I have four, all different brands and for different uses. Only one a new machine, one is antique, other two from 50s and 60s. I can't say any is bad. I like them all from their perspective and for their particular use. I do like the Baby Lock brand for serious quilting and bought a floor model mid-arm for $750 when a shop switched out to newer ones. I personally don't like computerized ones only because I don't feel I have control. I like mechanical models because I can fix most anything myself if it's mechanical. But, that's just me.

I don't see how you can buy one without actually sewing on it. Maybe save your money up till there is a large quilt show in your area. They show all the models there and you can try them. It would be worth it to travel to a show just for that purpose.

I hope all the computerized wizards will chime in about their Berninas and so forth.

I bought a Pfaff Quilt Expressions 2048 Sept 08. It was new, but a floor model sold for a 40% discount to make room for the newer model. It was to replace a 40 year old Pfaff , so I am prejudiced towards Pfaff :). This new machine does more and has more fancy stitches than I will ever use, but I feel it was and is a good value, but I know that I would have bought it if I had to pay the full price. I had taken my old Pfaff into the dealer for service and parts are getting increasingly harder to find & while I was looking around the shop as I waited my turn the new 2048 jumped into my arms like a lonely puppy. (I am not an impulse buyer - ever!!)
Anyway, you need to decide exactly how you want to sew and what you want this new machine to do. I know you have kids, boys I think - so the frilly cute stuff is not required ~lol~. If you want it primarily for piecing and quilting, Pfaff has a hobby Grand Quilter 1200 that is a midarm - 1,600 stitches a minute. It is being replaced, so if you find one, it should be at a great price and in your price range.

I agree, you should sew and test drive any machine before you purchase.
Don't let the pushy dealer sell you more than you want.

hello
mostly I would be using it for piecing quilts and some basic quilting, maybe come sewing crafts.
I would love to go to a quilt show, the closest city is saint louis, MO. I will look up possible shows there.
thats a good idea, I have never been to a quilt show.
thanks.
michelle

Sewing machines are a very personal item. There are several good brands and I think that sevice availability is one of the most important considerations when buying a new one.
My main machines are both computerized: oldest:Janome 9000;
newest:Babylock Espire. I love them both but having been exposed to other Jamome machines I feel they have a slight edge. The middle line has some very nice features and portability.
I am sure others have insites on other machines. Exposing yourself to different types is the best way to select one that will suit you. With the monies you have you should be able to fined just the right one.
Jayne

I have an Elna - the Heirloom 6005. I don't think I could love it anymore than I do. I've had it about 7 years I think, and paid around $900 for it. Never had a problem with it. It has more stitch options than I'll ever use although there are 6 or 7 that I use often. It's easy to take apart and clean.

Although you might have to hunt for a local Elna dealer, I would recommend you check out the Elna "Quilting Queen" Pro 7300. I haven't used it but it looks like a great machine. I'm sorry but I don't have any idea about the price.

Kate

I have a Bernina, bought 2 yrs ago.It's great,but my opinion is, all the top names make good machines.Another thing I've noticed, most mfgrs are making a lot of lower priced machines.You need to research on line & keep a notebook on prices for any machine you like.There's a big price diff among dealers. I could have payed up to $1400 more,for same model !!!!

Another note.Have heard the dealers at a quilt show will often use new machines for classes at the show, then sell them at a discount.Sorry,I have no more info on that.

hello
great that gives me some to look up on-line,
Pfaff
Janome
Babylock
and
elna

I'm rilly out of it I quess becouse I have never heard of these, but I like to do my reaserch before buying.
thanks
michelle

I love my Janome, but do have to drive a long way to get it serviced. I would visit your local shops and try out their machines. They will be glad to help you find one that does what you want. Make a list of the things you Love, the things you Like, the things you Dislike, and the things you Hate about your current machine. Then make a list of things you would like to have (I would love to have a lock stitch) and take them with you.

beverly

Michelle - another thought - husbands buy sewing machines for their wives for Christmas - and the wives return them for various reasons...........the dealers discount these returned machines, if they are opened - out of the box - at least my Pfaff dealer does. The next few weeks may be a very good time for you to find a great deal, but you are going to have to do your research, and know what features you want (or don't want) and be ready to buy.
Let the dealers know that you are an active sewer/ quilter and ready to buy - give them your list of features you want and ask them what the best deal they can offer you. Make it clear you are going to buy a machine that fits your needs. be nice, but firm!
Just a thought about the returns - when I was in a class at the Pfaff dealer, a man purchased a machine for his wife,and we all knew it was going to be returned after Christmas :)

Michelle, to give yourself a better idea of the variety of brands you might want to pick up a couple quilting magazines. The grocery store usually carries 3 or 4 different magazines. Not only will you get some good patterns and lots of inspiration, but you can check out the ads for machines. Then go to the manufacturer's websites and see their options. Some may even be offering after-Christmas deals. I would also suggest checking out Consumer Reports to see what they have to say about quality, service, and all that.

But any machine you get, as long as you can do a couple of stitches, change feet and drop the feed dogs, will make pretty quilts! I used a $69 Kenmore for over 20 years until I bought my fancy Elna and I don't really think I make nicer quilts now than I did then. It's easier to do more things with it, but 99% of what we do is sew a (fairly) straight seam and all of these machines will do that. I don't think you can go wrong.

Have fun shopping and let us know what you decide to get!

Kate

Just a note regarding machines offered at a discount at quillts shows. I bought my Baby Lock at the Paducah quilt show at a remarkable price because it was being used by Elenor Burns's class. I thought that I was getting a pre-tested machine and was very pleased. Jayne

I'm in the same boat of looking for a new machine vs. spending money on my 35 year old Kenmore. I've test-sewn a few and am saving up for the Juki HZL line. Haven't decided between the 300 & 600, but leaning toward the 300. The only thing the 600 has that I would miss is the large extension table, which is available as an option on the 300. Sewing on it was a dream! patternreview.com has a LOT of sewing machine reviews on all makes & models.

Here is a link that might be useful: Patternreview.com