What I have learned is that you don't need a fancy expensive machine to do some of the most beautiful quilting out there. Any machine will do, the magic is in you. Now having said that, i had gone through multiple machines, even Brother I had gotten at a craft store. I eventualy ended up with a Babylock...quilting/embrodery machine. I got mine used at a sewing machine shop, I think we paid $400 for. She has a touch screen, and 100's of different patterns, and stiches, and all this crazy stuff, but to be honest with you the only thing I Ever use is the straight stich..All of my quilting needs can be done with it.