I have two Pfaffs - the Ambition 1.0 which is now my class and travel machine, and the Performance 5.0 which is permanently set up in my sewing area. I highly recommend Pfaff for those who enjoy quilting. The IDT (built in walking foot) is wonderful and makes sewing through quilt sandwiches a breeze. PLUS you can still use a 1/4" Quilting Foot at the same time as the IDT.

I paid $650 for the Ambition 1.0 during my dealers Super Bowl Sale (which I have since learned is their best sale of the year). I think the reg price is $799. I've seen it priced as low as $599 for used/reconditioned/classroom units. I would purchase from a dealer who should provide free machine usage classes and servicing.

The Ambition line is a great for beginner/intermediate sewer's - it offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has beautiful straight stitch, great lighting, intuitive layout, lots of stitches to choose from, needle up down, decent throat space, start/stop button (no pedal required), etc. Plus that IDT that I can't live without! I refused to trade it in when I upgraded to the Performane 5.0, which although I love, is more machine than I really need (still haven't used even half of what the P5.0 offers, plus 75% of what I do is straight stitch piecing!).

Like others have said, you can't go wrong with any Pfaff with IDT. Take in some quilt sandwiches, leather, sheer organza, vinyl, and other material you may be using and test drive the machines your dealer offers and see for yourself how well the IDT in the Pfaff machines work. You may be able to snag an awesome deal on trade - my dealer had so many trades, the machines were lined up in the hallway!