Lots of great advice has been given already. I just want to add that if you are wanting to do quilting as well as piecing I suggest that you get a vertical bobbin rather than a horizontal/drop in bobbin. Most people find the quilting to be superior on the horizontal bobbin machines. e.g.: Bernina 830 Record, Singer 15-91, Singer 301 have vertical bobbin with a bobbin case. Of those three, only the Bernina 830 Record has zig zag capabilities.