My advise would be to try out a lot of different machines if possible. Also at Quilt shows there are usually demo of different Machines. Stay away from Dicount stores and Walmart. (you get what you pay for). It is very important to purchase close to home. Classes, repairs, and parts are a nessasary feature.Low noice level, Needle down, droped feeddogs,free classes and many differant stitches are a must. And also a very nice feature is a built-in thread cutter, that is extra nice. I have an ELNA that has that frature. I love it. I have 2 Elnas, love them both, A Bernnena, A Phaff, Viking(not so quiet),and 2 old singers.They always say, purchase the best you can afford. It will pay in the end. No discount stores!!!!