Yes I'm still a beginner,
But I got this machine on Ebay new, but just found it was on sale at Sears, and thought for someone who wanted to TRY quilting this is acctually a nice machine. I've made 5 quilts on it so far and have nothing but good things to say about it. And for $300 it's a great deal.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...6+Garment+Care
You can get the walking foot for $25 or their quilting kit with the 1/4 foot and embrod foot for $30.
Just thought it might be helpful for those people who have friends who want to start, but don't want to spend $500+ on a new machine. :)