Bettia, yes, I'm near a JoAnn's. Why?
Bella, I anticipate the day when I'll want a high-end machine, but I'd rather get the lowest-price one I can for now, and once I'm sewing regularly and employed again, I'll be more aware of what I want in a high-end machine. So it makes no sense to me to buy a low-end one with fancy stitiches. (One day I'll want a serger..)
Understand, everyone, I originally posted this in the non-quilting section of the board, because I wasn't specifically looking for a sewing machine to quilt with. It got moved here via the wisdom of our moderators, but I plan to use it primarily for sewing, not quilting.
Rose Marie, I undertand why needle down is desirable, but why do you say it's important?