opinions on new machines

[quilterbee]

I love my Janome 6500, it's the predessessor to the 6600, it rocks! I had a Bernina,too-sold it on ebay and haven't regretted it. It was very difficult for me to quilt on such a tiny machine. I have 3 Janomes now and I think I'm a confirmed Janome girl now. I have many other older machines and I love them too but I don't use them often. I'd love to find good homes for a few. Anyway, I think there is a perfect machine for everybody, there isn't one brand that makes a superior machine. You have to buy what feels good to YOU, not what people tell you. Amie )

[cindyg]

I also have a Janome MC6600P. I LOVE my machine. I agree though that you should go and test drive different machines and see which one feels/sews the best to you.

[Rose92]

I LOVE my Viking Sapphire 870, that my husband gave me for Christmas!! I am making a Double Wedding Ring, Egg Money Quilts style, and I love using only the machine to applique the arcs to the block. Also, having a 10" throat is wonderful for the free motion quilting, as well as having such control over the speed. I have also become addicted to the needle down feature and using the foot pedal to up and down the presser foot--don't have to take my hands off the quilt. Just my 2 cents worth!

Linda

[MAWmum]

Welcome Tobers!

I would say that most name brand machines have good and better points. I would say try a bunch and then get the one that meets your needs and feels best to you that is in your price range.

Everyone has a thought about why they love their machine, and so only you can deside what is best for you.

[dwr37]

I have a Baby Lock Ellure Plus, but I wanted the embroidery option AND I NEEDED a new sewing machine that would handle alot of different types of sewing. My grandmothers machine would only do straight stitch because something was no longer working and couldn't be fixed. However, if you are purchasing for quilting, I wouldn't recommend it because the throat is only about 7 inches. I did chanel quilting on a big top of fabric for a full size bed spread, but it was a major chore.

So, I'm very happy with my machine. Actually, I love my machine. I love the quality for the price. I love the flexibility it gives me. But if my only reason for the purchase was for quilting, I would have gone with a different option.

I mentioned it because this brand has not yet been mentioned.

[fabricgirl]

I have an Elna quilters dream and that is a great machine and I wouldn't trade that in for all the coffee in dunkin doughnuts .

[lisabutcher]

I have a long arm quilting service where I finish quilts for people
I'm having a hard time advertising. Could you spread the word for me
I have a gammell and have been quilting for 22 years. I have no work
at the moment so if I did your quilt there would be no waiting.
E-mail me at lbquilting@hotmail.com

[LadyRags]

WRITE UP A PROs AND CONs LIST of all the machines and their features after you have tested them all out.

Make sure you include all the things you want to do on the machine... just quilt or also other types of sewing.... the more different types of sewing you want to do the more features you will find that you need.

Think about the future needs... I thought I would never need an embroidery modual but now I have grand kids that want the little cutesy motifs on clothes or belonging or their quilts. I also found the embroidery machines are good for quilting with the quilting software... I have to rehoop each block but that is okay. Using embroidery hooping method allows me do quilt more of my own quilts at home and is a big money saver. Especially the baby / small quilts.

AND TEST OUT THE DIFFERENT MACHINES ON DIFFERENT DAYS AT DIFFERENT SHOPS... THEN BARGAIN with the dealer you will be surprised at the deal you can get if you walk away ... they usually come down in price... just do not do it in front of other customers.

[apolta]

Welcome!

I wouldn't trade my Viking Designer 1 in for anything... well maybe the newest Diamond version... but I would have to swing by the divorce attorney on the way home from the sewing machine store... LOL!

I have a Viking Quilt Designer as my back up... not as many fancy features but is terrific!

Cheers!
-Alina-

[cindyg]

Test drive test drive test drive every machine you can get your hands on. One mans' trash is another man's treasure. To each his own. Etc etc etc. The best machine for you is the machine that talks to you when you use it.