There are many good machines out there and I would suggest, if possible, to go to a dealer to try out different machines to get the right "fit". If you are going to machine quilt, look for a machine with a larger throat, I have a Janome 4000, which I love, but I also have a Brother that was free, and it is my "go-to" machine when my Janome is in for a regular check-up. I don't know that you need much more than a straight and zig-zag stitch on the machine, but a needle up/down is a great feature, at least to me. There are also machines that have a quilting stitch, but I have never used one. It all comes down to personal preference plus follow-up service. I know this is long, but there is no one right machine for everyone. By the way, welcome to quilting, I'm sure you will find it a very rewarding hobby, or in my case - obsession.