In 2016, I asked for a fancy sewing machine for a holiday and my husband took me shopping (awww, isn’t he sweet?). I figured that because I used my sewing machine so much, I should invest in an expensive machine. I purchased a fancy Husqvarna Opal 690Q. I took the classes that came with it. It had lots of fancy stitches and all the bells and whistles. I hated it. If only someone had explained to me how to choose a sewing machine that met my needs– not theirs. Buying the most expensive sewing machine with new-fangled features is not necessarily the best move you can make. Before buying a machine, always ask yourself what you’re going to use it for, whether or not you need all the extra features or if they are something you can live without, given the kind of tasks you intend to do with your machine. Also consider what future use you may have for the sewing machine. For instance, if you aren’t doing embroidery stitches now but you are planning to do so in the near future, then getting in a machine that can handle embroidery might be a good idea. The best advice I can give is to look on Amazon (I know I know...local dealers are great too but the choice between machines is not the same). On Amazon you can kind read the reviews, and even test the machine during an entire month. Look atthe ones I've selected for you on Amazon

Here is one review on the XR-7700. There were none for the other machine. Here is a link that might be useful: review of Brother XR-7700

I bought my Bernina over 10 years ago for $1000. it was half price because Bernina was coming out with a new line and the shop owner wanted to make room in her shop for the new line. I have seen Bernina half price when they just want to get rid of older models. Call around. I drove an extra hour but saved half of the price and my machine is still wonderful. They also sometimes have machines that others have traded in. I don't reccomend buying a used machine from ebay. You can get something good from a reputable dealer for 1000.

The kenmore machines are made by Janome and that is what I have been using for several years now. As a dressmaker I start having trouble with a machine after about four years. I was buying Janome when I realized I could get the same machine (top of the line) for a bout two hundred dollars less. I put a lot of hours on a machine. You want to look for a machine that has a good buttonhole system if you are going to make clothing. Aline Huey