My husband is a quilter also and purchased a viking Emerald for about $600.00 which he likes real well. He says it is really a nice machine for the price.

I would suggest getting a gift card in the amount he wants to spend because PREFERENCE should be his wife's decision and not a suggestion from someone trying to help although it is nice that he is doing this for his wife.jmho

Bernina has a couple of the Bernettes for about that price..they are good little machines from what I am told..soemthing for him to look into..sweet of your dh to help out a co-worker...means that they must talk proudly to each other about what wonderful things their wives are doing in the quilting room...blessings

If he is open minded to look at vintage machines, you cannot beat a
singer 15-91 or 201, both are direct motor drive and will even sew leather, for way less than 600 you can get all the attachments. Also has arm ht of 51/2 inches by 8!!! Like the idea to let her pick it out tho. :D

I like that idea too!!! I have a Bernina and a Janome and for the price, I think Janome makes a great machine.

Yes, I agree, this machine is what I was going to suggest. I think either way he handles it, it will tickle her to death that he thought enough of the troubles she is having and wanted her to have a better machine. What a sweet DH! She is blessed.

I have a Kenmore which ran about $450.00 and I absolutely love it.

Been sewing on Kenmores for years........

If it was me, I'd rather get a handmade card inside of a pretty pkg saying I could go pick out the machine so I could get what I needed.

I have one too, and it is the best machine I have got. It goes through multi - layered denim without a hiccough. Very nice quilting as well. I wish I had found it before I bought a more expensive dud.

Ditto on the Kenmores, especially the 365.19nnn series. I raised my kiddos on Kenmore-sewn clothes, one machine, 25 years. Replaced with a newer Kenmore (early 365.19xxx) and a couple or more years ago added another Kenmore 365.19110. I have easily sewn through seven layers of denim with both of those machines.

They also have tons of additional feet, etc. available, have consistent service through Sears anywhere (we've moved quite a bit), and what's not available directly from Kenmore, i get from Janome parts dealers (I understand Janome is who produces Kenmores anyway).

Price of my last machine: $300 which leaves enough for a walking foot, FM/darning foot and a few other goodies as well.

Each machine has about 30 decorative stitches besides. I love using those.