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Welcome from S CA! Check out sewing machines plus web site. Good luck with what ever machine you choose!!!!!!

for those who cannot 'enter' for paragraphs, go to settings, general settings, and scroll way down. choose WYSIWYG and be sure to save your settings. this will also ensure that you have the tree icon above the reply box.

Welcome to the group. I have two Berninas, neither of which was below $400, but there are many good machines out there. Look at Bernina, Baby Lock, Brother, and Janome. Be sure to read the reviews to see what kind and how many problems others have with the machines. Amazon.com and Overstock.com sell new and "reconditioned" machines. It's a shame there are no dealers in your area, because there's nothing like going from machine to machine to machine and trying out all the bells and whistles.

Hope you find what you need in your price range! Happy hunting.

Welcome to the board!!

Instead of checking out "boxed" machines at box stores, go to a dealer and test drive a few. Try as many dealers as you can find in your neighborhood.

Be sure to ask about USED machines. Dealers take in old machines as trade-ins when folks upgrade. The dealer will have their tech give the old machine a good going over, cleaning, and do any needed repairs. By doing this you can afford more machine for your money. Make sure you get at the very least a 30 day warranty with the machine, but try to get closer to 90 days. If the dealer trusts their repair guy they should have no problem extending a warranty to 90 days.

I highly recommend this method, especially for folks on limited budgets who want either more bells/whistles, or a higher quality machine (quality components, ie metal gears instead of plastic). I purchased a used Janome 6600 for a very good price and have not regretted it for a second.

Also ... since you are only looking for straight stitch and zig zag, plus better lighting ... you might want to consider a vintage machine and add your own lighting. Some of them are almost bullet proof, easy to repair & clean yourself, and simple to operate.

I would buy one with the largest throat size. Also, check out craigslist and the "for sale" ads in your local papers. Why are you upgrading your machine? those kenmores are work horses.

I would look at the brother PC-420 it is in the 400 range and has very nice features for the cost, very popular, good reviews off amazon. I have a cheaper brother and a TOL and love all 3 of my machines, very easy to use.

I also have had a Kenmore for more than 17 years that's served me well and still going strong. From the research I've done, Kenmore may have made by Janome for a stretch of time (back in the 70's if I'm remembering correctly). It has been GREAT. I just purchased a Janome DC 1050 because I wanted to stay under $400 (it was $299 from Mr Sew and MrsVan online). It has all the features I want right now except I'd love a larger harp for when I eventually do bigger quilts. That may be some time in the distant future. I like the needle up/down, speed control, and decorative stitches. I also like how QUIET it is. But honestly, if all you want are basic stitches, you might play around with some vintage machines if you can. They are built so much sturdier than new machines. (Even my Kenmore is sturdier and easy to fix myself than my new Janome.)

Thanks for the suggestions for the machine, and the advice on how to be able to "enter" to a new paragraph!

There is so much to consider when thinking about a new machine - your input has given me some more ideas.

Thanks again!

I also have an old Kenmore, but when I started quilting (2 years ago) I wanted something more without a big investment. The Singer Quilter's Confidence #7469 fell into my lap as a friend was upgrading. I love it for the basics. I'm not able to embroider or do tons of fancy stitches or quilt 'big' quilts, but I love it. It has the needle down and extendable bed you mentioned and a couple features my old Kenmore doesn't. I've seen this Singer in JoAnns flyers frequently for $100 off which puts the price around $300. Not sure if they allow coupons on machines, but worth checking out. Decisions are tough - good luck!