Dolphyngyrl

Buy what you like and want not what a dealer or someone tells you to buy. If you are going to go high end, I would spend several month looking at different machines. Go to shows and try different brands out. For me I drooled over my machine for 2 years, but couldn't afford it. I went in to actually price lower models to upgrade from my cheapo mechanical brother. When I went in they told me their payment plans and I opted for my dream machine the babylock espire (symphony and ashleys predecessor). I would say it was about 6 months before I was completely comfortable with my new machine. It was easy to use, but has many many features. To this day almost 3 years later I still learn new things about her. I love all her bells and whistles, and miss them when I sew on my lower models. You don't need these features but they are nice to have you will only know if that is what you want in a machine. I would say start small and work you way up. my first machine was very basic mechanical brother with limited stitching, then I got a mechanical with more features. Now I have my baby, and upgraded my small mechanical brother to a small computerized one from walmart and can say I love my little one even though she doesn't have all the features of my big one I can do almost everything on her and she is so portable. I would if I were you get a smaller machine with those features and see if FMQ is something you truly enjoy before shedding out the dollars for a big machine. You can FMQ wall hangings and lap sizes on the cheaper machines, and even with a decent harp you will still have to get the hang of maneuvering your quilt. Some don't like it and opt for a mid arm machine to do it and a small machine for piecing. I paid 109 for my cheap mechanical brother 7 years ago and it does everything you would need it to with out the big spending.
Some of the features on the high end machines that make them nice are
automatic thread cutter
ability to adjust presser foot pressure, and height
pivoting feature with automatic presser foot lift when foot is released from pedal
knee lift for presser foot
needle down
screed instructions on basic threading of your machine without pulling out manual
bobbin winding independent from sewing function
low bobbin detector (no more sewing for minutes with no bobbin thread)
automatic tension adjuster
memory pockets for saved stitches
stitch length and width adjusting abilities( width was not an option in my first machine)
drop feed dog capabilities (these are only on my computerized machines)

My computerized small machine has drop feed and needle down feature so that it is more features for quilting than my second mechanical machine and only cost 200 ( 180 with the rebate) has blanket and decorative stitches and many feet that you would need for garment sewing without braking the bank.

Honestly I have practiced FMQ and the espire is just short of 9" harp, and don't know if I would do a big queen or king on it ever.

Neesie

Welcome, from Texas!

All you really "need" is a machine you love. Of course the shops are gonna try to sell you the most expensive one, possible; that's how they make money. I had the same Kenmore, for 35 years, before buying a Horizon 7700, for the extra throat space. I love my 7700 but I also still love my old Kenmore (and am trying to get it back to working order). When I decided to teach my dd and dgd to sew, I bought an inexpensive Brother CS6000i (with the intention of sending it home with them, afterwards). The LQS lady bad-mouthed it but I trusted the reviews and opinions here . . . and so far, it seems to be a wonderful machine!

luana

You mentioned that you wanted a blanket stitch. I would suggest that you check out the machines for the scope of length and width for the blanket stitch. Last year I purchased a smaller travel machine with the blanket stitch option and soon discovered that it had one setting. I couldn't lengthen the stitch to where I wanted and couldn't make it any wider. If you plan to develop your quilting skills I would recommend looking at the built in walking foot. There's nothing better for stitching in the ditch. You will do a lot of that along with free motion quilting. Good Luck!

May in Jersey

First, know the features you really want, wider throat, blanket stitch, etc. and
Second, sit down and sew on the different machines. Top of the line may not be what's best for you, the models with lesser bells and whistles may have the features you want and at a much lower price.

When I was looking for a new machine I was sure I was going to buy a Bernina but I didn't feel comfortable using it. Went to a sewing machine/vacuum shop that was a big messy place but since it took me so long to drive there I'd try out the Pfaff I came to check out. Well I bought it because I felt so comfortable using it and still do.

Buckeye Rose

You also should check with the dealers for good used machines. Lots of quilters upgrade to the newest model and trade in their older machine. I found a great deal on a used Janome 6600 at the dealer. It came with unlimited classes to learn how to use it, as well as free quilting classes. I love my 6600 and while there are features on other machines that would be nice, I refuse to mortgage the house to have them!

Rose Marie

I started out with a cheap Brother machine. It is now my backup machine. One thing about Brother machines is they are good machines and reasonable.
I now have a Viking Sapphire computer machine. I love it. It has a 10 in throat and that has become a must have.
Love the needle down function and that is now a must have also. My quilting has improved so much by having a fancy machine.
Do lots of research before investing in an expensive machine.
Now Im wanting an embroidery machine, it never ends.

jj1150

I recently bought the Janome 6600 and really, really like it . And I am *back to quilting* (or trying to be) after an absence of about 25 yrs. ..... my other machine (which I have always loved) is a Bernina Record 730 (bought in 1969) and I did want to upgrade.

I just finished a queen size rag quilt and made pillowcases/shams to go with it; and I so enjoyed added the decorative stitches on these ~ gives it just the *right* finishing touch.


And I *might* have overbought, but I knew I would NOT be able to buy a machine and then trade up in a few years (my husband likes, all too often, to remind me, we are NOW on fixed income!!!)

Sooo, I bought the best I could afford (and that was the top of my $$$$ line), because I knew it had to be the ONLY one I would be getting. But at 61, this should last me forever!!!

jody

jlm5419

My 30+ year old Kenmore does a blanket stitch, along with several others. There are probably lots of older machines out there that will do what you want without paying the price of those high-end new machines, and the older machines will likely outlast the new ones.

jcrow

I started with the cheapest Viking Huskavarna, $300, and used that for 15 years. Then I upgraded to a Viking Quilt Designer, which I still have as back up. And 2 years ago I purchased my dream machine and I love it. I won't mention the name of it because it causes all kinds of problems for some people. I saved for this machine and it does everything but people get upset if I mention the mere name of it. But I love my new sewing machine and I am so happy I bought it.

jcrow

One thing I should mention. A lot of gals here have many featherweight machines and I know that they cost a pretty penny. Someone has 60 older machines and no one bats an eye on how much people spend on these old machines. Then there are all the people who have long arm machines and I know they cost a lot of money and no one says anything about how much money they cost. Why is it that people only say negative things about anyone who spends a bit of extra money to buy an expensive new sewing machine?