I sew, quilt & embroider on a Bernina 730, so I know where you are coming from. Starting Jan. 3 I am going to be doing full-time child care for our first grandchild (yea!!!!) and I wanted a machine to keep at the kids' house so I can (hopefully) do a little piecing when the baby sleeps. I don't need all the bells and whistles as I can do my embroidery or FMQ at home. I ended up buying a new Bernina 380. It does everything that I need and I could not believe this...it sews as well as my 730!!! There are 3 models in the new 300 series and at least one or two are in your price range. The nice thing is that while the 300s have snap-on feet, they also take the regular feet and walking foot from my other Bernina. Watch for sales and see what you can do...I love my new machine and my other daughter, an HV Designer I quilter, loves my new machine, too. I'll tell you what my husband said ....when you go in to purchase the 380 just don't mix up the numbers and come home with an 830!!!! Good luck and let us know what you decide.