Test Drive. I would stay away from the $150 to $450 machines, you will find they just aren't as strong as you may need. Go to a good dealer and see what they have and if they have classes and work on them. Go to a couple classes before you buy and talk with the ladies/gentlemen. What do they have, not like, had good luck with, etc. You may even find a good used machine that someone is selling in order to trade up for a real deal. Ask about show room demo. If their is a sewing/quilting show in your area, they usually have some of the best deals on the last day of the show and will throw a lots of things in just so they don't have to haul it back to the store. Now on brands. I would stay away from Singer unless it's old. I have some Bernina, Pfaff, Brother, Baby Lock, Feather weight Singers and love them all. Haven't had any problem with any. But, they are all top of the line machines.