I too own a Bernina mine is the 185e. I love love love it. Mine was however pricy. It has and embroidery system and all the bells and whistles. I want the Bernina 830 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: thats what DH says. Actually I am very happy with what I have. I too would stress that paying for quality now will save headaches down the road.
My favorite must have features for quilting are also the needle up down feature as well as the adaptable sewing table that comes with the Bernina. i also have the bigger plexi glass table that fits. I originally bought the machine I have for apparel sewing. Button Holes are a breeze, but, it fits right into my quilting world to. Smooth as butter and more reliable than any other machine in my house.