http://tinyurl.com/7l8ntca is a straight stitch only machine. I ordered one last week and should get it today. I am so so so excited about it. I have 2 other machines (one that does a lot of stitches and one that does straight and zigzag) so this brother will be my quilting machine. I did a lot of research to make sure that this machine isn't just a cheap version of
http://tinyurl.com/7tbhdan
I have also looked for a used machine with a nice harp size and haven't had any luck finding something in that budget. One of my machines is about 30 years old and it is 7.5 inches from the needle to the arm, so don't discount an older machine. She was a well-loved Pfaff that we found at an estate sale for $50. My other machine is a newer Janome and she is a great sewing machine, but doesn't like to FMQ at all. But she's the one I always go to to repair my son's pants (weekly event!) or do any kind of non-quilting sewing on. I got her at a pawn shop.
Every once in a while, someone will sell one on this board. And I check Craigslist daily, but haven't seen anything that fits my needs and/or budget except industrial machines, and I don't think I'm experienced enough to handle one!! I also toyed with the idea of saving up for a Bailey or WOW or one of those larger sit-down machines, but really couldn't justify the extra money at this time.
Being the kind of person I am, I have a hard time spending money on something for me, so I decided to just go for it and ordered the Brother. It's not the biggest out there, but for the money, I think it was the best deal for me now. I may still save up and buy something bigger (I want a Sweet 16 so bad!!!) or this might satisfy my itch!!