I also wish I had more money so I could at least investigate the higher priced materials. I hear so much about great machines too, but I will never be able to afford them and my Sears machine from the 80s still works like a charm and has never been professionally serviced. I'm convinced you don't need big-name stuff to do a perfect job that will last for years. My great grandmothers quilt was made in the 30's without any 'high faluting' products and it's still fine.