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I am in search of a new machine and very frustrated with the sewing machine companies. All they seem to be bringing out is TOL and cost a fortune. I wish they would add some new machines to the middle of the line !
Any suggestions and recommendations on models welcome! This is will likely be my last machine purchase. I keep them for a longtime time. I want to make a good purchase. Have a anime and Babylock now

Oops should have said Janome

What price range? And what does TOL mean?

Top of the line .... Sorry
Under $ 3000

I think mid-line today means $1000-ish ... and I too have wondered why for $1000 someone can't offer a 12-15" harp with the stitches quilters use most for that price. The Babylock Jazz II has everything I would want as a quilter and nothing I don't want..really a perfect balance, but not much is being said about it here on online. Not only that but I think price is around $1000. You mention you now own Janome and Babylock...2 of the most reliable brands along with Juki. Don't think there's much NEW tho the Skylines are worth a look..especially S3 and S5 are priced around $1000.

Ah yes.. i see you say under 3k.. yes, those are mid-line also..i'd say between $1000-$3000. wow. so the 6700 is new and nice and falls in that range. Have you looked into that one?

I'd look at a used Bernina before anything else. There are actually quite a few available right now, as they've had an "upgrade" sale this summer.

First, let's start with what features you want/what you will use the machine for.

I understand your frustration. It seems some have the message that a wider harp is prefered but they don't raise the height of the harp for easier viewing. Some of the antique machines have beautiful high harps.

The "mid-range" Janome I'd recommend is the Skyline S7.
it has all the features of an S9 except embroidery.
the price should be about the same as an MC6700 or 6650.
the S7 includes the Pivot function, whereas neither of the other two have it.
(at least i couldn't find it anywhere in their manuals.)

Have you looked at pre-owned machines?

I own seven machines. The best and by far my favorite machine is a Brother 1500 that I bought used. Paid $400 for it and a New Joy frame, which turned out to be useless to me so I passed it on to another quilter.

I also purchased a Janome 1600 (which is nearly identical to the Brother) also for $400. It's my backup machine. My husband bought a Brother SE270D from Overstock for $300, it was refurbished but was my "daily driver" for years until I got the 1500.

Put the word out to your friends, local quilt shops, guilds, and dealers that you're in the market for a used machine. Know what you want and what you're willing to pay for it.