SusanSusan33

Here is what my quilters dream looks like. I'm not trying to replace it, just supplement it. Though in all honesty I will likely piece and quilt on the new brother/ pfaff (?) and just use the Elna for decorative stiches. http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Review/1/4982

TexasGurl

The Pfaff Grandquilter is actually made by Janome ... they made the Viking MegaQuilter, the Pfaff Grand and their Janome 1600. They just put a different style housing on each, but it's the same internal machine. I have the Viking MegaQuilter, I bought mine in 2007 and it has been great for machine quilting and heavy duty sewing.
These are straight stitch only machines, with speed control and a thread cutter - very much like the Brother 1500. You do need their walking foot (all 3 brands use Janome attachments) but I've used mine 90% for free-motion quilting with very good results. I also have the Janome 6600 which I love, but I've kept the MegaQuilter for fmq and backup.

nygal

I have the same machine and I still rarely use the needle threader when I use it. IT is VERY difficult to do.

SusanSusan33

I test drove the pfaff yesterday. Would you believe the needle threader gave us a fit. Lol. And the walking foot doesn't have a seam guide bar either. The stitch was fussy to regulate and it seemed pretty noisy compared to the brother. The lady told me that she hasn't used it in a couple months and she said it might just need oil.... I played for about 45 minutes so I think I gave it a fair shake.

The only trade off would have been speed control. I just couldn't see getting a 5/6 year old machine in exchange for the 1500s. I am keeping my brother and played happily with it last night on some practice sandwiches. She's really a great machine. Now i need to figure out a name for her.

thanks for your suggestions and help ladies!!