Go try out machines from different manufacturers. If a shop has no machine to try - leave. I like my Viking Mega-Quilter and bought the Imperial frame for it but I just got a Bernina 440QE and FELL IN LOVE. Also have a 15-year Pfaff that works well and a Janome Magnolia that it too light weight for some things but functions as a good machine to take to a quilt class. Bottom line is try before you buy and try them all. Good luck. :-P