Annie Pearl

I am looking for a basic machine with a wide throat and the 1500s is looking pretty good to me. I don't have a lot of money to spend and already have a old Viking with all the stitches that I don't use. I thought I could get some opinions about the 1500s here.
I don't understand what the pin feed is and what it's supposed to do. Also does it have needle down? I don't have a dealer close so I would be buying from Amazon. Is that a good idea?
I'mIm looking forward to hearing what my quilting friends have to say.

nygal

I have the machine even tho I haven't used it much. It does have needle down and the "pin feed" is there is a little pin part comes up from underneath to help move the fabric along if I remember that right. I purchased mine from www.allbrands.com and it was with FREE shipping and fast delivery in THREE days. The throat is a good size and it does sew very fast!! Most people on here who own it seem to love it.

Up4BigChal

The Pins are for even feeding of both top and bottom fabric something that is slippery. I love the 1500 it rocks as a fmq machine and it sews very fast. Well worth the $$

Quiltngolfer

I have one and love it. I have had mine for 12 years and it still sews like a dream. The only time I have had it serviced was to have the timing fixed that I messed up myself. I stuck my finger in to knock some dust off while it was running. It bent something. My repairman fixed it quickly and I'm back in business. I use mine for piecing and quilting all the time. I have two more expensive machines, but this is the one I use most. It has needle down, push button scissors, wide harp, pin feed, and makes a beautiful consistent stitch. It uses any thread I throw on it. It sews very fast too. It does only do a straight stitch, so if you want zigzag or specialty stitches then this is not the machine for you. It is great for garment sewing as well. I just love my Brother 1500 and I think you would too.

Jingle

My Daughter has one, uses it as an only machine and loves it.
Got it from allbrands.com, free delivery, and free extras. It is straight stitch only with a 9" throat. I have two other brand machines just like it and all I use also. I have several other machines as back ups. Important thing is to keep it oiled as per owner's manual and keep it clean.
I'm sure you will love it.

bigsister63

I have this machine andI love it! It sews realy great for both piecing and quilting. Easy to adjust pressure foot tension and to lower the feed dogs. I got my from Amazon for $600 wth no tax and free shipping. Many people pon this board have this machine and really like it. Try it you will like it!!!!!

Sewfine

Here are some, not sure how close it is. I like to test drive my machine first.

RIVERCREST SEWING CENTER
13310 S CICERO AVE
CRESTWOOD, IL 60445
708-385-2516

HARLEM AVE SEWING CENTER
3906 N. HARLEM AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60634
773-625-1515

FRIENDLY STITCHES SEW AND VAC INC
2135 W. 63RD ST.
DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60516
630-541-8388

sewplease

I called Ken' s Sewing Center yesterday. They have the machine listed on their website for $599 w/ free shipping, but it is on back order. In fact, they told me there weren't any anywhere in the US right now.

SusanErler

I bought one last year and this thing is a WORKHORSE! It's solid. Stitches like a dream, has needle down and automatic cutter. Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to oil.

I'm thinking of getting a quilt frame like a Gracie Queen or Ken Lund for it. I don't have a lot of room, so I can't get a big set-up, but I just finished quilting a queen-size French Braid and did some FMQ with it, and it's just such an awesome, awesome machine!

I absolutely love mine!

Jo M

Pretty good testimonials & advice here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t243674.html
Sounds like a really reliable machine. I'm thinking of getting one too. I'll keep an eye on this thread.