There has been lots of opinions on here about what is quality machines. They are like all other opinions, just that. There are lots of people with more money to spend and only buy a certain machine brand and really don't know anything about the others. My Daughter bought a Brother from Wal Mart and used it to make lots of quilts and quilted them on that machine too. It sewed like a champ and still does. We bought her a Brother 1500 and she loves it, has a 9" throat and makes quilting much easier. It would be too heavy to take to classes. She gave about 70.00 for the Wal Mart Brother. I wouldn't think twice about buying one for piecing. Look around and get what you need and can afford.