New machine time - need help choosing

[nyscpa2be]

Hey, what better gift to myself for finishing my MBA than a new machine, right?

I've read at least 90% of the posts regarding new machines since I joined in May, and am ready to go buy. I would like to spend under $1500.

I currently have a Brother, its mechanical, and has a 5" throat. Common issues are that the thread has a tendency to come off of the think that goes up and down on the front of the machine - last step before needle, the feed dogs don't drop, there are no thread snips, there is no down needle, there is no tie-off function, it doesn't like bulky seams (like corners of binding) and it will feed top and bottom differently, even with the walking foot. I was raised on a Singer, but I'm not being held to any brand.

What I would like: 10" throat (approx), thread snips, down needle, down dogs, clear bobbin area, 1/4" foot capability, FMQ capability, ability to sew thick items (maybe the extra high presser foot), good lighting, most likely computerized. Stitches I use most often are straight and zig zag, but I also like some decorative stitches - I seem to have alot of baby quilts on my UFO list, and like to machine sew the bindings, so decorative stitches would be great. I don't sew clothing, ever, so serging, etc, is not a necessity. An alphabet/limited embroidery would be nice for mug rugs, placemats, coasters and quilt labels.

I have looked at Baby Lock, but the closest retailer, and therefore repair shop, is 3 hours away. Within 20 minutes of home I have Pfaff, Janome, and Bernina at LQS', and Husqvarna and Viking at JoAnns. I was also just told that Kenmore machines are Janome, but it seems that Kenmore has stopped production, from my Google research. I am willing to look at Juki, Singer and Brother are also OK if they meet the list.

Specific Machines I am considering are:
Baby Lock Melody
Juki F600 $1049 on Amazon
Janome 6300P $1199 on Amazon
Janome 6500P $1499 on Amazon
Janome 6600 - seems like the only difference is a few more stitches, and the accufeed system, and its about $1699
Pfaff Ambition 1.5
This is not an exhaustive list - feel free to suggest others.

So, from the wealth of knowledge held by all the amazing quilters on M*, what information can you give me? What machine basically meets the list above that you would qualify as a great machine, where I can hope one day of getting the results as beautiful as the quilts you make? Thanks!

[Lisapc]

Go to sewingmachinesplus.com, you can get the Juki 2010Q for $999. It pieces and quilts beautifully from what I understand. You could also get the Juki 600 much cheaper from them and their customer service is amazing.

[jennyann]

From my experience purchasing a new machine is to Find a dealer near you and go test drive the machine. A plus from buying a machine from a dealer is that they normally can do work on your machine right there and it won't have to be sent out. Meaning you won't have to go through the symptoms of withdrawal from not quilting as long. congrats on your MBA!!!

[bkthomas]

You will get good advice here - I love my Janome but wish I could upgrade too.
Here's a thought - if you really want the Babylock and can afford it, but need a backup machine in case the babylock has to go in for service - there are a lot of machines that could be a back-up for around $100

[nyscpa2be]

You will get good advice here - I love my Janome but wish I could upgrade too.
Here's a thought - if you really want the Babylock and can afford it, but need a backup machine in case the babylock has to go in for service - there are a lot of machines that could be a back-up for around $100

I will be keeping my Brother, and also have my Mom's Singer as backups.

[kelliedi]

as you may know from all your research, Singer, Pfaff, and Viking are all made by the same company. ( that is why you see the initials of the three anywhere on the boxes of each) I haven't tried a viking but do have various Singers and one Pfaff and love them all.

[Lindagie]

I have only had Pfaffs (except for one no name that I had, which was great for sewing simple things-it only cost $60.00 in the 1960's. My dd used that one in college I would still have it if it hadn't gotten ruined when we had water in the basement one time). Anyway I don't think you can beat the IDT on the Pfaffs, and all of them make wonderful stitches; that is about all I can offer.

[bubba]

The Juki 2010 does only a straight stitch and nothing more. My big machine is a Singer Futura Quartet which I bought off of HSN. I have only had one problem with it (by my own doing), but now know who to take care of that (because yes, it happened more than once!!) and really like it. The throat area is only 9", but that is more than enough for me. The only thing it does not have is an automatice thread cutter, but at the time, I didn't know about those!

I have yet to try the embroidery part....came w/the table and two sizes of hoops, but I have never played with them and I'll have it two years this fall.

My class machine is the Babylock Audrey, which I bought for it's weight, which is 12 pounds. It does basically all the same my big Singer does not counting the embroidery.

Have fun in your test drives!

[Lisapc]

The Juki 2010 does only a straight stitch and nothing more. My big machine is a Singer Futura Quartet which I bought off of HSN. I have only had one problem with it (by my own doing), but now know who to take care of that (because yes, it happened more than once!!) and really like it. The throat area is only 9", but that is more than enough for me. The only thing it does not have is an automatice thread cutter, but at the time, I didn't know about those!

I have yet to try the embroidery part....came w/the table and two sizes of hoops, but I have never played with them and I'll have it two years this fall.

My class machine is the Babylock Audrey, which I bought for it's weight, which is 12 pounds. It does basically all the same my big Singer does not counting the embroidery.

Have fun in your test drives!

For piecing and quilting the Juki 2010Q is perfect, I have a ce-350 for embroidery and decorative stitches. You must try the embroidery. It is so fun. Oh the possibilities.

[Cat n bull]

I suggest a Pfaff Expression. The 3.2 should be in your price range.

You will LOVE the IDT! It has excellent lighting, and the ability to taper the stitches.

I would not get a machine off the internet without checking with the manufacturer about the warranty. A lot of companies will not honor the warranty if the machine is not bought from an authorized dealer, and they will not honor it if the machine is shipped.

All of the brands you listed make excellent machines, I'd go with the dealer you get the best service from.