I was in your same boat about 18 months ago. Wanted a new machine, but had no idea what to buy. Do you have local quilt shop? I went to a couple and "test drove" machines. I ended up with a Janome 6600 and I love it - - but never would have thought that I would spend that much money on sewing machine.... very, very, very glad that I did. The only thing that I would change about my machine is the bed is big and it doesn't allow to sew sleeves very well... google sewing machines and check them out good luck have fun