, knee lift, auto pressure sensor, bobbin sensor, separate bobbin winder, 5x7 screen, on-board videos/instructions, thread cutter, auto needle threader.

The only thing it doesn't do is the the dishes, and I'm pretty sure I'll be able to show it how to do that soon. :-)

Baby Lock Symphony or Crescendo (both a bit higher on the budget). They have great lighting, needle-down, needle adjustment, motor speed adjustment, separate bobbin winder motor, great stitch quality and a whole lot more. I wouldn't trade mine.

Brother 1500 straight stitch. It's a workhorse with all the features you want, needle threader, thread cutter, knee lift, can be used on a frame or as a sit down.

The Brother, Laura Ashley .. NX 2000. Love it and it has everything I need to quilt. Since I purchased this machine I don't even have the urge to look at any others.

I've had a Janome 7700 and an 8900 now. No cons that I can think of. They are heavy, which, for me, is a huge plus--as I can't shove it around easily when hoisting a heavy quilt through it.

Pros--good lighting, heavy duty, big throat, reasonably priced, not over-the-top expensive for additional feet.

Have a Jukie straight stitch and a Pfaff creative sensation, both are great.

Let me add my vote for the Janome 8900. It's a real workhorse. No cons, only pros and there are lots and lots of them.

Me too, great machine. Has 11 inch harp, lots of room. Many stitches for later use if you need them, lots of pros. Mid range price machine, good deal.