Hancock Fabrics has a Janome 8077 for around 200 or 300. has needle up down and the blanket stitch for applique. It was my first machine for quilting. now I have a janome 1600 p-qc and janome 9500. Go to a dealer and see what they have used/trade ins. my dealer still warranties everything he sells even used stuff.

I have the brother, and I use it every single day. Love it!

My second machine was a Singer 7469Q. It is made for quilting. I made many quilts on this machine and I just now upgraded to my Bernina QE. The singer is around 329.00 but they run sales on their website and through JoAnns. I am keeping my Singer and use it on my quilting frame. I never regreated my purchase.

I would say your looking at it wrong. that machine must come with a bunch of stuff, because you can get the Janome 1600P-DB High Speed Straight Stitch Sewing and Quilting Machine with FREE 3 Year Nationwide Extended Warranty from http://www.sewvacdirect.com/janome1600p-db.html for 579.00 plus free shipping. This machine has the 9" throat that your looking for, however it does not have needle down button and you use a darning plate to cover the feed dogs instead of lowering them!

I know its still not in your price range but it is closer than you think.

I'd surely like to know more about the sideways machine.

Grammy, go to the search at the top of the page, someone has posted pictures of how they turned their machine to get more quilting area.

Check http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-46536-1.htm

There are pictures showing how one person set hers up.

This is the machine I've found that is "refurbished"..But, I wasnt sure if refurbished was pretty much like "trade in/up"..Or if it were a bad thing

Thank you for posting the pic of the sideways machine...I can see a lot of advantages in doing this..Except your throat space would still be the same although, the material woud be easier to control

I'm really leaning toward getting the Viking Emerald 118= 429$( the 116 does not have the needle up funtion)..Lot of nice features albeit no added throat space and no trade ups available at this time..However, It comes with several free classes and good/close support if I need it...But, still researching= scout out my Local quilt shops next lol
Thanks so much everyone for all of your input..

I would google used sewing machines and see what comes up. Actually, I would use Bing. I like it better than google. but thats just a preferance

You can stuff an awful lot of rolled up or accordion pleated quilt in the throat of a regular machine and have it stay out of your way while you quilt. When the machine is turned sideways, so the needle end of the machine is toward you, you don't have to deal with all that bulk under your elbow and in your lap.