Bernina has long had the BSR – which I got to experience at the Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival in 2021. This option is available with several of the newer series machines from the Bernina 475 up to the TOL machine. I will admit I throughly enjoyed my time stitching on the 770 with the BSR. This became a must-have feature when I go to upgrade my existing Janome 8900.
Janome developed its own version known as the ASR and introduced it on its TOL machine – the Continental M17. I asked my dealer when the ASR might be offered on other series in the line. Someday. This week, Janome reported that ASR is now available on two new models – the Continental 8 and the 9480QCP. The 9480 is the updated version of my 8900.
Grace Machine Company also has a machine coming out called the Little Rebel, which is a straight stitch only machine with built in stitch regulation.
I’ll definitely be checking out both of these machines!
Meanwhile, Baby Lock and Brother – where’s your wide-throat machine for quilters with built in stitch regulation?
I don’t need machine embroidery capabilities, 400 alphabet stitches or 32 buttonholes. I want 10-12″ of throat space, high clearance under the machine head, and built in stitch regulation. Oh, and it has to fit within my existing Horn Quilter’s Dream cabinet with a 12-1/2″ x 24-1/2″ opening. Desired price range: $3500-$5000 for total package. If you’ll take my 8900 on trade, even better. I’ll even consider a newer pre-owned machine in very good condition. Time horizon to buy – within the next year.
Come Stitch With Me 