Maybe a babylock quest plus used would be a good machine, I saw onesold for 600 the other day. You can go to your dealer and see what gentle used machines they have. Thats the best way to get a good machine for under 1000. most high ends run around 1000-1200 new unless you want a simple straight stitch machine or a machine that has about the same features as your walmart machine but more durable in how its built would be in the 400-500 range like a brother pq1500s or a babylock elizabeth, audrey, or brother has a nice project runway machine about 500 that gets good reviews. Also the juki f600 gets great reviews and it runs around 800, that would be a good one to look at