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What I would do. Is first see how much you can spend. Then go to a dealer and test drive the machines and see which one you like best.

I love my Juki! Of course it is great for FMQ because of the long harp, but it is also the greatest for piecing-- don't need leaders/enders, as it DOES NOT suck in the fabric at the start of sewing.

For fancy stitches, applique, blanket stitch, nothing beats my Bernina.

My Brother Nouvelle 1500s is my favourite.It has adjustable pressure for the sewing foot,adjustable height and is a straight stitcher that goes through ver thick material effortlessly.I also like the fact that it is not computerised.It has a 9" harp.

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A 301 is a dandy machine and you can take it with you if you go to a class, retreat etc. Can't go wrong.

I love my babylock Espire, can't say anything bad about it

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpspeedy

I just had to replace my beloved Bernina 1260. I went back to the local dealer and made a great deal on a used Bernina Artista 185. I didn't need the embroidery module and I don't machine quilt anything bigger than a Linus quilt so I wasn't interested in the bigger throat area. I got it for at least a third of what it sold for new. He even gave me store credit for all of the feet I had purchased over the years for the 1260 which I was able to use to purchase the feet and extra bobbins I needed for the newer machine.It has loads of built in decorative stitches and the wider stitch widith that allows for even better decorative motifs. I was shocked how expensive the bobbins are but I have been busy rounding up the dozens of old bobbins I have. I am pretty sure he will make me a deal for a number of the new ones I need in exchange. I had purchased a much less expensive Bernina thinking to take it on retreat etc. since it is much lighter in weight. I thought I could get along with just it when my 1260 died. I learned the hard way that the extra weight in the machine is what makes it so reliable. The vibration in the lighter machine when I put the pedal to the metal drove me crazy. I kept it for retreats and workshops but I can't stand to sew on it daily.

What a generous businessman he is. It's nice to feel trust in a transaction especially when you're dealing with a high-end product. I have a Janome 2010, I really like it, but having used a Bernina in classes, I'm dreaming of one.
Blessings,
Angela

Love my Janome MC6300 for quilting, garments, home decorating, and hockey equipment repairs. Has 9" throat and push button thread cutter. Feel like a queen every time I sit down to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dolphyngyrl

I love my babylock Espire, can't say anything bad about it

I had a Babylock Esante, but I was so new to sewing, still worked outside the home, and the machine scared me. I bought it used from a dealer. It was very, very heavy.
I sold it a few years ago then bought a more basic machine Janome 2010.
I still think about that Babylock and how smooth it worked. Someday I'll get another or maybe a Bernina. But I still think of Babylock!!!!

Thanks so much everyone. I have lots to research now. I just bought some *more* fabric....I have boxes and boxes of the stuff - so I have to stop making excuses and start making quilts:) I know I am not the only one - when you are starting out it seems so overwhelming and intricate!