SM for FMQ

I use a Juki 98, and it does a good job.

Trixie

I was using a Baby Lock Quilters Choice Pro before getting an HQ16. It's a virtual twin (triplet?) to the Juki98 and Brother 1500 machines (all 9" harps), and I'd choose it again. Actually, although I'd planned on selling it, I keep procrastinating. Mike Gilomen of The Machine Shop says it's just too nice and I should be using it for piecing, but I'm reluctant to give up the auto foot lift on my Viking. I probably ought to sell that because I simply don't use the embroidery and feel guilty

--Heidi

Let's don't feel guilty, Heidi. I have walking feet, classy magnifying lens attachments, embroidery ability and all sorts of stuff I'm not likely to use. I figure our heirs will get a better price when I pass. Of fail. whatever. No problem. It's rained gully washers here for so many days I'm too wet to burn. Polly

--Heidi

Right now I'm using a Brother CS6000i, a computerized machine that works amazingly well considering it was pretty cheap. If I get really serious about this, I'll probably upgrade after I save up my pennies. Donna

Lots of people use their all purpose sewing machine to do all their machine quilting. I got frustrated trying to get larger quilts under the harp, so was on a mission to buy a "mid-arm" sewing machine. These machines have a larger harp & make it a little easier to maneuver the bulk. I think I researched it pretty well before I decided on my machine. I bought the Viking Mega-Quilter, which is made by Janome. The dealer I purchased it from believes very strongly that Janome makes the best machine. He is a master mechanic, FWIW. YMMV, but, so far, I'm very happy with it. It took me 5 years to reach the point where I felt I needed a mid-arm.

I never met an SM that I couldn't FM on. Pfaff, Viking, old Singers, Bernina . . . except, of course, the Janome that I hated. And there are heaps of Janome folks here that can testify that Janome is wonderful too. It's 'just' a matter of figuring out what will work with each SM and what makes you happy. Polly

I love quilting. I love Janomes. I love Polly. It all works out..... ;-)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

I use a Janome 6500 - it has a 9" harp space. I like it very much indeed . . In message , Michelle C. writes

Michelle, I use a Bernina that I just love. That said, it's all personal preference. If your Kenmore is a good one ( = you love it), that's the machine for you. If not, you will need to spend some time test driving several different brands and models to find the one(s) you prefer. The only possible thing I'd change about my own machine is the amount of harp space it has; it would be nice to have more room under there. However, I do mostly smaller quilts, so it's not a huge problem for me. :)

BTW, if you're ever in my area and want to try my machine to see if you like it (and without a sales pitch ), let me know. :)

Betcha' can't do it, Sandy. Show off your Bernina and not do a sales pitch? Naah. Never happen. Polly

"Sandy"

Some of us should be on their payroll. LOL Taria

Well, of course I'd point out all of the features I love, Polly! But a sales pitch -- nope. I can't sell Berninas; I'm not a dealer!

Now that's the truth!

Well, I can tell from your responses that A.) There is no "one" FM quilting machine, and B.) that I should be able to use my Kenmore just fine--which is really what I wanted to know. Wanted to make sure my problems were "me" and not the machine. And yes, I do love my Kenmore. :-) The only thing I could ask for is more harp space.

Thanks! Michelle in Nevada

Now it seems to me that there was someone here who had a fine SM that was Not going to FM and nobody was going to make it either. May have been our Pat on her Hill. I doubt there's a Sears up on the Hill but you never know. Polly

I was the one who wasn't going to FM with the feed dogs down- it was just too scary. You, Polly, and our dear Hilly Pat made me try and and I'll never go back.

Thanks.... I think??? LOL

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

I think it has always been 'me', Polly, not the machine! But, even I have much improved since the larger-harped Janome! . In message , Polly Esther writes

Thanks Sandy! :-)

Michelle in Nevada, USa