What is a good quilting machine to buy that fairly inexpencive? any suggestions?

Wills' grammy, someone just got a really nice machine for $199. I can't think of who it is, but when I do, I will get a link for you. In the mean time, go look on eBay to get yourself an idea on how much machines are going for there. That will help you for when you go looking for one locally.

Brothers are pretty good inexpensive machines. I just bought a CE4000 off Craigslist (almost brand new) for $60. The retail on them is 199 but on sale around 139. I've tried it out and I like it. It's lightweight enough to take to classes, has 40 built in stitches, a button that makes the feed dogs go down and a whole bunch of extra feet including the 1/4", Stitch in the Ditch, and zipper feet plus others. I've had Brothers machines before that were wonderful.

There is only 1 sewing machine place in Effingham, DH thinks that is where I should buy my machine for service and repair.

I know he carries Janome but not sure about brother

I have two Janomes and love them to death. You can't go wrong with a Janome machine in my opinion.

And I totally agree that buying one from the local shop so you can get it repaired there is a great idea.

Yes, buying local is the way to go if at all possible. Go in and test drive all the machines the dealer carries. Then you'll have an idea of your wants and needs.

Thank you to everyone, I am going to look at the janome site and see what they carry

I got a Janome 8077 1 1/2 yr ago at Hancock fabric for 250. they still sell them and I LOVE IT!! Has needle up down and the blanket stitch for applique. Really easy and a good beginner or advanced user machine. Would do it all over agin.

I also have a Joanome 1600 p-QC. LOVE IT! My favorite features are needle down, thread cutter, and it will not sew if you forget to put the foot down. I also use the knee lifter ALL the time.

I would stick with a dealer. If a new machine is out lf the price range, check into a used one. The dealer will have refurbised models. You can get a great machine at a lower cost.