This is going to be ok to learn on, but you will probably quickly outgrow the 9" throat space of this machine! It is great if you don't want to do intricate designs like the long arms do. However once you get a full size quilt rolled up on the take up roller you don't have much room to quilt left!
I have the brother 1500 and I LOVE it for doing plain quilting. However I would not pay for a frame and cruise control because it just doesn't have the space to justify it for ME! I am saving for a long arm!