I have loved my babylock espire ever since I got it and wouldn't hesitate to get another. I would suggest since you have a limited budget to go and get the jane for FMQ and piecing, and get a cheap walmart machine for decorative stitches. I got my brother SQ9050 from walmart for 199 and love that machine as well. you could probably even go with the brother PQ1500S which I think is the same as the jane, but might be a little cheaper You can probably find one in the 500 range