I'd do both. I'm also a newbie quilter and have been using a 35 year old Kenmore. I serviced it to get it running as best it could because it's a solid old workhorse and I want to be able to count on it as a backup. It's solid steel and will probably last forever
But I'm also going to buy a newer sewing machine, because I want more features to make my quilting more enjoyable. I long for needle up/needle down, auto tie off and start and end, the ability to move my needle so my fabric clears the right feed dog when sewing the almighty scant 1/4" seam and I want better lighting dammit! I'm tired of having to try and squeeze a hobby lamp into the harp because I can't see what I'm doing. And more room! Some fancy stitches would be nice too. I swear I'm going to use all 190+ stitches on the new one - honest!
