opinions on new machines

[tobers]

Hi- just joined and need some opinions- I have always hand quilted my quilts but when I go to quilt shows and see some of the gorgeous machine quilting- I am now ready to try it. My husband wants to buy me a new moderately priced machine for the holidays, but I am so confused. I tried a Viking one in the $600 range at JoAnn Fabrics and it was a dream- but I don't want something too complicated with a million options. I want to know how to choose the right machine for home quilting -and what is the best brand- Janome, Viking, Pfaff etc? Any opinions would be appreciated- it's so confusing. Thanks

[sewbug]

I have a Brother PS 1500 and it is for machine quilting. It is straight stitch only and the kind that will fit on the smaller quilting frames. I don't have a frame I use it on a big table. It's a fantastic quilting machine but rather pricey around $1200. Of course you may find this model for a lot less now. Mine was a gift, I doubt I would have bought it at that price but I'm glad I have it to machine quilt.

[Flystitch]

My friend has the Juki 98Q just for the quilting, she loves it and lots of room to get the quilt in. It depends if you are looking for an all round machine as to what you buy. This only does straight stitch.

[CoyoteQuilts]

I have a Pfaff with an IDT (built in upper walking foot). Welcome!!

Sharon V.

[geriwood]

Today I took a machine quilting class with Valli Schiller. She is a great machine quilter. Eveyone in the class had different machine. Lots of Janome, Pfaff and a couple of Bernina's. They all sewed beautiful. Make sure you have enough room for a large quilt. If you are going to do free motion quilting, take a sample of you fabric and batting and try the machine to see what you like.

[Oasis]

Several Ladies have just bought the Viking Sapphire and they all love it. It has a 10 inch throat (supposedly the largest available on a multiuse machine).

On the home page, click on search then put "Sapphire" in for replies and you can read some of the things they have to say. I'm also looking at either the Sapphire or the Viking Designer II.

[quiltingangel]

I just bought the Janome 6600 and I really love it. I previously owned a Viking and a Kenmore, but neither can compare with my Janome. In fact, a lady friend of mine stopped by and when she saw my Janome and all it does, she went out and got the Jamone 4900.

[INKA]

Another big vote for the Pfaff with the IDT system! No shifting of fabric layers, no puckering when quilting - it works wonderfully!No, I am not an agent - the machines are quite costly but the best ones I have ever heard of!Buy the best you can afford, you will not regret it!

[ladyfleur]

I have sewn with most major machines' Elna, Pfaff, Janome, Sears, Bernina. Bernina by far outweighs any other machine I have used. The Bernina machine, any model, sews like a dream. I have never had a machine that makes even the difficult things like narrow hem stitching, blind hemming is absolutely the best. I would highly recommend a Bernina. Good luck on getting a new machine.

[naniyosie]

- I really 'love' my Janome 6600. I did have a Bernina quilters edition, sold it, and do not regret it. The 'cost' of extra feet and tune ups for the Bernina were outrageous.
The 6600 has so many options...first, I didn't have to buy extra feet because you get alot when you buy the machine. Bobbins for Janome are .05 cents (at my Janome dealer) and for Bernina they were 1.00 each. Ouch.
Yearly 'tune ups' were 25.00 less.
I now can use that 'extra savings' for more fabric!!!