Are they worth the $$
This is how I personally look it...Say, you buy one of the higher end machines and it has all the bells and whistles...then, within a year, the manufacturer comes out with an upgraded machine that makes yours look like it was from the stone age. What I am trying to say, that try out ALL machines. Do you want a straight sewing machine - or one with TONS of stitches, OR one that does embroidery, OR a "stretched" machine for quilting. Top of the line doesn't mean that it will remain next year, or even next week. Good luck