Originally Posted by
ontheriver
The brother 1500 has a 9in throat, comes with all the feet (FMQ and walking, plus others). Costs under 700.00. But is only straight stitch machine. Does great piecing and quilting. Has thread cutter and needle down features, also knee lift and small extension table. Have mine on a frame for quilting right now, have used it on table and it does not move. But later you may decide you want some fancy stitches or just a zig zag for basic machine appliqué which this machine does not have.
Another yes on this, it is a fantastic machine, super for free motion. For your under your budget, you could probably get that machine for approx $700 and also the Brother 950D for fancy stitches, button holes, etc, and it also does embroidery, including Disney, 4 x4 hoop only though. I bet a Brother dealer would work with you on that plus get some classes. I have both of those machines, love them & sew every day. Currently doing the free motion on a quilt with a camping theme for my granddaughter to take to summer camp, it will include a matching pillowcase.