Well my new machine is here and up and running.
I ended up getting the Janome Magnolia 7318 and I LOVE it! It seems to be a little workhorse. It doesnt have all the bells and whistles, but I wanted a pretty simple, dependable machine and I think I got it :) It will do just what I wanted it to. For $199 I am a happy happy girl.
If I wanted to spend more there are a couple of their machines that would even take things to a whole other level...but for me right now in these $$ times-I found a good fit.
And my my...how sweet is a walking foot!!! This was my first experience w/ one :) It was the only acc. I added to my machine.
Angie