Bev I have that same brother and I can quilt a nice size lap quilt in it with little to no problem, but the extention for the machine my legs seem to want to collaspe alot. For just starting out it's great with the 1/4 seam which is number 37 if you want a right 1/4 seam (I'm thinking right or left handed people) 38 if left. I haven't had a problem with it knock on wood and the troubleshooting section is great.
The only thing i see wrong with it is if you enjoy quilting now and love it I would bit the bullet and invest in a machine for years to come. Which is what I'm doing and I'll looking at a pfafft machine now, which costs around $5000.00 but at least it's 12 months same as cash.
Good Luck