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I have heard the Bernina is a great machine. I started with a Brother, then a Janome MC9700, which is still awesome to me. Perhaps your best plan would be to try to find a Bernina on Craig's list. Go for an older model that is less costly but will serve you for years. I picked up my Janome on Craig's List. The machine was still being sold by the company, and new, it cost $2,400. I got the Janome, a ton of embroidery stabilizers, extra feet, storage box, AND like new cabinet to put it in -- all for $800. The thing was, the wife had talked about sewing, so the husband went out and bought her what was at that time (4 years ago) the top of the Janome line. She sewed on it for ONE day, and put it away. It sat for 3 years until I bought it. So essentially I got a brand new machine plus lots of extras, for one-third the cost of a brand new machine. That's a steal, not a deal! I had it serviced, and it didn't cost much because the machine was whistle clean, and only needed some oiling. I also bought an extended warranty for it at the shop that services Janomes. This may be worth remembering. It cost $300, and covered the machine for all routine cleanings and repairs for 5 years. This also included all of the classes they would give to a new owner, plus a 10% discount on everything in the store, including sale items, for 5 years. If you ask me, it has already paid for itself in all of the classes I was able to attend.
Anyway, good luck quilting and make sure you come back and visit us often!
Cheers!