I would go for a good machine for quilting. A Brother 1500 has a large, little over 9", throat. Its great for quilting and piecing as it has the auto. cutter on it. It is a straight sewing machine. No fancy stitches, but a beautiful quilter. Later, you may find a used Janome 5000 for about 250. to $300. in my area. Does fantastic embroidery 4x5" but I think the nicest embroidery of all the machines.