Lisa...I bought my first 'real' machine from Hancock's...a Janome 3022 and it is still perfect. Very basic for I didn't want all the bells and whistles just wanted to sew, sew, sew!:)I even quilted on this w/several of my quilts....which took a good deal of talent in rolling the sides of the quilt to squeeze it in...but, it did a great job. I still love to piece on this one and now have to fight the kid over it sometimes:)I picked it up on sale there for $299...sounds like your kinda price:)And it's a toughie:)Skeat