If you have a Costco nearby, they sell a Brother machine that is PERFECT for a quilter. It's only $180 too! It has needle/up down, a bobbin you don't need to bring the thread up to the top (Faaaaabulous time saver), 140 decorative stitches and it only weighs 10 lbs. I bought this at Christmas time to carry to classes, etc.
Christine
http://www.quiltdasher.blogspot.com/