Buying a new machine as “Advanced Beginner”
 

Hi friends-I am so glad to find this board. I began quilting 5 years ago. Each one takes me about 9 months-like having a baby! I need a machine with long throat (for large quilting) and an adjustable foot so I can fit lots of layers under foot. Not too complicated, please. I found a Janome and a Brother under $1000 at a quilting store. Any advice?

I don't think you can go wrong with a Janome but I've never owned a brother so am slightly biased. If you have the chance, make a sample of the thickest you might make and try it on the machine.

I like all my Brother machines. I do piecing and FMQ on my Brother PQ1500. I think it is the PQ1600 now. Great machine. Takes any thread. Not fussy.

I have a Juki 2200 QVP Mini (repackaged TL 2010) that I bought specifically for quilting quilts. It has a large throat space (long and high) and works great. I've quilted king sized quilts on it with no problems. Its a straight stitch only machine that is great for heavy duty projects. I highly recommend it.

I have a Brother PQ1500 as well - bought it when I wanted the same as you - a bigger throat and more sewing power - and am very happy with it. I kept my tiny starter machine for zigzag (I use this for frankenbatting) but otherwise do everything on my Brother.

Machine choice
 

Good advise to take sample sandwich and try out several machines.
Janome is a great brand. I OWN several. NEVER been in the shop, still going after decades of use.
The straight stitch machines do not zig zag if that is a feature you like.
I was looking for a machine with stitch regulator for years, but JANOME didn't have one until last year.
MY online dealer was sold out, but suggested the Elna version, it was on sale, included the stitch regulator, so I purchased it. ELNA is made by Janome.
Wonderful machine. Your choice depends on budget and all features you want. If it is a mechanical Straight stitch machine you want, ask your dealer about Janome HD9.
Feel free to PM me on more info.
Diana

I have a Janome Memory Craft 8900 QCP and highly recommend it. I really don't need all the decorative stitches, but otherwise love the large throat space.

The best tip is to buy one with speed control which ever brand you buy. I have the Juki TL 2010. Large harp space, speed control, auto thread cutter, knee lift, straight stitch only, no computer parts, all mechanical under $1000 brand new.
If no dealer near you then I recommend buying from https://jukijunkies.com/

I have high end machines from both brands and much prefer the janome machines.

if you can find one with a 9" throat or longer, plus accufeed, for under $1,000 snap it up.

I have an Elna with a large throat space and lots of bells and whistles. No stitch regulator, of course, because it's older. I have quilted up to queen sized quilts but find as I age, I just can't maneuver the quilt as easily as before. I have a small space for quilting. If you have the room, set a table behind your sewing table to avoid dragging. I don't have that capability, so I have reverted back to quilting in sections or "quilting by check" with a long armer.