Tegakat

I always had top of the line Singers, loved my last one but they have changed. I now have a Brother 1500P, it is wonderful, but it's only a straight stitcher but for piecing & any straight sewing it is the best.

I, also have a Janome 6500 that I really like too.

And for classes, I bought the Brother CX6000, I think that's the model # & I really love that too.

They all came with all the feet & the Evenfoot too.

That's what was nice with Singer too, they had everything before every body else them. Stuff that is just showing up now, drop in bobbin, thread cutter, stop & go, needle down, etc.

Now, some machines, you have to pay extra for every little additonal foot, etc.

But my Big Brother is the best on stitching regular stitching.

Tegakat

nellie

i have a bernina artista 730e ,that i paid 7000-8000 with taxes,i love it has so many features but best of all it has a stitch regulator for quilting your quilts i love that regulator it,s good for smaller quilt tops but hard to quilt a quilt size like a twin,double or queen size quilt very hard to handle that size projects evey thing eles is wonderful about my bernina,then i have a elna that i brought several years ago now that sewing machine was put away for a long long time now this baby works like a dream to be trueful i think it sews better then my bernina and i think i paid 1,500.00 for it ,thats a very good sewing machine ,i was surpise when after several years of it not sewing i just took it out cleaned dust off and guess what it sewed like it was new wow ,what i like about this sewing machine is very easy to use and low maintenance hope this helps

tulip43

Hi, I have a Jannome 6600, it is wonderfull for pieceing,applique and quilting. I also have a White 710, which is several years old but is a great machine . I use my Featherweight 221 a lot just for pieceing. I enjoy these 3 machines, and they have never given any problems.

robbijmorris

Hi everyone. It has been a while since I posted. I actually have a Bernina Bernette. I bought it used and refurbished at a local sewing shoppe for a very reasonable price. It only cost us $100. I know it is not fancy, but it does a great job. I'll upgrade eventually. I was able to quilt a king size quilt top on it, so don't worry about the small size.

My mom is computer challenged, and is not a member of this board. I'll post for her, anyway. She uses a Janome, also. I have actually used it, and it is a nice machine. Can't go wrong with a Janome.

Robbi

Eve

I have used a Baby Lock machine for many years. I'd like to trade it in for a machine that does embroidery as well as regular sewing.

crazy quilter

The thing I would recomend is to be sure that if she is to machine quilt the quilt that the extended throat is very hellpful. I have a Janomie a New home that is over 20 years old and a Bernina that just sits. I have worn out PLASTIC machines. I love my Janome

Also the idea to get a little more than is wanted now is a great idea. I have several friends that purchased a simpler machine and traded up to more stitches. I use the fancy stitches on clothomg more than quilts.

Don't forget the walking foot....

I do not know what Sears carries but maybe go to a Janome store to see what is available before going to sears. I often wonder how much the sals people know. Good luck

ceegee

:) I love my kenmore.It is a workhorse. It is basically a janome but does more. I bought the cheapest computerized one with about 50 or sixty built in stitches a a needle threadler . As far as I'm concerned it is the workhorse of the industry. But I'\ve only been sewing and quilting for about three years. I have two other machinesa lower priced Janome that does't do musch but still is an excellent machine and an embroidery beginning of the line janome.
Go for which ever machine is the best buy for your need s and pcketbook.
ceegee

GailG

You've got a great big heart, DH. But DO take her with you for her to pick what she thinks will be more comfortable for her. And yes, I can picture you in a quilt shop. You are such a good sport. :thumbup: Keep us posted.

Pam Lingenfelder

:roll: You have another Janome user here. I have sewn on my still treasured Singer for years, but last year I got a Janome 3022 and I have never been happier. It has a self threader, a lock stitch, a needle down position and many patterns. I use it for sewing the quilt top, and quilting it using the walking foot. It's a great machine and I paid$299.00 and bought it at Hancock Fabric. Good luck, I just know your wife will love the Janome. :lol:

batdancer

To answer the general question about what sewing machines people are using, I have two machines. The first is a computerized Kenmore which is very easy to use. When my local quilt store had a big sale on the Bernina Activa 220, I recently purchased one. The Bernina Walking foot, needed for quilting, was pricey, but well worth the money because it is a dream to work with. It is smooth and quiet. I have destroyed other walking feet on lesser machines in a short amount of time.

Here is my two cents about choosing a machine. Many stores have sewing machines you can test drive or even have free or low cost classes so you can play with the many of the features. If you are shopping for a used machine, check to see if parts are still available.