i am currently working with a singer stylist circa 1950.it was a grad present in 1974 from my mom.now i would like to upgrade to something quieter-this one sounds like a freight train-it only needs to go backward,forward and be capable of machine quilting if i ever et to itch to do taht-currently i hand quilt everything-but i can see where somewhere down the line i might want to machine quilt.i really dont want something with multiple bells and whistles

I have a Babylock Quilter's Choice Professional. It does not have "bells and whistles". It only goes forward and backwards, but does 4 settings for the feed dogs. It has a semi-industrial motor which makes it a workhorse and is smooth as glass and solid as can be (it's got some "heft" to it). It is a mechanical machine and you need to be willing to "get to know your machine" for things like adjusting top thread tension, bobbin tension, and pressure foot tension as well as cleaning and oiling. It also lends itself very nicely to Free Motion Quilting. I have had it for 2 years and absolutely love it. The only time I use my "fancy" machine now is when I need to use the zig-zag stitch for joining batting! I highly recommend this machine.

Check out the Brother SQ9000. I just got one from Walmart. Comes with quilting tools, i.e. walking foot, quilting/darning foot, 1/4 inch foot, quilting guide and eyelet punch along with the regular feet.

I would look at the simpler Janome machines. I'm pretty sure they have some models without all the bells and whistles that aren't too expensive. Or Kenmore-they're supposed to be good too (but I hate Sears but that's just me)

I always wanted a Bernina and finally got one around 10 years ago. I love it!!

Gale, I've always felt that way about Sears!! I think it's because no matter what you buy from them, you have to get their parts as they are always slightly different from anyone else's. I do have a Kenmore sewing machine though, it was my first and I used to a long time. But talk about noisy!!! :D

I also use a Babylock Quilters Choice Pro and love it for piecing.Also for binding with the walking foot.I have a Designer Diamond for fancy stitches and embroidery -but prefer the Babylock for piecing

I got a Janome DC2010, I am a basic sewer. It machines through layers, it is pretty quiet. I like it. I am a new quilter, so it does me fine!

I have 3 Janomes that have been trouble free. Love them. But go to a dealer you can trust, one that will service your machine and maybe give you a lesson or two. Depends on how much you want to invest and once you start looking you will be surprised at all the options that are out there.

I have the Janome 6600P with some bells & whistles. Best features are the extended work surface, "built-in walking foot" & built-in thread cone holder. This is my 2nd Janome.