I love my featherweight too - but if the OP wants a machine any time soon she may not find a featherweight at her price in good condition for a long time. It took me a very long time to find mine and I went to garage and estate sales and thrift stores on a very regular basis.
Imsewinso - I wonder if whoever told you about the Brother machines had personal experience with any of them? We have many members here on QB that have them and have had no problems with them.