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new machine advice needed Pfaff QE 4 or Brother QC-2000?
Lindalst Member since 2/16/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/16/12 5:49 AM I had decided to buy the Pfaff QE 4 - went to my dealer to have a play with it to see if it would cope with free machine embroidery on very textured, lumpy, uneven fabrics. I'm looking for a machine for quilting as well as creative FME for textile art pieces. The Pfaff was good on a quilt sandwich but not so great on the textured work. The dealer suggested I try the Brother QC-2000. I was quite impressed - it felt better, was cheaper & had much more included in the price. I've looked at the machine reviews - couldn't find any for the 2000 but there were several for the QC-1000 - all positive. I'd appreciate any feedback from people with knowledge of the QC-2000 machine or alternative suggestions. I currently have a Hus Designer 1 - I have had lots of trouble with the free motion stitching with this machine - I usually end up back on my very old Pfaff 1471!
sewfrequent Intermediate TX USA Member since 6/27/03 Posts: 2908	Login to reply to this post In reply to Lindalst Like this post Date: 2/16/12 6:52 AM I've not read a negative review of the Brother machines at that price point but have seen too many negative reviews of the Pfaff to have much confidence in it. With your D1 and 1471, you have all the decorative stitches covered so have you considered testing the Juki 2010 or Brother 1500s, Janome 1600p? That would give you the space to maneuver and they are strong machines (mostly metal) and excellent at free-motion if you're not afraid to tweak your tensions/settings as needed. Just a thought, but for a do-all machine, the Brother is a very good choice.
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2520	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/16/12 12:47 PM In the U.S. the QC-2000 is known as the Laura Ashley NX-2000. There are several reviews here. I have the QC-1000. I've not done any quilting on it and sadly, I've only sewn enough projects to count on one hand. The Viking Dual Feed Interchangeable foot will work on it, a nice alternative to the upscale(for Brother) walking foot that was included. Some things I can note is that this machine has a practically limitless basting stitch setting, something you don't find these days. It does a super blind stitch and the buttonholes are just plain beautiful. It comes with a great set of quilting attachments and additional feet are very affordable. Minor things that bother me is so much plastic, the various clucking/beeping sounds it makes when sensing fabric while sewing and being limited to changing stitch density/length in .5 increments. Oh, and the machine is big.
PortlandMaine   Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 1/29/11 Posts: 1654	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/16/12 1:52 PM I have the smarter by Pfaff - it, too seems to be a great, solid, fast machine. Also, the Pfaff grand quilter is a great strong machine with fmq to die for. I love its speed and its so strong. I loved both the nx2000 and the 4.0 - but, I like the more robust feeling of the metal work horses better than the sort-of domestic feeling of the nx2000 and 4.0. I was just quilting a applique piece with the c1100pro where there were thick layers of material and there never was the "thump - thump" sound my other machines made -- I am very happy with the machine. (the grand quilter will sew through anything) ------ Drag queen quilter!
Artsewer   Intermediate NY USA Member since 3/2/11 Posts: 1244	Login to reply to this post In reply to PortlandMaine Like this post Date: 2/16/12 2:15 PM Portland Maine, Do you still have your Ambition also? ------ Bernina 750Q, 635E, 380, Serger 1100DC
PortlandMaine   Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 1/29/11 Posts: 1654	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/16/12 5:52 PM i traded the ambition for the smarter .. they gave me full price for the ambition and i paid the extra for the smarter .. it came with a promo free quilters box that had a table and 4-5 feet. i decided that i really wanted a cutter built in to do massive applique projects easier. i stand by the ambition being a great machine, though. for 799 i dont think it can be beat. i do think the smarter has more power, though. having a leg lift is very nice, too. there were times with the ambition when i would be channel quilting a quilt - esp. ones made with poly blends - with old blankets as batting .. so a pretty heavy load .. where i would set the speed slower because it would thump at high speed. also, they fixed the messy stitches on the smarter and i was happy with how they looked. ------ Drag queen quilter!
NM gal   Beginner Member since 5/27/09 Posts: 1158	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/17/12 3:18 PM I tried the Pfaff QE-4, drove me bongos. And it drove the saleswoman bongos too. It was the first sewing machine test drive I've ever had that drove the salesperson crazy. Not a good sign.
Artsewer   Intermediate NY USA Member since 3/2/11 Posts: 1244	Login to reply to this post In reply to PortlandMaine Like this post Date: 2/17/12 10:46 PM That is great Portland Maine. I think the Smarter is a lot like the BabyLock quest and the Janome 6600. I loved the 6600 and I remember I really liked the Smarter too. How much did you pay for it if you dont mind my asking? My dealer seems to be high in all pricing. And great luck with it! ------ Bernina 750Q, 635E, 380, Serger 1100DC
PortlandMaine   Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 1/29/11 Posts: 1654	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/18/12 2:33 AM so far its a great machine - ive pieced two queen size total applique quilts on it.. big bobbin, fast, strong -- the auto tension works perfect, easy threader, snips work every time, the extension table is great as is the front loading bobbin, needle up/down via foot, the thread sensor for the top works great...i think i really like it. it has some odd quirks .. ive never had a machine that does not sew in reverse in every stitch.. this forces a fix stitch instead of a reverse lock stitch for some stitches .. fine - but different. ill write a review in a month or so - but for now im happy and sewing my 8-10 hours a day a few days a week with it. its also very quiet. and there is straight stitch that will do an auto front and back lock stitch thats pretty cool on a 1500.00 machine. ------ Drag queen quilter!
Lindalst Member since 2/16/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post In reply to karen149 Like this post Date: 2/18/12 12:08 PM Thanks for the info everyone - much appreciated, especially the link to the Laura Ashley NX-2000 reviews and alternative suggestions. I'm not familiar with the Jukki brand - not sure if its available in Australia.

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