auto needle threader gets the #1 spot, then the needle up/down, then the reverse button

Now if they could just figure out how to add a seam ripper to a sewing machine, I'd be in heaven

1. reasonable number of fancy/utility stitches
2. throat space and reliability to FMQ
3. light weight to be able to take with me.

I have #1 & 2, but not 3. Others have mentioned lighting. That's important for the machine, but even more overhead. And an auto threader would be nice, too.

1. 1/4" quilting foot
2. Needle threader
3. Needle up/down

Needle , thread and foot. Sensible. Reply would be needle up and down. Stop start button(so you don't need to use foot pedal all the time.also useful when you forget to take foot to class) and no 3 reverse button.

1/4" foot, electrical power and lubricating oil to keep on quilting. Just an old fashion quilter !! I once quilted on a my Singer treadle. YIKES, try THAT sometime!!! THAT machine doesn't stop once you stop peddling and no backstitch !!!

LIGHTING, needle up/down and positionable, and oh, how I miss the walking foot feature on my Pfaff! I really like my Janome 6600P, but why did they not make a better foot system for it!? I have to remove that darned shaft to change to several different feet. What a pain! If I had it to do over again, I'd probably go back to a Pfaff, and may do that yet...so much more user friendly!

1. Knee lift
2. A bobbin that never runs out
3. Unlimited harp space

I only have one of these so far, but I'm sure some smart inventor will make the rest possible someday. :p

I like: seam gauge on the bobbin window, automatic needle threader, needle up or down. I never use: thread cutter, knee lift, foot pedal. I love the start/stop button. I don't have to continually chase my foot pedal around. I never did find anything to keep it in place, and I've tried everything.

needle up/down, knee lift and the great light

When the machine stops, the needle stays in the down position. Works well for pivoting at corners, adding the next fabric for chain piecing, etc. Many machines can be programmed to stop needle up or needle down.