i have 2 bernina machines. they are quite expensive and if all i did was quilt i would not have spent so much money. actually a machine that straight and zig zag stiches would be sufficient to start down the quilting road. my mom used a treadle machine and her quilts were beautiful. welcome to this wonderful adventure of quilts. don't feel so alone. i do not have a quilting buddy but get encouragement from reading this newsletter. if you quilt or want to learn to quilt, you have more friends than you realize. keep us posted, dear friend.