I would learn first on whatever machine you have. You might change your mind about what you want after that. That said, I tried the HQ Sweet Sixteen at a quilt show and loved it! It is a big expense though. I am looking at a Juki now. They get good reviews and are under $1000, which is more in my affordability range. Ideally, I'd love to have a machine/frame, but I live in a small mobile and will never have room for one here.