My first quilting machine is a brother xr65 that I bought for 129 dollars.
It even came with a quilting table and a walking foot. But it does not have needle down or stay stitch and no long throat. But for a stand by machine it works fine.
My new machine is a H Viking Sapphire 830 with all the bells and whistles but it cost 1100 dollars two years ago. Cheaper now Im sure. It has the 10in throat that I love. I just wish that it didnt sit so low that it is hard to get your hands in to change needles. Why cant they make a machine that is a little bit higher, they all seem to be low. It is a big machine and heavy so not good for taking to classes. The 850 has the embroidery which would have been nice but not right now.
Someday I would like to have a mach that is just for embroidery. Any ideas on that?