PMahowald

Its getting to be time to get some new equipment but I need some honest suggestions on what to look at. I sew professionally Home Dec and want to add onto what I have. Currently I have 2 machines, a Singer S16 (Sales woman at the Viking store suggested this one since it was made at the same factory ast the Viking Mega Quilter) and a Viking Designer II. I Love the manual Singer. It is a heavy workhorse and is fabulous on my commercial job where I sew heavy vynl pieces for a gym company. I also love my Viking, but am very much aware that it is living on borrowed time and cannot cost effectively be repaired. I realize that I'm probably looking at 2 to 3 pieces of equipment in the long run to do what I want.
Lets talk about the 1st one for now. I am looking for a good 2nd machine that I can use when the Singer is in the shop. I want something that has a large work area, min. number of stitches, does not have to be computerized, but quite frankly am drawn to the convience. I want to be able to to quilt large projects on it. Thread cutter and needle position is nice to have and has to be even stitches through multiple layers of fabric. Finally I would love to be able to use it on a stand up quilt frame.
I have always been drawn to Vikings. I looked at the new Epic 980Q, however, cannot justify the price and definitely don't need a sewing manual attached to the machine. After sewing all these years I don't think I need to be told how to attach a collar or add a zipper. Phaffs I have never liked the feel of them, but that was 15 years ago. I have tried buying mid range machines ($300) from JoAnns in emergency deadline situations when the Viking was in the shop. Every time they last only 2 to 3 months and then break or the motor burns out. For me they are disposable.
I know nothing about Baby lock or Bernina, only that the majority of the quilt shops in my area carry them. Any suggestions? I was thinking of the Baby lock Jazz, but after reading some of the comments I think I better explore some other options before purchasing.
Thank You
Pam

Lady Diana

Talk to a Janome dealer too. Tell them what you want and they can recommend machines that can go on a frame.
PM me, I can provide a dealer who will ship, no sales tax, usually no shipping and excellent customer service. Used them for ten years, numerous machines, never a problem. great prices too! I live 1500 miles from this dealer would not use anyone else.

Prism99

Look at the Juki TL-2010Q for machine #1.

Cari-in-Oly

I would look at Juki, Brother or Janome.

Cari

PMahowald

Yep, I knew about the Janome. Great machine, I just have to find out more about the company.

mtkoldra

Juki TL-2010Q what I am very happy with, for piecing and FMQ, love it!!!

topper1

I love my Viking 930 saffire...heavy duty similar to older 1+...

petthefabric

My favorite work horse is Brother Novelle 1500S. It does a fabulous straight stitch. Has needle down and thread cutter. No ZigZag. Has a md size harp space. Semi industrial motor. And it's cost is

TheMerkleFamily

Juki TL series (2010 or 2200QVP mini) are solid straight-stitch-only mechanical machines that sew a fabulous stitch, sew well with heavy fabrics and are wonderful for FMQ as well (decent throat space with great visibility of the needle area)- I highly recommend for machine #1.

Peckish

Another Brother Nouvelle 1500 fan here. At 11", the harp is nice and large, and while you can put it on a frame and use it to quilt, you're effectively only going to be able to quilt 5" at a time because the harp space will be taken up by your rolled-up quilt. I paid $400 for mine, gently used.