My DD has one of these and loves it. Actually all 4 of my girls have brother machines, they all make quilts with them and a couple do other types of sewing too. so far no complaints or problems.

my 'back-up' machine is a 1956 singer 99-K; stitches like a dream- easy to maintain- goes to work/classes with me- cost me $20!
but if you want something new- i recommend the inexpensive brother machines from wally world- you can pick one up between $89 & $139---good basic machines- my granddaugter's have been using them for 6 or 7 years now- no complaints- they do what they need them to

I would look for a Singer 66, or Singer 99.. I love to listen to the way they purr.. I'm not big on cats. I'm a dog person, but these machines really purr..
Barri

I was going to say that the Featherweights are sweet little sewers and very portable, too!

I recently found an Elna Supermatic at our local thrift store for $34 (ok, my husband spotted it). The cord was frayed so I couldn't test it, but a quick trip to the guy who maintains my singer FW and $100 later, and it a dream machine! I love it for piecing, and it came with cams for zigzag and five other stiches. So check you local thrift shop!

If you go to classes, a Janome Gem Gold is perfect.

I have a brother SQ-9050 and a brother XL-3500I I would recommend both, you can get the SQ9050 at walmart

Brother has some nice ones with lots of stitches I have the cs6000i my Mom and Sis have the 9500 and SIL has the 9550 - none of us have had any problems with them, mine is 4 years old , Mom and Sis a year old and SiL just got hers - all under 200.00 when bought new

I went to my fabric/machines store where I had purchased the Brother Innovis 4500 D, and bought a less expensive Brother machine for my sewing room and to take to do projects. I went with a machine that would thread.......been great, and it was a little under $300.

I have the Brother SQ9000 sewing and quilting I got at Walmart. It comes with the walking foot and other extras you use in quilting. I have had mine for a little over two years and love it so far.