When I first started I didn't want to spend alot since I didn't know if I'd even like quilting..so I got the brother CS6000i
and years later it is still a workhorse, super user friendly, under 200.00. I am going to upgrade to a laura ashley
quilting/embroidery but I know I will still use this little brother. It likes all threads, whereas the singer confident quilter I got as a gift is very touchy about thread and is sitting in its box!