Just What Sewing Machine Should I Buy?

I’ve been asked many times what sewing machine would I recommend. My response is…. one that works for what you want to do. What good is a machine with hundred of stitches if you’re never going to use them? I also don’t like the computerized machines, although I know that one day that might be the only way to go. The reason is I can’t fix a computer, but I’ve been able to fix, oil, clean one that isn’t.

I have an industrial sewing machine I brought with me from New York, my fashion design days. Wow, I’ve had that machine since 1983 and I’ve never had to have it serviced. I’ve done everything myself. That’s my comfort zone.

About 11 years ago I was in the market for a new machine. A friend took me to a local quilt store where her friend sold machines. I must say I was a bit of a snob thinking that the only good machines were the ones with the biggest price tags. Once the friend found out that I was really only interested in free motion quilting, she sat me down in front of a Babylock Quilters Dream, which by the way is now called the “Jane”. What’s up with that? Not a very dreamy name for a sewing machine. No offense to those of you with the name Jane, but come on?! Anyway, I was amazed at how smooth it was at free motion and it wasn’t expensive either. I still use that machine and my Gammill for quilting about equally. Still in love with it. It runs perfectly and I can fix whatever goes wrong.
So what machine would you recommend and why?

Happy quilting and thanks for reading,

Michelle