[QUOTE=Cari-in-Oly;7872716]You can get a quality machine without the cost of a big name. Look at the Eversewn machines -
http://www.eversewn.com/
They have a store locator on their web site maybe there is something close enough to you to test it out. I just looked at one version today and I'm considering the Sparrow 30, which has the thread cutter. If you don't find it local it is on sale for $399 here:
http://store.thequiltshow.com/product-p/es30.htm