nancyw

The Artiste 180 came out 12-15 years ago. I know because I bought one where we last lived and we've been here for 10 years. It's now my travel one and the one I sew one at home is a 550. I love,love,love Berninas though they are expensive when bought new. I only buy them when Bernina has free financing for 4 years. They are having a speacil promotion June 16, 2012 with 4 years free financing. So if anyone is in the market for a new expensive but excellent quality machine get thee to a Bernina dealer June 16th.

NUBQ

JenelTX.. Hope I'm not out of line, or offend the Pfaff lovers..Looked up previews of some Pfaff machines mentioned here..I see the owners of older models have a hard time finding parts, such as gears. That is a serious consideration..Or/ machine costs a fortune to repair...I have considered the Janome HD3000, for a straight sewing machine...($399). Haven't made the move, but looks like my little Janome 2007 needs a new foot pedal..I do love the Janome...berni

purplefiend

About 5 years ago I bought a Pfaff 1222 E(has IDT) for $300, has 8" of throat space. Its great for piecing quilts and also quilting. It does FMQ and also straight line quilting, I like that I don't need to buy a separate walking foot for this machine; as its built in. This machine was new in 1980. I love this machine.

purplefiend

Its very simple to disengage the dual feed, you just grasp the lever and pull it up. I have had 2 Pfaffs and have no trouble doing FMQ.

QuilterGary

There are soooo many good deals out there for used machines that is the way I would go. You could check out a good dealer for service or if you watch C'list if you can check everything out and feel like you can get a deal at low $ you can still take it to a dealer for a tune up. As for brand check out several and find one that meets your needs. Most sewing machines are made by two co. under different brand names.

MimiBug123

If you are going to buy a used machine, please get one from a dealer. That way it will have been checked out and they may even offer you some kind of warranty. Janome has one, I'm not sure of the model, but I'd be sure to check with the local Janome dealer. I have 3 machines and a serger and LOVE them all!

Lady Diana

Jenel,
Call Amy Smith at Brubakers ..site is brubakerssewing.com I have purchased three machines from them. Two were slightly loved.....they have machines during quilt markets that they sell for great prices after using them for demos.
I purchased a 6600 from them that was only a few weeks old....the customer decided on the 7700. they gave me a great price and warranty...They also sell all machine accessories at reasonable prices, then you get 15% off if you belong to the janome 6500 yahoo group. They provide great service and take care of their customers. No sales tax and most of the time free shipping. I am not connected with them, but wished they were in Texas, I would shop there all the time. They do have other machines besides Janomes, check out their site. I have a Janome 3160 with auto thread cutter, which is a must for piecing. It is light weight. I take it to quilt classes and love the features. I know you have a budget, but since you know you want to quilt, I would look for a used 6600. I have two, one for cabin, other for home.
Call Amy.
Diana in TX

JenelTX

Oh wow, tngal22! That's a great price! I'm excited that dealers sell used machines. I think that might work out very well for me!

JenelTX

That's a great point, Lori! I also think those super-fancy machines have more opportunity to break. They're just more than what I want or need, but I do want something quality and powerful.

JenelTX

Thank you, Robin! That sounds wonderful. I'm heading to eBay now, just to see what's there. I think I can set up an alert to let me know when something comes up, too.