Which machine to buy?
 

I have a $2000.00 budget -- what would you seasoned quilters recommend, also want to get into some embroidery. I've been quilting for 2 yrs & really enjoying it but my old machine doesn't have good tension & struggles through layers. Must have: automatic threader/cutter. Have been looking at Viking 600e, topaz 20, & 30 ( more $$$). Your thoughts, please!!

Don't discount a gently used machine from your LQS that comes with a warranty. Buy the best machine you can afford that has all the features you want and be sure to test drive it before you buy.

I'd definitely look at the Janome 6600 and the Janome 7700. I think there are a couple of Pfaffs I'd look at too but I don't know the model names or numbers.

I just got a Juki F600 and I love it! Any thickness of fabric will feed through, it's quiet and sturdy and well under your budget at $999. Right now they are selling it with extra accessories which is nice. Here's a link: http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/hzl-600.php
I also have a Janome 7700 and wish I'd found the Juki first! I love my 7700, but for piecing I prefer the Juki.

Check out www.allbrands.com I bought all three of my machines from them. They have free delivery and FAST delivery.

I would definitely check out a good used Babylock or Brother at a dealership. Babylock just introduced new machines and should have some recent trade ins at their dealerships now.

I love my brother dreamweaver but it is out of your budget, but you can get the brother Laura ashley for 1800. I had my espire for 2 1/2 years and loved her very much but couldn't pass up the dreamweaver. To me if its in your budget you can do no interest payments which is what I did on my espire and am doing on my dreamweaver. I just love my embroidery unit already. I agree about the jukis as well, have only heard good things about the model spoken about and that is around 900 and comparable to the laura ashley so keep that in mind as well.

I have a Bernina. It was a gift from my husband for my birthday. I had no say in picking it out. It's a great machine, but if I have a say in my next one, I'd definately get a Babylock. I just saw the newest one and oh my....is it quite the machine. Way out of my budget, but I can dream for now.

I myself has a Janome. but I dont have many patterns. I think I need some...

Viking just came out with the Ruby Deluxe so it might be a good time to check the dealers so see what gently used Rubies or Topaz's they have on sale. The Deluxe is awesome as is the Ruby; which I got used only 7hrs but got the warranty and all. I've been using it for a yr and love it. I'm addicted!!!!

Make sure you get good customer support from Viking rep and classes. Get the one with the biggest hoop you can afford. I never use my 4x4 and don't even have a 5 x 7. I like using the biggest one that I have and putting more than one design on it at a time. The Vikings are great; not finicky about what thread you use and mine automatically adjust the tension. I've honestly never touched my tension since I got it. I could rave all day but obviously you know about the Vikings. If you can go up to a Ruby you'll find it has a lot of advantages over the Topaz; which is a great machine.