Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I bought an APQS milli and later added IQ (computer) to it. I really like it. I don't have a dealer near me but I have been able to do anything that needs to be done to my machine myself. It is a great machine.

I have also worked on a Nolting 17" Fun quilter at a local quilt store where I was employed . I really liked it and I was most happy to call the Nolting company in Iowa, also got a response and when I had a problem their machanic wood tutor me on the phone until I got it fixed. Their support is great.

I am unemployed now but have many quilt tops that need machine quilting, it's about $600 worth in machine quilting. so I bought an ANCIENT Kenquilt machine off of craiglist for $1000.and am thinking of selling and moving up.

All of this does not help you and I am truly sorry for your loss, so take you time and research, try them out. I don't know what your budget is but I would start on the lower end of your wish list and move up.

I am so sorry about your mom. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.

My mom has a Nolting 18 inch machine. She lets me use it when I want to quilt a large quilt. I really like how the Nolting handles. When she first got it, Nolting let me go to her lessons with her since I worked at a quilt shop and could advertise for them that way. It was a real learning experience. I have played on other brands at quilt shows but I think I would go with a Nolting. The Iowa MFG plant is just over an hour away so service would be really handy for me. Service is a big thing with any machine. I think they are like a car....you would drive your car without regular maintainence and your sewing machine is the sanme way. You know what you want. Shop around and take your time so you get the machine you want. Good luck.

I also have APQS Millenium with Intelliquilter. I am lucky to live in IA so am close to them. Their support is excellent as is that of IQ. Though I would recommend setting aside some $$ for classes like I took with Suzanne Moreno for the IQ. I like the setup of the Millenium frame as it is very sturdy and reduces vibration. I also like the add ons of motorized fabric advance and hydraulic lift. They make the quilting more comfortable for your body. You also need to consider $$ for changes to the room you will put it in: extra overhead lighting, APQS recommends a particular surge protector, which I'm very glad I took their advice on. All of these things add up and should be taken into consideration.

Sorry for your loss. You can also try to find a refurbished one. I remember seeing a really nice one at a qilt show for about $4000.00 for the frame and machine. Good luck