Originally Posted by Shelbie
You might consider a vintage machine. I picked up a free Singer 201 which is a powerful machine, has a large harp and feeddogs that drop. It cost me $70 to have it re-wired (always check out the wiring before plugging in old machines) $20 for a walking foot and $10 for a free motion/darning food. For $100 I have a machine that quilts better than my Janome 6500, has just as large a harp and doesn't growl, veer off seam junctions, or break thread when I quilt.
I bought a Singer 201 for the large harp area, then a walking foot and a darning foot and I am very happy with it. I haven't tried a large quilt yet but plan to one day when and if my RA in my fingers and shoulders will cooperate.