I have had many many sewing machines and only one was over the $500 price range. Most of mine were the basic ones, and did not cost much at all. (some around the $100 range). And some of those were the best sewing machine.
I don't need all the bells and whistle on a machine. Most of the time on my quilt I just use my featherweight. I have a long arm so I don't need one for that stitching.
Get as much practice as you can.
Barb