I have been sewing and quilting since I was eight years old (and believe me, that is a LONG tme!) I have used some very simple sewing machines and some of the "expensive" machines. I believe that most important part of quilting is a machine with a good stitch. I have a sewing machine that I got at an auction for $1.00, yes, that is one dollar, and it sews a beautiful seam. So price doesn't really matter to me. Hopefully, your wife will eventually believe that too.