I'm a newer quilter and currently have a Pfaff expression 2034. I recently tried a Bernina 440QE and liked that you could set the speed at a certain pace, even when using the peddle. But, it doesn't have IDT like the Pfaff. Pfaff pushes their IDT, where it feeds fabric from the top and the bottom. Am I going to miss that feature? I mostly piece quilt tops. I do not like to quilt and usually send them off to a long arm quilter. Any thoughts or preferences?
Thanks

Forgot to add that i don't have a desire to embroider with the new machine. Thanks.

Oh boy, you are going to get as many different answers as people here. I have a Janome 6600P and here's how I made my decision...

Explore some features that are available.
Make a list of features that you really want.
Make a list of criteria that is immovable - for instance, price.
Make a pile of fabric and batting sets.
Take your fabric samples with you and USE as many machines as possible. Keep notes on your impressions of machines. Shop owners do not mind if you come back more than once. They also appreciate that you are doing some serious shopping and know that every individual will have preferences. Of course, they hope you will come back to them!

As I did this, I learned about new features and was able to choose what I wanted. Another thing I did was to talk to the serviceman in as many places as possible (actually my DH did much of that for me).

If this sounds like a lot of work, well, a good sewing machine is worth every bit of it.

Yes, you will probably miss the IDT
First what dealers are near you, that should a factor in your decision.
I just purchased Babylock Quest Plus with built in walking foot and free arm.
Good luck with your choice:)

If your looking for a Bernina 440QE there is a really nice one in the sale section for cheap!!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-97687-1.htm

Billy

Just wondering why you are thinking about getting another machine? Is there anything wrong with your Pfaff or is it just new machine fever? Just curious because I have been looking at some used Pfaff's for a back up and the IDT is what interests me.

Check out the new Pfaff Smarter C1100
http://www.smarterbypfaff.com/global/14.htm

It also has the auto thread cutter.

Keep the Pfaff, get the Bernina, and have the best of both! I have both! Pfaff is in the shop now and I am missing the IDT :(

B.Zang has the right idear---i would hate to lose the IDT check out the horisan ? has a similer inbuilt walking foot there has been som negative comments re the new pfaff s made me a bit warey

I would get another Pfaff. I currently have three and wouldn't trade them for anything. And Yes, you will miss the IDT.

I'd stick with the Pfaff if you are mainly going to piece tops. That is where the IDT really shines, and you would miss it for piecing.

I have an older Pfaff 7570. That is all I use to piece. I wouldn't be happy with another machine for it...

I have a Pfaff with the IDT & I don't think I would ever like to have another machine without it. It is the feature on that machine that I use all of the time.

Yes, you will miss it.

The Pfaff Expression 2 is on sale right now for $600 off!

I have the Janome Horizon 7700 and I love it. There was some bad press when it first came out and Janome has corrected a few things - they came out with a new foot that is a new 1/4" foot.
It has the built in walking foot, and there are several feet available that fit with that technology.
I find that by using the walking foot, and moving my needle to the right, it is great for piecing. The needle can be positioned from far left to far right in tiny increments so setting it for a perfect 1/4" seam is easy.
It has the 11" throat and comes with the acrylic extension table.
The thing I like with Janome is that most of their special feet and attachments come with the machine, so you're not putting out $$ for your machine and then having to buy extra feet and attachments.
It also has the knee lifter which can be detached if you don't use it.
It has enough lights on it to light up a ball park.
It has the needle down button, it has a thread cutter button, it has an option to use the go/stop button or the foot control. There are hundreds of stitches, and they're so easy to access by using the front dial with your finger to just scroll through them fast, fast, fast - until you find what you want and then just push the button and go.
So, yes, go out and try different machines. Test them all. But don't only look at Pfaff and Bernina. You do pay a lot just for the name.

Well i've been to every dealer for every brand now.....and I just like the way the Bernina sews. When I stopped in my favorite local quilt shop to check out the Babylock machines...I mentions that so far my favorite was the Bernina. And being the wonderful people that they are, they told me of a person who was selling theirs. I'm going to check it out next week! The price seems fair, so I may be able to keep my Pfaff and get the Bernina! I'm so happy....

Boy, that would be awesome. To have the best of both worlds. Whatever you decide on, just enjoy... :thumbup: :thumbup:

I took my Pfaff to be serviced last week and haven't heard back. Mine has three computer boards and two are replaceable and one not. I hope to hear tomorrow if it is fixable. I have been using it as is but thought I better get it looked at. If it is the sync board, I am out of luck and need to look for a new machine myself. They showed me a couple of new Pfaff's and I am thinking of sticking with them, time will tell.

I have an older Pfaff (with IDT) but I would not buy another Pfaff because of the company's attitude toward customer service (what customer service?) The new machines (at least some of them) do not have the same value as the older ones. I can feel the difference - maybe not everyone can.

My Pfaff is now the backup machine and yes, I do miss the IDT. However, my new Babylock Espire (which is now marketed as the Symphonie) has so many features and sews so smoothly that I don't mind attaching the external walking foot.

I also tried the Janomes and Vikings before making my decision. Already knew that Bernina was not for me.

Have you checked out patternreview.com? They have tons of reviews on all sorts of machines.