I got a Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen. I found I didn't need a machine with a big harp after getting the quilting machine. I do have a Pfaff 4.0 and I love it.

I adore my Brother, Laura Ashley, Innov-is-NX2000. It has an 11" throat, threads the needle for me, has an auto thread cutter with a button when you're done the line of stitching, is the quietest machine I've ever owned & was in the consumer digest two yrs ago as the #1 best buy as the next machine with all the features this has was over $6,000.00 at the time! This was only 1/3 of that!! I adore it & the only down side is that it's computerized, so of course service is costly, but in two years with careful maintenance on my part, knock on wood...haven't needed any. It even sews over heavy blue jean seams without a problem!! Wouldn't trade it for the world!!

Add me to the Janome fan club. I have the 6600 which I love and now have the 15000 which is fabulous!! No cons for either one - pros galore!!

I have the Janome 7700 and it has a big harp. I have done a lot of FMQ on it with no problem -- I got it for the free arm, the harp and the lighting and am happy with it.

Juki's all have a larger than average throat. I find each machine has its own excellent qualities and speciality actions. I would just collect a mixture of makes and models, I have.

thanks for all the answers. Great variety. The machine I have now is a Viking Designer 11 and now that I'm retired I learning to do things with it I haven't done before. It's a shame they discontinued that machine