I also LOVE my Brothers 1500. I piecing, FMQ, everday sewing on it. The 9" throat on it makes FMQ easier but it is still hard depending on the size of your quilt. What I really like about it is that you are able to raise the presser foot tension so often I do not use my walking foot since I raise the tension. This machine is straight stitch only so if you want to do fancy stitches then you will need another machine. Go to your LQS and test drive the machines and see if you like the way it drives. I bought mine from Amazon for $600 with free shipping and no tax. Amazon is an authorized dealer so warrenty is covered. Only you can decide what you want from your machine.