FoggyButFocused

@Onebyone and @mkc -- ditto on their advice. I bought a Pfaff Ambition 620 (one step down from the 630) and I really like the IDT. It helps with piecing. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to like chain piecing. It tends to jam in between successive quilt blocks.I also like to applique, but I use the blanket stitch and not the satin stitch, the Pfaff works great. I don't think the throat size would be big enough to FMQ anything bigger than a twin. On one of the other posts recommended using a pool noodle as a guide for using a long arm frame on a DSM to see how much throat space was available when the quilt is rolled up. Maybe you could apply this to your shopping?

I like to shop for machines at the quilt/sewing shows, plus you get good deals. Also check the Pfaff website for monthly deals. I got a free extension table when I bought mine.

Good luck on finding a new (or two) machines!

wesing

Look at the Pfaff Creative line. I think my wife’s was in the $2,500 range a few years ago. Multiple alphabets, embroidery module, wide throat, needle up/down with “pivot position,” tons of stitches, thread cutter, LED lighting, and Pfaff’s IDT. Test drive one and I think you will be in love.

As much as I love our Pfaffs, I want to test drive a Juki HZL-NX7 “Kirei.” I can’t afford one now (I’ve seen it on Amazon for $3,000), but it has everything I could possible want in a machine. If you expand your search to Juki I would recommend looking at this one, but that recommendation is on reputation alone; I don’t own one.

dunster

As much as we would all like to choose the "right" machine, the truth is that our needs and desires change over time. When I bought my Bernina 440QE around 2007, I selected that machine largely because of the BSR, and I also purchased the embroidery unit. A couple of years later, I bought a longarm and have not used the BSR since then. And I never got interested in machine embroidery. I am still happy with the 440, but if I were buying a new machine today I would look for entirely different features. I also piece on a vintage Singer 301, and the only features that I miss on that machine are the automatic needle down and the knee lift. I'm sure that if I had an automatic thread cutter, for instance, I would get used to it and eventually might regard it as a necessity. But I don't have it, so I don't miss it.

lizzie3

Honestly it's been so long I can't remember. I know one of the feet was not from viking and they sold it to me as an extension since that was all that's available. I think part of it was me shoving a giant quilt with the larger polyfill under a tiny spot. And now I can't figure out how to get them to work.

lizzie3

A couple things to respond:

-I looked up the stitch regulator and I'm not super concerned with having one, it seems like a dream feature.

-My machine doesn't have a blanket stitch either but I would like that stitch to applique in a future machine. If I couldn't have a satin stitch I'm sure I'd be happy with a blanket stitch!

-I looked up IDT and it sounds like it'd be great! I will look for it, but not a deal breaker.

-I agree that my needs will change over time. But I am saving for big things (IVF) and this machine will have to meet my current and anticipated future needs for 10 years+. I also want to get it soon because once I get into fertility costs and hopefully pregnancy than I will not be buying a new machine.

-I'm not interested in embroidery. Like at all. But I'd like the letters to make quotes.

I was surprised that the dealer had recommended those machines as my emerald has apx 5.5" of throat space so an extra 2.5" doesn't seem like it'd make much of a difference. It sounds like most people are saying bigger throat space should be key and it sounds like I could still piece on my current DSM and find a machine that meets my other needs? If I found the perfect machine I would up my budget (MAX $5000) but would likely wait until the end of the year as I prefer to save first and then purchase. It's hard to easily test machines as I live in Ontario and we are in constant lockdown, or so it feels. Ontario hasn't had a quilt show since the pandemic and they won't for at least another year so I can't purchase anything there. But I'll plan to try to test things out. I also noticed a bernina seller close by.

I think for the free motion quilting I'm NOT interested in doing those fancy, time consuming designs all over the quilts. I think I'd like to do large meandering and for the practical reasons of some quilts. ie my current dresden quilt has 12" blocks and if I SITD it leaves large blocks unquilted. If I could FM than I could add a little design around the flowers. I have sent two of my quilts out and honestly the cost hurt my soul, I am very frugal with my money!

I will look at two machines, but I live in a small apartment and space is tight so may not be an option.

Thanks for all the feedback, I feel like I can look for things a little bit better!

Quiltah Mama

It sounds like you already know the features you like and would like in a new machine, which is a good start. I am a Janome gal and love my machine, and have worked up to the machine I currently have, starting with a smaller machine, and much like you, outgrew it and upgraded. Have you considered any of the machines from the Eversew line, very reasonable price, lots of great features, and a good amount of throat space on the larger one. Good luck in your search, keep us posted when you finally decide. How exciting.

bearisgray

My domestic sewing machines are middle-aged - but, from what I have heard, were consdered "top of the line" at the time they were made. Apparently "domestic" has replaced "home" when referring to sewing machines.

Bernina Record 930 - bought used
Pfaff Creative 1475 - bought used
Necchi BU - bought used
Necchi Mira - bought used

So - will one ever have "the latest and greatest"? Maybe for about five minutes until something newer and "better" come along.

Because I have never had a "fancy" machine - I am not used to an automatic thread cutter or serious computer settings.

The only thing I really would have wanted on the Pfaff and/or Bernina is a buttonhole/applique stitch. Other than than, I am happy with how both of them work. And for what I do, they are more than adequate.

And a lot of times, my "humble" Singer 237 (straight stitch, zig-zag, forward, and back, and three needle positions) is my favorite workhorse. It is heavy, though. weights 35-40 pounds.

PS. I wish you and everyone concerned the best long-term outcome possible with your fertility issues. From what I have heard and read, IVF is a very expensive procedure.

bearisgray

PPS: I have finally learned - for me - sometimes simpler, more one-purpose - is a better way to go.

The more complex a tool or piece of equipment is, the more that can go wrong with it.

sewingpup

umm...both of my machines (viking topaz 40 and Bernina 590) have a couple of different blanket stitches and you can vary the size of them and also mirror them. I just did the blanket stitch on the bernina. Also both of my machines "hover" meaning they will stop with the needle in the down position and at the same time just lift the pressure foot automatically enough so you can turn your work a bit to go around curves and points. I love that feature for applique. Both have about 8.5 iches to the right of the needle which is not a huge space...but big enough to do some free motion. I actually like a smaller machine for piecing as it is lighter and usually less expensive to buy. Getting a smaller machine with the features you want and the second one for free motion seems like a good way to go. All you need to free motion is a straight stitch machine with a larger throat. You should be able to get a decent one brand new for about $1000 and may even be able to find a used one. Oh, I would recommend getting a cabinet that you can set the machine down in....It makes free motion or any quilting so much easier than trying to do it with the little "surrounds" you can get for some machines. Have fun deciding. It can be overwhelming...there are so many options out there. Oh, and I would recommend looking at the dealers you have in the area. Machines these days have so many features, they really need some tech people to support them.

Fura70

Have you seen the Janome Continental M7, it has a very large throat space which is perfect for freemotion quilting. It also has a built in double transport foot called the AcuFeed, which is also great for quilting. It has a lot of 9 mm decorative stitches and is also great for piecing with the hp foot for a perfect scant 1/4”

if you want to stick with Viking I can completely understand. The Brilliance 75q has the most beautiful decorative and appliqué stitches. Even has so called omnimotion stitch which are very very big.

Both machines have a hover function which make them great for doing Applique.

please google these machines, because I think one of these could be perfect for you.

Good luck and have fun choosing!

Annette