rrhaigh

I like Pfaffs because of their built in walking foot. However, the newer ones are made in China and not near as good as the older ones. I purchased used ones to get away from the made in China machines. I love my Pfaff 2056 - great features and a joy to sew on.

nangars

I loved my baby locks also I have 3. One decorators choice that I take to class, my baby lock quilters quest that I use for most of my general sewing at home, then my Baby Lock Ellisimo that I use mostly for my embroidery, love, love, love it. I do a lot of tote bags and I embroidery them for gifts.

maryb119

I love my Pfaff machines. I have an older 7550 model and a 2144. Both have built in duel feed and that is a wonderful feature. I have only done regular maintainence on each machine and had no problems with either one. I am very happy with them. Each has lots of embroidery stitches on them. I didn't have very many stitches on my Kenmore so when I got the 7550 I embroideried everything I made. If you make a list of what you want on a machine, it will help you to decided which is the best machine for you.

Yakkity

I am pro Brother. I have 3 sewing machines that are Brother & haven't had any problems with either of them.

Nanny's dollface

Like many have said, buy the best you can afford. I recently was in your shoes. How I approached my search:
1. Identified local shops that sell machines. If I needed repair work I wanted a local dealer rather than having to ship the machine out.
2. Identified the features that I wanted - keep an open mind as there are features that I never knew existed. Your priorities may change.
3. Set a maximum price point.
4. Visit the shops and test drive each machine. Note the feel of sewing, the noise level, how easy is it to thread, practice with types of stitches.
5. Find out what is offered with purchase: classes, trade-ins, trade-ups?

I went to the store thinking I would try out a Singer- that's what I had 30 years ago. Ended up with a Viking Emerald 118 and love it. It has been a work horse. Being in between jobs, I have used the machine almost every day for 6-8 hours making quilts and other sewing projects. I have even FMQ a Queen size quilt despite the narrow neck.
Good Luck shopping.

Kris P

I love my Janome 6600. It has the integrated walking foot, which is wonderful. When I SID, or sew on the binding with the walking foot, it's so much quieter than a regular walking foot. On my previous machine, when I'd use a walking foot, I was afraid that the whole machine was going to fall apart, it was so loud.

When my old machince was in for repair, I was given a low end Janome as a 'loaner' and even that had a much better feeding system than the small Brother that I owned. When I went in to pick up my repaired machine, I traded it in for the 6600.

auntlucy

I have a Baby Lock Symphony that I really like. Several of my friends have the Melody and really like them. Other of my friends swear by their Janome's. I would suggest checking these two brands out thoroughly.
Have you taken the Kenmore's in to a really good sewing machine repair shop that is willing to tune up an older machine? The older Kenmores are good machines. I would never give up my 30 year old Kenmore. It sews a beautiful straight stitch and is all metal working parts. I took it in several years ago for a tune up and it came back sewing like new.

lovedquilts

I just recently traded in my Babylock Symphony for the new Babylock Cresendo, I love love love this machine! I am a Babylock girl, they are so user friendly, I think they make me a better sewer. Oh I also own the Ellissimo for my embroidery.

KyKaren1949

I love my Janome 6600. Definitely try to work with a dealer who is close to you. It makes a world of difference when you know you can go there for help.

Lady Diana

If you think you are going to need help with a new machine, then find a local dealer. Otherwise there are several dealers that will sell a machine and ship to you at a huge savings and no sales tax. Many times I have gotten the best price on the machine I want from other dealers in the country, then taken that pricel, less tax to my local dealer to match. He has matched everytime...that was for my Babylock sergers. I have found the best price for my Janomes were from dealers out of state.
There are several Janome yahoo groups that are wonderful for support and information on all of the machines. I own the 6600, it is a real workhorse and I would not trade it in for anything. I just bought the Janome 8900.....it is wonderful!
This is Janome's newest sewing/quilting machine with an 11" harp space and the Accufeed Flex system rather the bulky walking foot....the 6600 has the auto thread cutter and Accufeed system.....I would not purchase a Janome without the thread cutter. Depending on your price, the Janome's are a dream compared to more expensive machines. I have owned this line of machine for over 40 years and never had to take one in for repair. Depending on what you want to spend, there are lots of gently used machines out there for great prices at your dealers. If you would like to PM me, I can provide you with some pricing information and several dealers.
Diana