Hello, and welcome to QB! All great suggestions above! I have a Brother PC-420, it is an awesome machine! I also have a Brother PQ-1500..it is straight stitch only, has a 9" harp (throat space)..I love both machines for different reasons...I paid under $600.00 for the 1500...about $420.00 for the 420...I was a hand quilter for the small quilting/applique I had done until about 3 years ago when I really got interested in quilting...I started out with a Singer machine I had around the house for sewing clothes/household things...then I upgraded to the 420..finally got the 1500, too...since I use them for different purposes...I do have to say I don't think you have to spend a ton of $$ either to get a great machine...it is a matter of preference and what you are comfortable with...
Good luck to you!
Kif