When I had an inheritance to spend I tried out several machines at the sewing expo. For the money I wanted to spend, Gammill was my first choice but the salesman put me off, plus so much of the extras were extra $$. Handi Quilter was my second choice. I went home to think about it and fell into a great deal from a local HQ dealer on a slightly used machine. I love my Avante and have no regrets, in fact I'm glad now that I didn't suck it up and buy the Gammill.
You don't say where in WA you are, but there are HQ dealers all over the state. If you're anywhere in SW WA, Cathy Moore in Rochester(Cathy's Classy Quilts) is fantastic.
Cari