I have owned a Pfaff machine for over 20 years. Pfaff has been the best machine I have ever had. The IDT (duel feed) is amazing to piece and quilt with. A variety of feet come with the machine but there are more you can purchase. They will stitch and quilt about anything you want to make. You will not go wrong with Pfaff.
Yes, this machine will let you grow your skills for a long time. A good dealer will help you get the most from your machine. I sound like an advertisement for Pfaff but I have been sewing since I can remember and used many different machines. Pfaff is the best by far. I am a retired bridal seamstress, too and we used a Pfaff Ambition 1.0 in the sewing room there. They are a well built, work horse of a machine.