I don't think you will be able to find a machine with a harp larger than 9" at that price, unless you get a deal on a used machine. You can get a JukiTl98, a Brother 1500 or Janome 1600, all of which are high speed straight stitch machines with a 9" harp, for well under $1000. Mine was about $800 barely used, original packaging, all the accessories. They are not long arm machines, or even midarm, so on a frame you would have limited working space, but they can both be mounted on a frame. Just don't expect the results of a real long arm. You will be readjusting the top frequently.
Do you know which machines will fit your frame? What kind of frame is it?
Last edited by Krisb; 04-08-2012 at 01:19 PM.