ruthieg

I have a Janome but I like the features of the newer Berninas.
Definitly get one with the 1/4 inch foot and a walking foot unless it is built in.

gail-r

Hi Cheryl,

If you want a machine for peicing and machine quilting I would recommend a Juki TL98Q or TL98QE, These are semi-industrial machines, so they are heavy enough to handle heavy quilts. They also have a larger neck opening than most domestic machines, they are also very fast. I would recommend getting the 3/16" compensating foot, (got mine on ebay for $6.95) this foot will give you scant 1/4" seams even if you can't sew straight. The other thing is, they are great for free motion quilting, you can put them on a table or on a machine quilting frame. These machines are what a lot of the top nationally recognized quilters use, also many dress designers use them. They are resonably priced, new under $1000. and gently used around $500.00. Also they are metal construction, which you won't find in domestic machines. I also own Babylocks Ellegante, Ellure and Evolve, the Juki TL98Q was the cheapest of the 4, even new.

Also, the Juki TL98Q does come with a maual needle threader.

If you would like more info check online.

Good luck, if I could only have 1 machine it would be the Juki.

Hugs, Gail

SSTeacher

Hi Cheryl:

I am Sue and live in Newport News (Denbigh area). So glad you are getting involved in quilting. Anyone who is finishing their first quilt is no longer a "new" quilter.
:lol:
Your questions on sewing machines is a very personal decision. As you said, it is best to "test drive" and see which suits your need and is in your price range. There are many, many choices. I have a Janome and love it. If you would like to PM me anytime I would love to hear from you.

okie quilter

i have 2 bernina machines. they are quite expensive and if all i did was quilt i would not have spent so much money. actually a machine that straight and zig zag stiches would be sufficient to start down the quilting road. my mom used a treadle machine and her quilts were beautiful. welcome to this wonderful adventure of quilts. don't feel so alone. i do not have a quilting buddy but get encouragement from reading this newsletter. if you quilt or want to learn to quilt, you have more friends than you realize. keep us posted, dear friend.

Covered in Threads

My 2 cents - my Pfaff Expressions 2 is my main work horse and I felt very affordable (about $2,000) for all the sewing & quilting I do. It has dual lights, large throat plate area, easy to change out feet and many of the features required for quilting. In addition to the Pfaff I have a lightweight Janome for workshops and traveling (weighs only 12 lbs) but it's a great little machine. I also have an old Singer Serger and a very old all metal BelAir that goes through 6 layers of denim like a hot knife through butter. And recently I added a Bernina Embroidery machine. Though I used a Juki Long Arm machine and expandable table for a number of years, I found it restrictive which is why I use the Pfaff now for all my long arm needs. I've also found that the Pfaff (which I use daily) is in the shop a lot less than any of the others.
Test driving is a must but the key is to find a service center you can work with that won't rip you off. I've been blessed with one of best family owned and operated service centers in all of Northern Arizona. Good people.

kclausing

Since you are first starting out, I would not spend alot on a machine. I know you said you would stay away from a brother 6000, but I have the runway model and don't have any issues with it. I had one issue once, but it was my own oops that i figured out after walking away from it for a day. It has all the options I want, I am able to buy accessories on line for it. I figure the money I save now can be put towards a long arm later.

JAGSD

I have a Kenmore that was given to me as a graduation gift in 1981. I love it still!and use it 99% of the time. I have also been given a Viking that is probably 5 years old. I have used it but I always go back to my Kenmore. My Kenmore basically has 6 stitches but for quilting it has been great and have free motioned all my quilts up until this last February when purchased my dream APQS long arm. I still quilt small quilts on her(kenmore).

CherylR

Hi. What model Kenmore do you have? What features does it have? Thanks for the input - it really helps.
CherylR

JAGSD

Kenmore Model # 13413
As far as features it is all metal, it has blind stitch, overcast stitch, smocking stretch and special mending stitch and then straight and zig zag. Definetly not a fancy machine. But she has sure been worth her weight and more in gold. The only thing have ever had to do with as far as fixing was one time I got a new needle plate, and then about 4 months ago the foot pedal wire came unattatched(I'm sure from all the packing around of it that happens) so my husband reattatched the wire and just keep her cleaned and oiled on a regular basis.
Hope you find a really good machine that you're happy with.

CherylR

Thanks so much for the input. I will check out this machine online.