Is there a machine out there with a long throat, 11 inches would be nice, that also has some simple decorative stitches such as applique and zig zag? I'd like a machine like this but I don't want a fancy embroidery machine. Any suggestions?

The Janome Horizon 7700 is what you are looking for. Hard to beat a Janome.

Do you know what they retail at ?

top price is $2999 but am reading discounts here and there.

The Pfaff. There are used and less expensive ones.

I just got a Pfaff Expression 3.0. Sounds like just what you're needing. There's also 2.0 and 4.0 versions. The throat is 10" and it has lots of nice stitches for applique. The 3.0 retails around $2100. I got mine on eBay a couple of weeks ago for just over $900, never been used.

I like Pfaff, too. They are a good dependable machine.

How long a throat do these Pfaff machines have?

kenssewingvacuum.com has it on sale right now. the Horizon 7700 try there!

The pfaff quilt expressions have a 10 inch throat. I think the Janome Horizon has an 11 inch. I love my pfaff