I've heard comments of "I can't quilt because I can't afford a fancy machine." All you need is one that sews forward and backward. I do happen to have a TOL Bernina - not because I have to but because I wanted one. I always recommend that people buy the best THEY can afford. I hate to see someone quit quilting because their machine just doesn't work right. No one can tell what machine you stitched your quilt on. I would love to have my quilts custom quilted but just can't afford it - so I'm learning how to do my own. So sorry that some quilter's feel they have to put someone else down instead of taking the opportunity to mentor someone.