I recently purchased a singer from joanns (all brands shop inside) to take to classes and to friends to quilt. It cost $250.00 is a simple machine, user friendly, has blanket stitch which I use for appliqué sometimes, and came with many different feet. Ohhhh I just remembered they are selling a nice singer at Costco similar to the one I described but less money. Keep in mind when you make your decision that with quilting it's a lot of piecing, meaning alot of straight stitches. Good luck, let us know what you end up choosing.