I just got a Juki 2010Q and I know there are stitch regulators that work with it (part of my reasoning for that machine was it could be upgraded if I so desired).

I have a Bernina With the BSR, and I love it. I have had my machine a little over 4 years, so you might be able to get one, that someone traded in when they up graded. I tried FMQing before I got my BSR and there was just no way. I would recommend the BSR anyday!!

Sorry my grammar was poor. I have used the bsr on various berninas. I have used the tru stitch on the sweet 16 (a sit down, no frame). I assumed people would know I used the bsr on a bernina because that is what it can be used on. The tru stitch can also be used on some baby locks if I understand correctly, I haven't used it on those.

Sorry, I should have realized that's what you meant. My BSR beeped at me occasionally too.

I, too, vote for continue saving up for a used Bernina with a BSR -- like the 440. Please don't think of a stitch regulator as training wheels. It is a very nice tool. I've done FMQ for about 1 and a half years now doing with and without the BSR and definitely prefer the BSR. Good luck.

I bought a Bernina 440 with the BSR back in October for $2500. It was used -- original buyer traded in for an upgrade. I bought it from my LQS, a Bernina dealer. I saw one on Craigslist for $1800, but without the BSR, around the same time.

It took me many years to get to the point where I could spend that much on a sewing machine. Not just able to afford it, but also feeling ok to spend that much on a sewing machine! But I have not had a single regret. I LOVE this machine. I've done more sewing in the last 3 months than I have in the last 20 years combined, and truly enjoy it.

Keep saving and get what you really want. It'll be worth the wait.

I have worked on a Nolting Hobby quilter with a SR but I did not use it, but my friend using it loved it. She said that once you use it you don't want to work without it.

I bought a Janome 1600 (9" throat) used for $400 and a stitch regulator for it from Allbrands.com for $500.

You might want to check Allbrands, it's possible there is a stitch regulator available that is compatible with a machine you already own.

I bought a stitch regulator for my Baby Lock Jane but it is on a long arm table. It cost $500.
It dosnt do any thing for speed it just keeps the stitches the same size no matter how fast you go.

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't know about Allbrands so that's a good tip! I had been thinking I'd like the Bernina 440 QE but it sounds like it might be hard to get one in my price range. It is good to know you can get the stitch regulators for other machines--I definitely need something that will help me keep all my stitches the same size.

Thanks again!