New sewing machine

This post is more a plea than a post.

This week for my birthday, the family got together to give me a new sewing machine! (THANKS!) Now I just need some help knowing what to buy. I mainly use my sewing machine for quilting though I do  make some clothing. I  want something that is great for machine quilting. I need some real world suggestions. I have looked online and the recommendations are all for machines way out of my price range.
What do you have that works well for free motion machine quilting? What do you like or dislike about it? What have you investigated that looked promising? Did you try out the machine before you bought it? Did you buy online? Did that work?
Help me make the right choice. I have had my machine for 30 years so this is a big deal!

11 comments :

Artbyasm said...

My Godmother still has one like this. She has a new one that she has used for her alterations business. She keeps the old one because she's had it since she came here from Italy.

Jordan McCollum said...

Cool, Art by ASM! This isn't what Mom's looks like, though. (Where did this come from? Grandma's?)

You know my machine, Mom--I think it's a Singer C500? 550? Don't recommend.

(Don't tell my machine that, though. I have big sewing plans this weekend.)

Lyndsay said...

I love my Bernina. It's a basic model but does everything I need and want it to.

All Artful said...

I bought a sewing/embroidery machine from Brother retailer and I love it - I believe they have a quilter machine as well. (I replaced 3 sewing machines with what the Brother 1250D can do, one of which was 30 + years old, and I LOVE IT!!). Good luck!
Stephanie @ All Artful

Tracy said...

I love this ol' singer. I would love to have one of these.
As for quilting I bought a pfaff last year. My hubby asked me if that is the sound it makes when it dies, lol.
I borrowed a relatives and fell in love with it...but it is very pricey :(

Jilly said...

I have sewing machine but never stitched anything, Your idea is really impressive as well as will be try soon in my quilt work. I hope it will be best gift for my sister.
sevgiliye hediye

Cranberry Morning said...

Is that a treadle sewing machine? I have an old 1949 Singer that even sewed through canvas tents and leather shoes! Amazing work horse. Be sure to keep your old machine. Hope you find what you're looking for in a new one.

the wayside cottage said...

I love those old machines! Sorry, but I don't think I'm much help to you - I have a Singer Featherweight 221 machine from the 1930's that I bought at a yard sale years ago for $40...it's all I use ;) lol

Cyndel said...

Leah Day at The Free Motion Quilting Project blog has been trying out different machines for free motion quilting! http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com

Susan4 said...

I love a feature on my Viking that most machines don't have. When you stop with the needle in the down position the presser foot automatically lifts part way so you can pivot. Awesome for stitching around curves. Takes the place of those knee lifts that some machines have. i haven't shopped recently but they have a machine called the Sapphire with this feature and a wide bed for quilting. Sure you will love whatever you decide on.

Sasha K said...

Check out the second hand stores. I bought one for ten dollars.

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