Hi Patti.....

I spent the past month looking for a new sewing machine. I did my research online and talked with friends and some of the MSQC quilters.........then I went store to store for a 'sit and sew.' I agree that no one can choose your machine for you but you sure can get a wealth of information from your sister quilters...I know I did.

You need to decide whether you want an embroidery machine and/or what other features are important to you.

First of all.....if you've not purchased one of the upgraded machines.... don't faint when the dealers tell you their prices run all the way up to $10,000. I was so shocked.... wow! I didn't realize you had to go to a dealer in order to get a price quote or that buying a sewing machine was akin to purchasing a new car. The machine has a MSRP (just like a car) and you make the best deal you can ... and then go to another dealer and do it all again.

I wanted an electronic machine with as many bells and whistles as I could afford. I looked at Bernina and Babylock and Husqvarna Viking and Janome and decided I liked the Babylock. The reason I said what I did about dealing and MSRPs is (just like with a car) you don't want to pay the MSRP. My babylock's MSRP was $3500.00 and I paid $1900.00 plus tax, so you can see there is lots of room for dealing.

I am in love with my new Babylock. Not only does it have a beautiful stitch.... lots of decorative stitches...... walker foot..... quarter inch foot.....stitch in a ditch foot..... stippling and free form quilting feet.... it also has a touch screen to make your stitch selections and it recommends a foot change when necessary. It has a knee lift.... which raises the presser foot with your knee so you don't have to take your hands off your quilt to turn corners. It also has a stop/start button... so you can sew with our without using the foot pedal.... along with an auto thread cutter, needle threader. Oh and I forgot..... it came with an extension table..... which adds about 20 inches of surface space.

I really do hope I haven't bored you with all of this....... but I hope it helps some. I know there are many awesome machines.... and I wish you good luck with your search and your final choice.

Hugs
Mia