HELP pretty please...Buying a MACHINE PFAFF or BERNINA

Hi,I mostly quilt.

I want a machine that has several stitch options.

I want a machine where I can do alot of free motion quilting.

I want a machine that is reliable.

I don't want to spend over $1500

I have heard alot of good things about PFAFF and BERNINA, and rarely a bad thing about a bernina, but they are SO expensive.

I am not totally set on these brands, but seems I mostly see quilters from blogs I like using either of these.

I would appreciate an and all input. Thanks!

I bought a Pfaff Expressions 3.0 a few months ago that I absolutely love!  It was a little more than your price point, but the 2.0 still has over 100 stitches, a large space to the right of the needle, and the ability to do free motion quilting.  I believe that my local store sells it for $1499.

I would suggest that you test drive machines in your price range.  What one of us loves you may absolutely hate!    With that said, I didn't test drive a Bernina, the price scared me off.  I did have the opportunity to try out a friends Bernina 830 (the big one that doesn't move from it's location!) and while there were a few features that I liked, I'm satisfied with my purchase.   

Good luck and happy shopping!

I will admit that I don't know Pfaffs well and my limited exposere makes this harder to judge.. but  do watch for sale and promotions. Getting a Bernina with a stitch regulator is the most awesome expereince for most free motion quilters.  If you have a good dealer don't be afraid of a trade in on one that would normally be more than you could afford.  I did not trade any or mine in when I got my 830 but I know a lot of people do so do let you dealer know that you are open to a reconditioned or used model if they personally know the care history.

and make sure to take a sample of what YOU want to sew..and sit down at the machine and do it.. if the dealer will not let you do this.. they are not the dealer for you!

maddie