Cherylsea

The most important thing, after the features that you are looking for, is the dealer and their reputation. Some dealer's just sell you the machine and send you out the door! You want a group with classes on various features, an in-house repair person ... someone you will be comfortable in going to with problems. I have worked for our local Viking dealer for years and have heard horrible stories of mistreatment at other shops. The warranty issue is another problem - if you buy on-line you may be buying a stolen machine and you probably won't get your warranty work for free in any case.

KayS

When my Elna broke and parts weren't available I started looking for a new machine. They are expensive. I found a Baby Lock on Craigs list for a lot less than new. I'd buy the best you can afford and what you'll use. I love all that my BL does and if I had the $ I'd buy a high end.

kerrym38

I purchased a Pfaff 2170 new a few years ago, and a Brother Quattro 2 a couple of months ago. I've never regretted my purchases. I love both machines - sometimes I have both of them going at once. I figure as long as I use them, I don't regret buying them. And I use my machines several times a week. Of course, if I made such a purchase and then didn't use it ... yes, I'd regret the purchase.

shelrox

I had gotten a great deal on my Elna Pro Quilting Queen 7300 and then felt guilty about it. But once i started really using Eloise I fell in love and was so mad at myself for feeling guilty. I say if you can afford it go for it, the amount of work you save with the higher end machines is well worth it. I can whip out quilts for charity and it is a great feeling knowing that the money i spent touches a lot of lives.

Margie

I have the Bernina 830, Brother Quattro, Babylock Ellismo Gold and an older Bernina 180...love them all and dont regret buying them.

skothing

Yes I have had a sick feeling in my stomach after buying the Diamond $10,000. That was 4 years ago and now I wish I had taken more care and bought more feet with it. I am so happy with it and LOVE it. This June it is paid for. One year before I bought the Koala sewing studio with the roll a bought. I paid it off then got the Diamond. Now that it is soon to be paid off I am thinking of the long arm.

VernaL

I have a Bernina 440, but I didn't buy the embroidery module. If I had small children, I would have used it. But, I have never regretted buying the machine. It is just wonderful. I have an old 830 from the 60's that is wonderful too. It just doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the newer ones have. I gulped at the price, but never regretted buying it. I always buy my machines at the County Fair and get a very good price.

stchenfool

I just bought a Brother Laura Ashley nx2000 and I absolutely love it - no buyer's remorse here - just one exciting thing after another! (2,400)

bigdogmom

years ago I bought the Viking Designer One,it has embroidery unit and the software was extra. I enjoy the embroidery but do not use that feature very often. For garment sewing and quilting I have been very happy. I also liked the dealer,they had classes and very good customer support, but sadly they went out of business. And my Designer One is floppy disc (remember those). but, since I used the embroidery so infrequently, I will keep using my machine.I cannot justify buying another one for embroidery. final...I do not regret my high end machine.

Grace creates

I bought a Bernina activa 145 for $1000. ten years ago. That was a good price at the time about half off. I love that machine and it does all I need.