Dolphyngyrl

I love my brother dreamweaver, it is a dream, like those talking about the babylock crescendo it is lovely. I also second the lauraashley/symphony as I had the predecessor before my dreamweaver and really loved that one as well

Sandygirl

I have not sewn on all of the machines so i dont have an opinion on determining "the best". I
Sandy

SingerSewer

Baby Lock Unity, Credenza, Aria, Journey, & Destiny machines - 11.25 inches to the right of the needle - Pro

Con - $$$$ PRICE

IrishgalfromNJ

I just bought a Janome 7700 (haven't even had a chance to turn it on) for the throat space, the number of stitches, and the dual feed foot. I feel it will do everything I will need for a long time to come. $2,499 at allbrands.com, free three day delivery.

meyert

I don't know what is the best machine, as I have only bought a couple. I love my Janome 6600. Someday I would like to have one with more throat area, but those get to be pretty expensive

Belfrybat

Janome 8900 for an all purpose machine. It has an 11" harp and ALL the bells and whistles -- does everything except doesn't have an embroidery unit (but does embroidered letters and numbers).
Brother PQ 1500s for a straight stitch workhorse of a machine. It has a 9" harp. I use mine primarily for FMQing since I now have the Janome.

I talked to Donna at Kens Sewing Machines today and they are selling the Janome 8900 for $1695.00 and can ship them out of state for the next few weeks. Usually the 8900 can't be shipped. These were machines they demoed at the Paducah Quilt show but will carry the full warranty just as if they were new. http://www.kenssewingcenter.com/

hray

I agree with Dolphyngirl--I really like my Brother VQ3000. I was looking at 11" harp machines, and it came down to the Brother or the Janome. I much preferred the Brother; it felt sturdier and had more features. Prices were similar.

pocoellie

I love my Elna Quilter's Dream, but if you're looking at strictly a larger throat area, the 201's have a fairly large throat and you can drop the feed dogs, which are a couple of the main reasons I want to get mine up and running, just to try it out.

Veinurse

I have the Janome 8900 and am very happy with it. I bought it for the throat size and it really makes a difference in your larger quilts.

bmillet

Husqvarna Viking Ruby