I started with one of those cheap walmart singers - I didn't know if I would really like quilting and just wanted to try it - it worked great for months - then decided to upgrade - husband talked me into a Sapphire 875Q - I was scared of that machine - was afraid I would break it - now 2 yrs later - I love my Sapphire - still have the cheapo walmart machine and its a great backup when I send mine in for maintenance - since then have added a longarm to my mix. I think the only thing I regret buying are some books that I don't use and some of the marking pens that disappear before I finish - I know have the frixion pens and love them. I guess thats it.