Well said. Think about features like a knee lift lever, a needle threader, an automatic cutter, auto tension. Those are the things you should be thinking about when you're looking for a new machine.

I hear that doing free motion quilting on a machine that has a front loading bobbin vs. a drop in bobbin works best and I can say that my Bernina (front bobbin) does an excellent job of FMQ, where as my Janome (drop in bobbin) doesn't.

Figure out what features you really NEED, and which ones you really LIKE. Don't rule out a good used machine as you might be able to get more of those need/like features than you would have if you limited yourself to a new machine.

I love both my machines for different reasons.

Steady Freddy the Viking is tride and true and never misses a step. He's somewhat limited though in ability especially with regard to FMQ and I've had a problem with my local dealers keeping or even getting stock of different feet.

Fancy Nancy the Janome is lovely but she's a finicky *&%^$!! She demands only the best thread in the right weight and will get an upset stomach if I don't use the same thread top and bottom. She's got some really cool FMQ features though that my Viking doesn't have.

You can buy a Janome 6500P for that amount of money and it is a real work horse. Has a 9 inch throat. Sometimes see used ones on ebay for around $600!

Check with Kevin at www.kenssewingcenter.com. He can often work out a great deal.

i have a kenmore from sears
here's a link to it
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...2&blockType=G2
i havent had it long, only since november, but i love it! something did get shifted as it was shipped but after messing with it for about 10 minutes it has sew perfeclty since! So many different stiches. it also came with 9 different feet. its almost 400 after taxes and everything but my grandmother dose really like it almost as much as her viking sewing machine.

I love VINTAGE machines!! I got mine for $50 bucks. Can't beat that with a stick. ;) ha ha

Does anyone have reviews for the Brother PC 420?

There might be some at http://www.patternreview.com

As a quilter, I would go for the best machine that has a large throat. From there, list the features that are must haves. Then whittle down by brand and GO TEST DRIVE!!!!! Some of the machines sound so wonderful on paper and when I test drove, I knew that we were not meant for each other.

Also, this is like buying a car. Don't be afraid to negotiate.

I have a 420 and I love it .

Thanks for replying!! I'm just starting to look and from reviews and info on this machine it sounds good. Good to know you are pleased with yours. How long have you had it?