I so agree with MaryKay. Having a good local shop as a resource makes all the difference. I too owned Singers all my life and bought the Bernina 440QE that I dreamed of owning since it came out. Just for the BSR and to help me learn how to be a good machine quilter. Well due to my company moving me right after I purchased it, I never got my introductory mastery class and 2 years later I just took it a couple weeks ago. I have to tell I have been very frustrated trying to learn it myself. Now many people have no problems but I call myself a technoidiot and computers, etc. have a big learning curve for me. I eventually get there but it is a trail of tears. But one little 4 hr class really opened up new horizons for me and I'm excited to really get to know my machine.

When you are making a decision, you may want to consider what local dealers will support the machine. I own both Viking and Bernina machines, and have found that your local dealer (in addition to the machine's capabilities) can make owning a machine a wonderful..... or not so wonderful experience.

When I set out to purchase a machine that would support my quilting habit, I looked at the Bernina and the Janome. I simply could not afford the Bernina but I have never regretted the purchase of the Janome. It does everything I ask of it and I love it. But it really would be best to try the machines you are looking at and select what feels best for you. I was at my LQS on Saturday and saw the 800? (wasn't paying attention to the actual number) and couldn't believe my eyes. What a beauty If I ever win the lottery I will RUN to the shop. Have fun with whatever machine you choose. Gloria

I bought a Janome DC 3050 last spring. It was less than $600. I bought it to be able to do a double blanket stitch. But for almost all my sewing, I use treadle and hand crank sewing machines. I get much better stitch-by-stitch control with these old machines than I've ever been able to manage with electric machines.

Pat in Rockport, TX

Brenda, I have a Kenmore sewing machine that my DH gave me 24 years ago. During the Houston Quilt Fest, I purposely took some classes so that I could use the fancier machines. I would recommend going to the dealers and asking to test drive their machines. I found a big difference in the way different machines worked. I've also heard that you should take some sample pieces of your own fabric to see how it machines. Just my thoughts, I've dreamed of owning a Bernina, its just not going to happen real soon!
WandaM

Brenda, I am the proud owner of 4 Janomes. For the money, they are great machines. I know there is some Janome support in the British Isles. A lot of 6500/6600 owners had the 4800 and loved it.

WOW! I can't imagine having to to let go all my quilting notions!

Maggie iin E. Central Illinois

I recently purchased the Janome MC6600P and I love it. I haven't played with it as much as I hoped because I have been doing my BOM's by hand and hand quilting my son's quilt. My next quilt I intend to do totally by machine. If it doesn't work out, it will be my fault not the machines. SandyTN

Thankyou both Bridget473 and Book53 for your replies. The Bernina 440QE is my dream and it looks to be a great sewing machine. But in all honesty the Janome MC4800QC is more within my price range. And since moving to Scotland I have had to give up most of my quilting supplies and the more affordable machine maybe by best option as to the fact that I need to replentish my quilting supplies. I'll tell you what ladies, giving up my sewing machine and sewing and quilting accessories that I have accumulated over the past 25 years has been so hard and I wouldn't wish that on any quiltoholic like myself. Needless to say that I will get everything back in order over time. I was able to bring over four of my quilts and had to leave behind many...but family members are treasuring then now so that helps. I would be so happy to meet some other ladies over here in Scotland that enjoys quilting too. And hope to be able to chat with my beloved American quilting enthusiasts online.

Many Thanks,
Brenda

I have a Janome 6260 and I do like it,it was a Christmas gift from my husband,BUT I picked it out because we couldn't afford the Bernina.So,if you can afford the Bernina I say go for it. Julie

I've never owned a Janome so I can't really give you a comparison but I do own the 440 and absolutely love it! If you want to learn to machine quilt, the BSR is a great tool. That was the main feature I was looking for when I decided on the Bernina and I'm thrilled with it. I've never thought, "Oh I wish it had this or that," and truly enjoy using this machine. Good luck and happy shopping!

Hello, I love quilting and have always owned Singer Sewing Machines. Since having moved to Scotland and am having to start all over again with my sewing and quilting I am thinking of buying a Bernina 440QE, but any suggestions would be welcome. In the past I have never really used all of the decorative stitches that my Singer Machines had. In my quilting experience I have used the straight stitch in piecing and the zigzag stitch for applique and have then either hand quilted or had my quilts machine quilted. But I would love to learn machine quilting on my own and after reviewing so many of the different sewing machines online I have my heart stuck on Bernina 440OE. I've found a good deal on a Janome MC4800QC and of course the cost is alot less. Could anyone tell me if a more expensive machine is really a better buy for machine quilting, or is it mainly in the presser feet that you use and keeping your sewing machine well maintained? Decisions, decisions, they are so hard to make!