Thank you everyone for the recommendations. For now, a Bernina 1031 was donated to a local sewing studio and I am the proud/happy owner of it. She's made from metal, weighs a ton, and it's so comforting to have a machine again. I wish I could say thank you to the person who donated it. It's in almost perfect condition, had about ten feet inside an accessories case, a darning attachment, about 20 bobbins, the manual and a machine cover! Only the knee lifter was missing and I found where to purchase one. I'm thrilled. Even when/if I get my new machine, I'll keep her until someone else is in need.