If you are looking for a machine with a larger harp, then a Bernina is unfortunately still out of reach for most quilters because the 820 and 830 are simply too expensive. They keep bringing out new models (300 series and 500 series) that are excellent machines but still have the small harp space.

I keep hearing good things about the Husqvarna Sapphire and the Janomes that have been mentioned here already.

In the end it's a very personal choice and if you are considering to spend serious money then you should go to several dealers and/or shows, take prepared quilt sandwiches plus the threads you normally use and try out every machine you might consider buying. It's (in my opinion) the only way (I got a whole set of tablemats that way ).

And then there is the after sales support to consider. Sometimes it makes sense to have to drive some distance if you get really good support.

Finally, don't forget to discuss price. A dealer may not want to (or be able to) reduce the price of the machine, but they are often able to throw in optional extras for free that you might have bought anyway, like a walking foot, a different size embroidery hoop, etc. I got a really sweet deal that way and both sides were very happy with it.

Good luck!

janetstone wrote: I second EVERY thing this member says, including patternreview.com. I have a Janome 6600 and I really love it. Beware on a used one though as the warranty is not transferable. I am looking at getting a second machine next year. I do long for a Bernina. Just don't want to risk being without mine.
Diane in Wyoming

I'm a Bernina baby all the way, from a long line of Bernina babies. I currently sew on the Bernina 730 my mother bought for $600 in 1968. (She gave it to me when she upgraded to a 1230, more than 15 years ago.) It's true what the ads say: Nothing sews like a Bernina. Nothing. The quality of these machines is amazing.

I'm now saving up for a new Bernina 830.

I agree that Bernina is expensive, but IMHO it's well worth it for that kind of quality.

I also have three Featherweights (two regulars and one free-arm), which I take to classes when I don't need a zigzag. Like the Berninas, they're firece little workhorses that stitch beautifully.

With any machine, of course, the secret is to clean and oil it regularly. For me, it's a labour of love.

I had an Elna Super for 30+ years and loved it. Not electronic at all with none of today's must have features. 18 months ago I updated to a Bernina 830 and have loved it. I am only barely learning embroidery and still primarily use it for all my piecing and quilting. It has been great. Like others stated, take what you normally work on and sew on the machines in the shop. Read the reviews. You'll know your machine when you test drive it. Good dealer, classes and tech assistance is a must.

Honeycat wrote:
Please don't be sorry! Bernina is a generous site sponsor that helps keep TQS alive!! As of now there are already 53 videos created by Bernina for the web site, and lots of the information is applicable to any machine! Nina McVeigh has recently made a new set of videos that will be available soon. Check them out from the drop-down menu under CLASSROOMS on the purple bar.

I can also recommend the Janome 6600Mp, but personally own a sort of cousin of it, the Elna 7300.

http://www.elnausa.com/en-us/model_quilt_elna-7300.php

I cannot say enough how much I love this machine. I got it for less than the 6600 typically goes for, and I find the controls easier to work with. Generous harp space and its Integrated Adjustable Feed (Janome calls its famed AcuFeed) make quilting SO much more enjoyable. One difficulty is that Elna dealers can be a little thin on the ground in the US so you may need to order online. I actually acquired mine new from eBay for under $1100... risky I know, but I asked the seller three million questions and got a good vibe about him and the auction, and my warranty is valid. Under these circumstances, I was not able to take a class, but frankly, I haven't needed one.

I am sorry because this website is half Bernina-ville , but I just have not found that Berninas are worth their cost. I was just sewing on a brand new 440QE at the Quilt Festival in Cincinnati... cramped harp space, no automatic threadcutter, and available for $2400. I almost fainted, then came home and kissed my Elna LOL!

If you are more curious about the Janome 6500 or 6600 (or even the new 7700/Horizon), there are Yahoo Groups for these machines that can tell you all about them. Though I do not own one, I find them informative for maintenace tips and various how-tos's that translate well to my Elna 7300.

I know a number of Viking/Husqvarna and Pfaff owners who are very happy, and Babylock is another name that crops up, but the first two seem also to get mixed reviews. The most satisfied machine owners seem to have either Berninas or Janomes. (Believe, I did a LOT of research as I was saving my money LOL.)

In any event, this is a fun process... enjoy and I hope you find the perfect machine for you!

I have a Pfaff 2056 and I really like it . But the dealer closed his business a couple years ago and now I have no idea where to have it serviced. I know quite a few people who also bought a Pfaff from this dealer who are in the same boat. So I would be careful where you buy from and make sure they are going to stay in business and have a good reputation for repairs. My dealer had an excellent reputation but he just closed up and moved away. I live in constant fear my machine is going to have a problem. I do love my Pfaff though.

Janetstone
I have a Janome 6600 and as you say it is a great machine the only downside is it doesn't have a free arm, (sometimes useful) and no verticle spool holder so you can't use the flat embroidery threads such as Sulky sliver and some other metalics.
I believe the threads that are stacked should come off the reel sideways.
Hope this all makes sense
Anne1

Have you thought about a used machine? This is how I got my first Bernina (still love it)... Reputable service shops sometimes have great deals.... :shock:
Lori

I prefer my Pfaff 2054 for piecing but use a Janome 6600 for quilting. The Janome has all of the features you want, although it has lots of decorative stitches as do most machines that have all of the other features. If it is beyond your price range you might check out different models.

You might want to go to this website. http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Reviews -It has lots of reviews for lots of sewing machines....very helpful. I love my Janome 6600. It is very user friendly and does lots of things very well, also has a 9" throat space. With the release of the new Janome Horizon last year, I bet you could find a good deal on a used 6600 because I know a lot of folks traded up for the Horizon. I second the advice from kmouse. Take many samples of fabric with you to the dealer to test drive and take your time deciding. A good machine makes for a happy quilter!

I am a Bernina girl, through and through. But there are several machines on the market for what you are suggesting. You might try one of the newer mid-line Pfaff machines. They have a nice larger sewing area to the right of the needle. Some have the knee lift (a must for me) or a "hover feature" that raises the presser foot when you stop to pivot or whatever. Most have needle down function and these sew really well.
Mostly, I recommend you take a quilt sandwich, maybe the size of a fat quarter and do some actually sewing on the machine you are considering. This is the ONLY way you will know what is currently available. Lightly used machines from a dealer are also a good value but it is newer models today that have the larger sewing spaces you desire. I also recommend purchasing from an authorized dealer so that you can access machine guide classes as well as having a staff and tech that can help you with your sewing after purchase.

Have fun.

Hi Everyone

I am in the market for a new sewing machine. I am relatively new to quilting, but am getting much more serious and it's high time for me to upgrade my bottom of the line Kenmore machine.

I want a simple machine that does free-motion work really well and also has a really nice satin stitch. I would like to have a nice big harp distance so that I can maneuver large quilts more easily. I also really want a needle down option on my machine.
I don't need thousands of fancy stitch options and I don't want to pay a huge amount for my machine.

So, with that said, can anyone give me some suggestions, or reviews of your own machine?

Thank you in advance!!