stitch678

I love my Janome 8900. There's a newer version now ( 9450), but l love that mine's not so crazy computorized that you need to be a technician to run it 🙂. It has a 9mm needle position range and the default settings on most stitches can be changed to your preference for a project. I do a lot of machine applique and this machine is great for that ( with a huge variety of applique stitches). As well, l love that it's high shank , so l can do fmq and ruler work easily. For binding etc., it has the integrated acufeed feet ( wide or narrow) both of which you can buy specialty ' shoes' for. I purchased mine used from a reliable Janome dealer and it came with his shop's warrantee.

mkc

The 9450 has been succeeded by the 9480. (there's a typo in my previous response that I can't fix - I mentioned the 9850 but meant the 9480)

betthequilter

I just purchased a new sewing machine. I was fortunate to have a quilting/sewing expo near me where I could look at many machines. I ended up with a Baby Lock Soprano. I hope you can find a venue where you can look at and sew on many different brands before you make your final decision.

SusieQOH

LadyAg- so sorry you got a lemon. I have the same machine and haven't had any problems but my neighbor has. She hates that machine. To be honest though, I like my 150QE better! It lacks some of the features my 770 has but is more fun to sew on.
Hope you find a machine that is perfect for you.

LI_diva

I’m a pfan of the pfabulous Pfaff!
I have the quilt expression 4.2 which I don’t think is made any more, but it’s a great machine for piecing and FMQ’ing.

lmanna

I have a pfaff creative icon 2 and absolutely love it. It's a high end model. I'm not sure how their lower priced models compare. I've been thinking about getting a back-up machine for when this one goes in for mainenance, travelling, etc. If I do, I will absolutely be looking into another pfaff model.

I was considering getting a Janome before I purchased the pfaff but the models I was looking at didn't have the ability to remove the piece from the left side of the machine to allow for sewing tube-y things. I'm not sure if all their models are like that or not. Two months after I went with the pfaff my husband asked me to sew some light reflective fabric to his work jacket sleeve. There is no way I could have done that with the Janome.

Prior to my pfaff I had Brother machines. They were all reliable and never gave me any trouble at all.

retired2pa

I've read so many unfavorable reviews about the Bernina 770. I'm so sorry that you spent a lot of money and been disappointed with your machine.

I've only owned one Bernina (440QE) and was not able to "bond" with that machine so I sold it. I've also owned 3 different Janome models and sold them all. The latest one was a 9450. I spent more time trying to figure out what foot to use, what plate to use, and watched more videos than you can imagine because the manual is terrible and the interface is so complicated, it was frustrating. When I sold it, I had hardly sewn on it. The biggest gripe I have with Janome machines is their difficulty with sewing over several layers of fabric. I'm strictly a quilter so there's always seams to cross. The machines would struggle and stop sewing when they got to seams. Another annoying feature is how loud the Janome machines are. Drove me crazy.

I'm a Brother gal from way back (I'm 78) and they've always been reliable and quiet. I have a Nouvelle 1500 that I've used for 14+ years and it's still a workhorse. My newest Brother machine is the Innovis BQ3100. I love the lighting, the 11"+ harp space and laser light. It's smooth sewing and so very quiet

It's hard to find the "perfect" machine. Good luck.

maryb119

I have a Pfaff ICON and love it. A new machine is like buying a new car. Everyone you ask will have a different opinion. I will give you some advice...talk to a dealer. I avoid big box stores. I know this will start a firestorm, but it has been my experience that a dealer will help you get the machine that suites your needs and wants. My dealer is fantastic!

cashs_mom

I agree. A good dealer wants you to have a machine that suits you and makes you happy.

Onebyone

If you have a good dealer than yes check there first. The key word is good.