Do check with dealers for used machines....some quilters will upgrade from good running machines and trade them in on new ones.....I found a used Janome 6600 for $1000 and she is amazing for piecing and fmq.....I am sure there are many other machines capable of the basics as well.....take some scraps and do a test drive on all of them before you decided....If you think you are getting into quilting pretty heavy, then you will want to stay away from the very cheap ones because they will not last for heavy duty piecing/quilting......Be sure to make a list of the features you want/need.....I love the self threading needle and the thread cutter....Have fun shopping!