I just sit and piece quilt after quilt and quilt them all on my JukiTL98QE regular sewing machine with 9-1/2" throat, mostly always make double size or queen size quilts. Works great for me. I don't waste any money having someone else quilt them, I wouldn't be able to say I made them.

I have an A1 and I LOVE it!! Before you buy anything, take the time to go to a machine quilting show - they are all over the country. Test drive everything and see what fits you best. No matter what you do, you're spending a lot of money. Don't make a decision based on what is best for someone else.

I have a Bernina 440QE with embroidery. It is a great machine. The only downfall is that I need to hook it up to my computer for embroidery- oh well. Once in a while it will hesitate a moment while embroidery stitching, but then it carries on. For sewing, BSR etc, it is wonderful, I have never had a problem. I did buy a Tin Lizzie 18LS a few months ago and am still learning on her. The throat on the Bernina is small, so I wanted to be able to quilt easier and quicker. I looked at several longarms and couldn't justify the cost of a Gammill, but the Tin Lizzie was a lot less expensive and it did everything I needed. I do not have the computer drive, but I like to do my own quilting. The Tin Lizzie company manufactures some of the other longarms, so I figured it was better to buy from the original manufacturer. If you have a good machine for piecing and all you want is to quilt easier, then look at the Tin Lizzie machine.

I have the Handi Quilter Avante 18", don't know how I ever finished quilts without it. I made sure I got the studio frame with it, and have no complaints. It's easy to use, user friendly, and would accept the pro stitcher if I chose.

I have had a Gammill Classic for 14 years now. Love it, Love it.

I have a Bailey 13" and use it on a grace frame, I love it! I have an older bernina which I wouldn't trade for anything she does all my piecing with me. It's a hard decision to make, you really have to buy what you can afford and which machine you will get the most use out of. I personally don't think the BSR is important. Maybe you can try one at a local dealer and see If it's really worth your money for you. Good luck deciding.

I have a HandiQuilter16, and I do enjoy it! Had it for 2 years, and can't use it enough! Now I don't have to "rent" a longarm anymore, and I can work at my own pace.
I paid under $10,000 for mine brand new. I got a free table for it too. Just ask about the specials.
Happy searching!

I know this is going to be a really stupid question, but for the life of me I can't figure out what BSR is? Having a moment, I guess.

Bernina Stitch Regulator

oh that is scary with the problems they've had. i'm gonna have to make a post just on the bernina.
the long arms are sounding super tempting!!! :)