okiepastor

I know some of the vintage machines have a big throat, and the subject has been discussed on Vintage Sewing Machine Shop, but I do not remember which was the biggest--you might want to post your question there.....

Dina

My Pfaff expression 2 has a ten inch throat. I paid $1600. for it. I don't have any idea if that is a good price, but I wanted to buy locally, and there it was. :)
Ten inches has worked well for me.

OCQuilts

The Bernina 820 and 830 have 12" throat and the stitch regulator! They also offer a table that can assist in quilting, and even quilt motion software that is comparable to the best computerized quilting machines! Bernina is clearly the leader in this field. If you don't have a local dealer we'd be happy to ship to you! Store support is an important factor. Unfortunately you are a bit far for us! I hope you find a great Bernina dealer near you to try the 8 series!

Yarn or Fabric

If you are looking to only quilt on it - not piece or do anything else, you can look in to a Bailey Home Quilter. They are suitable for sitting down or on a frame so if you ever decide to get a frame you will be set ;) and they are inexpensive, work horses that are not finicky about thread. There is a yahoo group for them and people that have them adore them. :)

http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/test.html
You can get a classroom model from them that is discounted.

They come in 13", 15" and 17"

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Brother PQ1500S has a 9 1/2 inch throat. Straight stitch only machine. It comes with an extension bed and many extras brand new for $750.

wytetygeress

My singer 221 has an 11 inch throat. It is vintage and a beast. Oh and only does straight stitch..(I only use it to long arm quilt)It can also stitch something crazy like 5000 spm, not that im ever going to let it go that fast. I love it though. hope you find something that you will enjoy

Rose Marie

My Viking Sapphire 830 has 9 1/2 in to the sewing foot edge.
I also bought the cheapest lift table for the bigger machines. Its a Bertha I think by Arrow. Cost 550 dollars and was a bear to put togather.

patchsamkim

This is what I have and I LOVE it for quilting...it is good for piecing also especially sewing together strips...really sews fast!