Thanks Iceblossom! I had a 25 year old kenmore that my husband bought me before we were married, just so I could hem pants for our soon to-be family... as it turned out, that machine served me well, and I made many things, including costumes as well as clothing. I decided to upgrade a few years ago and sold that machine at a garage sale for$40!!! I wish I had it now, in the interim... as I try to decide on a new machine! I totally agree that a good straight stitch is what I mostly need, but even though I only quilt 70x90 size or under, having a large throat area makes it so much easier! I had a lot of stitch choices with my quantum machine but honestly didn’t use more than a few of them... and since I mostly used my walking foot, I probably didn’t realize how poorly my feed dog function was working!

I Love that idea, quiltingcandy... to stretch myself, not my budget... this concept applies to many things in life!

thanks for all the advice!
 

Wow! I didn’t expect such a quick response and so much good advice! Thanks everyone for your help so far! I plan to investigate more in the next day or so and make a decision soon! I will probably have more questions when I narrow my choices down...:confused::confused:

Welcome from NJ. Agree with everything that has already been said. Not sure where in PA you are but if you are near to central NJ I would highly recommend my dealer. PM me if you want details.

Welcome from Michigan!:)

Welcome from Texas. Good luck in your search for a new machine. I have a Janome Magnolia 7330 which I bought in 2009 for $329. At the time I was just beginning to quilt & didn't know what I wanted but DH was insistent that I get a new machine for my new hobby. I like the machine a lot but sure wish the throat was larger (it's about 6 1/2"). Also, it's hard to get my hands in to thread the needle. Now, it does have a needle threader which makes that function easier. Even though I don't use a lot of fancy stitches, I wish it had more to select from. It does have a needle up/down feature which I Love & a slide that allows to change the speed of the machine. I have heard a lot of great things about the Ever Sewn Sparrow machine but I don't know anything about them other than what I've read online.
Have fun with your new hobby. This board is full of encouragement & help. We also love to see pictures...hint, hint, hint. :)

Welcome from Oklahoma.