I'd check out Kijiji (Canadian version of Craig's List in the States). I bought a barely used Husqvarna #1+with most of the parts still sealed up in the original boxes for $200. It just hadn't been used and had originally been sold for $3600 plus tax. I keep checking the sewing machine section and frequently see very good machines for very little money. A classic vintage machine would probably stitch much better for you than a cheapie plastic one from Wal-Mart. My 201 Singer was free and it FM quilts beautifully and has a big throat for an old machine. It is fast and powers through multiple layers of fabrics with no complaints.