It sounds like you like the Brother brand. If the current machine still does the work for you, why not invest in the walking foot? It sounds like you are happy with the Brother brand, so there are high odds that you might get a different Brother and you could use the foot again. I am a Baby Lock fan and cannot say enough good things about my "Quilla" - They also take Brother feet and accessories.
Agree with whoever said that $1500 is not high end. Sad but true. My Baby was a bit over $2k and she is considered "mediocre" - for me she is fabulous!
Now, if you WANT to buy a new machine, I would suggest writing down the features you need. Then start checking which brand/model supports your must haves.
For me they include:
Needle up/down
Needle position
Motor speed control
Large throat
Large table
Free arm
Walking foot (built-in preferred)
Excellent stitch quality (particularly blanket stitch for applique)
Independent bobbin winder
Built-in cutter
Automatic threader (Baby Lock's is FABULOUS!)
Not picky with threads (some machines are very persnickety)
I would not buy a Viking, Singer, or Pfaff, because they are owned by a holding company and their first goal is to make money - not quality or customer service.
Last edited by MadQuilter; 05-24-2013 at 11:27 AM.