I have been fortunate enough to be able to borrow sewing machines from my classroom(I teach sewing to high schoolers). The sewing lab has Viking Scandinavia 200s and Freesia 415s. The department also has a nice serger, Elna Experience 8300 embroidery machine and a heavy duty machine. Since I teach, the school permits me access and use of the machines. Well ever since I started quilting, I realized a need for my own machine so I can set up a proper work space-which may include some carpentry work by my husband.
After much research, and 2 ebay purchases of used machines that I sent back-I went ahead and bought a brand new machine. Hope it gets here by Friday.

I went with the Juki G210-for many reasons. I was able to test drive a higher end model at a quilt show in April and was impressed with the company. I bought it online and know lots of sewist/quilters recommend only purchasing from a dealer-but the closest Juki dealer is 2.5 hours from my house. I have the option of returning the machine within 30 days(got free shipping today) and I know my local sewing machine shop will work on Jukis.

I decided I deserved a nice machine-I have no other serious passion(other than reading and watching reality tv shows)-and calculated out what my husband spends on golf just during the summer and the machine actually cost less than his hobby!

If anyone is interested I would be happy to provide a review once I get it and play around on it for a bit. From the videos I've watched-it appears to be a nice,high quality solid machine that has a larger harp for free quilting and the deal I got included lots of extras-especially the various presser feet that don't usually come standard with most machines.

So glad to have made my choice and now that I am working on the Mystery Quilt here-looking forward to using the new machine on the project.

Thanks for letting me share my exciting news.