Buying a new Quilt/Sewing Machine? Questions to ask yourself -before shopping!
1. Where will I put it?? A permanent place? If you have a corner to be able to set up in and leave it, that’s the best choice. That way when ever the mood strikes you 
you can just sit down and work. Not only do you need a good work spot but storage for the no-yet-complete, or the “stash” which will grow with time. A desk or table in the guest bedroom, or den? A corner of the kitchen table, (that’s where ours is)? How good will the light be to work, do I need extra lighting? You need to find an area that will be big enough to work on your quilt without a whole lot of extra arranging to be able to get strated.
2. What kind of quilting/sewing do I do now?? Quilting tops-Cloths-light weight fabric-heavy or multi-layered? Do I need any special extra’s on the machine to do what I want to with my projects. Talk to a dealer, do online research, try and get some “test drives”.
3. What kind of quilting/sewing do I want to try??A basic straight stitch with reverse and zigzag. That will allow home decorating , clothing, quilt piecing, and paper piece quilt crafting. Built in decorative stitches and or embroidery modules for machine quilting cost more, and will you use them?
4. How computerized a machine do I need?? Remember the more complicated the machine the more it costs and the more expensive it is to have repaired! What kind of a relationship do you have with your computer/printer 
for pattern printing. My wife and our printer barely speak, although that is improving. Can you get access to a long arm to do that, every once in while project, instead of a big investment in something you don’t really need?
5. What accessories are included or available for purchase if needed??Free motion feet, 1/4″ feet, stitch regulators, etc.
6. Long arm machine??Where will you set it up and how much use will it get there? Is it worth the big investment? How about renting time until your sure you really need one.
7. How much can I afford?? Brainstorm, think of any more questions? Answer all of the questions truthfully then go an buy your machine, not someone else’s idea of your machine. Look at reconditioned machines there much less in cost and work just fine. Go to several dealers, look around on line, visit some online forums. Remember also that some sewers have more than one machine!
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