larkinsma

By the way, a cheaper machine may be more difficult to use and require more knowledge about how a sewing machine runs, in order to make it behave.

AlwaysQuilting

Just FYI----the Kenmores that are made by Janome have a model number that begins with 385.
AlwaysQuilting

Pat Fox

The Quilter's review is a good place to get info as to the type of machine to get. She has actually written a book specifically about that issue.
I have 3 different machines that I use for different things. One is a Brother - straight stitch and is on a frame for quilting only. Great machine. I have an old Kenmore (was quite fancy 10 + years ago) and is still going strong. I also have a Singer Featherweight that I use most for piecing and travelling.
As for embroidery - a few stitches might be ok but most have suggested that if one is to really get into the embroidery that it is best to have a dedicated machine for that because it takes so much time and when set up for a project you can't do much else. But this is just an opinion.
Website is: http://www.quiltersreview.com/review.asp
Good luck. Pat

mimee4

I was delighted to see all the responses mentioning Janome and Kenmore. I, too, have both these machines. I absolutely love my 8 year old Kenmore - haven't used the Janome yet.
And I'm a newbie to this site. Been quilting for a long time.

Andie

Pfaff are a great machine they have what they call dual feed, which helps with machine quilting. Make sure no matter what machine she gets that. service is available and lessons . No matter how simple the machine looks a good sales person can really help with info Happy Hunting PS thats if the sales person knows how to sew, I used to sell machines and have sewn for 50 yrs.

lyndad

I was ask to post a msg about what sewing machine I used. I recently purchased a Mega Quilter machine and frame, they are Husqvarna Viking. The machine is great, it's very powerful and fast, has a knee lift, needle threader & needle up/down positioner. It only does straight stitching, came with a darning foot. I've been practicing (over, over, over) before I put it in the frames to quilt. I'm just about there, thanks to all you nice ladies, I know I don't have to be perfect in all my quilting endeavors. Lynda

willie

hi-- I have a baby lock esante and a janome 9700.
Both are sewing/embroidery machines. I like both of them but the janome is the work horse of the two. I agree , she should test drive
several machines before making a choice.
Willie

quilting grandpa,.

My choice of a sewing machine would be a brother if i coulden't find a used one.brother is a very good choice for a machine. 8)

lyndad

Welcome to the board, :D from Texas. I've only had a Singer for years until I got the Husquvarna, but so far I just love it.

QuiltNama

Tom, I have 2 Kenmore machines and a Phaff. The Sears machines are made by Janome and all of the parts are interchangable. I use my Kenmore every day and have had very good luck with them. Sears also have a service department if you need repair. Have your wife take pieces of fabric whe will be sewing on with her to test. At any shop they will only show you fabric that sews very easy on the machines. Many shops and fabric stores offer classes in quilting. Just have her test,test, test any machine before she gets it. Good Luck, and happy hunting. QuiltNama