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I have a Brother PQ-1500 that I actually purchased to use for fmq only..But I notice I use it a lot for piecing, and regular sewing, too It has a pin-feed system that makes piecing a breeze! It is all metal, and does straight stitch only...has knee-lift, auto thread cut, and a 9" harp. I also have a Brother PC-420, which I love, it is my go to for all the "fancier" stitches...it also has the knee-lift and auto thread cut. I love them both for different reasons. Paid under $600.00 for the 1500. and under $500.00 for the 420. I also have my great grandma's Singer 66, my dh is currently giving it a good cleaning...I have the original cabinet it came with, too. It is a treadle machine, but "Ma" had a motor put on it, too...I used to always buy Singers prior to the 2 Brothers, but the last 2 Singers I had purchased just didn't measure up like the used to...my opinion only, and we all know how that goes...lol...
Regards, Kif |
If you are looking to do FMQ on your DM and are not interested in embroidery or the high price of Bernina's check into the Brother 1500 and Janome has one also, not sure what it is called. These are straight stitch machines ONLY but work great for FM. Usually found around $800 or less I think. Also as mentioned before the Singer 301 or 301A for only a couple of hundred. Good luck, just MHO
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I bought my first Bernina about 10 years ago because I always wanted one. I worked it hard for all those years and only had to replace the foot pedal (it was under warranty). When I had saved enough of my pennies, I bought my Bernina 440 QE last year with the BSR. Love It!
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Originally Posted by Dolphyngyrl
(Post 5246532)
Babylock espire- $1800 is what I paid for it used
Features I love AHA-automatic height adjuster for perfect tension( I hardly ever touch tension) adjustable presser foot pressure adjustable presser foot height needle down function, start stop button(dont need pedal) Knee lift for presser foot pivoting feature(when you stop sewing the presser foot automatically lifts with needle down allowing you to pivot(love this) and goes back down when you start to sew thread cutter needle threading system very advanced, super easy, the easiest I have seen separate bobbin winding system from sewing lots of stitches have never had any problems with this machine its a workhorse Would buy it again in a heart beat only thing i can say is I wish I would have waited a few more months and got the newer model with more stitches and accesories but they are always bound to come out with new models. Hope this helps |
I have the Bernina 155 for general sewing and use it for applying binding
I purchased the Horizon 7700 for it's wider space. I am using it now for most of my machine quilting unless the piece is small enough to stuff under the space on the Bernina. |
I have a Bernina 440 which I bought new in 2009 and an old Bernina 730 Record. Both of them are awesome machines. I love them. I got the 440 because it came with the Bernina Stitch Regulator. I also have a vintage 201 that I won on ebay. I haven't tried it out yet, but it is pretty.
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I sew with a Brother HS-2000 & I adore it!! It sews over big jean seams or anything else I've tried to put through it. It's barely shut off since June of 2010 & still purrs like a kitten. Very quiet machine & is very lightweight! I can lift it easily & it's under my 20lb lift limit. It does have a small throat though, so I'm presently saving for the Brother, Laura Ashley special edition NX-2000 which was built for quilters & has all the items with it that you need including a large sewing area. Before the HS-2000, I had a Signature by Brother for over 35 years that still works, but needs new wiring before I dare plug it in, as the wiring is really brittle.
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I use a singer featherweight for most of my piecing, great straight stitch. I have a Viking D1 that is over 15 years old that I do the quilting and binding because it has special automatic free motion setting and I've never have to adjust the tension like many others without the sensor foot feature. Most of my friends have a small machine they take to classes so they don't lug their heavy machines around. This wouldn't be a problem is you don't attend many classes. If you buy a new machine, be sure to do a really good "test drive" at the shop before buying so you know you like the machine. My friend took her own thread and scrap material with her instead of using what the shop owner has and insisted on at least 30 minutes with each machine. If buying a used machine on Ebay, make sure the seller has a good rating and they accept returns just in case. I do have some friends that have singer 301a's and love them, not sure how they do on free motion as these friends have their quilting done by long arm. Good luck and post on the board what you end up with.
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I have an Elna 7200 Quilter's Dream Pro which is very similar to a Janome mc6500p. I bought it brand new about 5 years ago for $1400. My first machine & now backup/vacation machine is a Euro Pro denim deluxe which I've had for about 15 years. If I were to go buy another machine today; I would look for a Janome Gem for backup/vacation and the Janome Horizon 7700 for home but unless money starts falling out of the sky--I will keep using what I've got.
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I have 2 Pfaff sewing machines and a Pfaff serger. I love them all. I have never had any problems with any of them. When I upgrade my machine again, it will be another Pfaff.
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