well here is my take on your machine question i have only been quilting for about 4 years now on and off i have made 8 quilts and done many other sewing projects i started out on a old singer and was happy with it but my husband went to saers and bought me a kenmore sewing machine (under 200.00) for christmas and have been sewing on it for 3 years now it has the turtle speed on it the up and down needle position the differant feet attachments and style selector for diferant sewing he had also bought the extended warreny and renewed it every year so that when and if something happens i call sears and they take care of it but have had no problem with it i love it also with the warrenty i get to have it taken in once a year for a good deep down cleaning they get in spaces i cant reach and it doesnt cost me anything
but then again that is my preferance till i can afford and get good enough to need a machine with all the bells and whistles on it
good luck and happy sewing on what ever you decide !!!!!