Chrissy, I forgot to say that while you are researching new machines, you might want to take your old one in for a clean-up then when you pick it up, ask for a free lesson about your bobbin and tension.
I did that and my crummy old machine worked great for a couple years.
Then wham, right in the middle of my first ever wedding quilt... it broke and was declared unfixable. 2 weeks later, I opened up my Christmas present from hubby and it was a brand new machine; my Bernina! He wisely went to a wonderful mom&pop place that sells and services sewing machines. I got a free lesson about all the features, although I only use a few. I can call them at their shop for advice and they seem to always have a booth at quilt shows.
That reminds me... look for a quilt show and go! There are often sewing machine places that have a special discount there!
Go get going and have fun!
Cathy