judi wess

A LQS, a Husqvarna dealer offered a long/mid setup that is targeted to the noncommercial quilter. Machine and frame approx. $3500. Maybe there is a gently used one out there somewhere.

Dooneygone

I love my Brother 1500 S. It and the Juki 98 are almost identical. The harp is 9" but it is very high making it appear much larger. I paid $600 new for my Brother. I looked at Jukis also but they are a little higher. It is a straight stitch but does free motion nicely and comes with all the necessary acc. I bought mine through Amazon. Pauline

jitkaau

Have a look at the Brother Nouvelle 1500S. It is a straight stitcher and not computerised. It sews very nicely and has a 9" harp. I own one and am very happy with it.

kellen46

Thanks every one for your good advise. I went to All brands and bought this
Brother PQ1500S Threads & Needles 9"Arm 7mmStitch Sew Quilt Machine, NeedleUpDown, Threader Trim KneeLift PinFeed WalkFoot 8Feet ExtTable12x18"
I felt it would pay for it's self in that I was spending about the same amount for postage and quilting from a long-armer in a year. It gives me an extra two inches up and down in the harp and that might just be enough. I love piecing on my Bernina, and I have the stitch regulator for FMQ on smaller projects. The Bailey was a contender but I just wanted feed dogs to do straight line quilting. So now I need to just baste the seven queen size quilts sitting in a pile to get going with the new addition to my sewing room.

IdahoSandy

I would either call the companythat makes the sewing machine or go to a shop that sells the brand you are looking for and they can tell the harp size.
IdahoSandy

deerhaven3

I think you made a good choice in the Brother. I don't own one but I have friends that do and they all love their's. Have fun quilting.

KLO

The Juki and the Pfaff Hobby 1200 are both great machines with the 9 inch harp. Both only do straight stitch so you can stitch in the ditch or free motion quilt. I bought my Pfaff locally second hand and have seen others listed on Craig's List for around $500. Often after using one of these machines for a while, the quilter wants to upgrade for a larger machine and you can get a good deal. Good luck with you search.

PS: Nevermind ... I see you bought one. Have fun with it!!!

Maire

I've had a Brother PQ 1500 for about 10 yrs & love it!

jljack

I wouldn't agree with that...there are many vintage machines that are far more sturdy than the modern machines made with plastic/nylon gears, etc., and they do a great job FMQ and straight stitching. And they sure are not anywhere near $1,000!

jljack

I have had a couple of Brother machines and liked them just fine...both less than $199. My first queen sized quilt I did SID on a very very basic Brother. It was the Shove, Sew..shove, sew that you described, but I got it done!! :-) I know lots better now!! LOL