I have a cheap brother and there are things about it I really love, but I was quilting with a lead foot
and bent the shaft. Parts on order and hubby can fix it, but I still prefer my vintage machines. Who couldn't love a machine that will stitch thru a tin can without bogging down, breaking a needle, or in any other way indicate it is struggling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMgayFXnYw. Just bought a singer 401 and with the cams should make all the pretty stitches. Paid $28 for it and it will most likely outlast me.