I got my babylock espire for 1800 and haven't looked back, but thats just my personal preference, but congratulations, that is a wonderful gift

congratulations

Congratulations! Enjoy your new career and new machine whatever it may be. :thumbup:

Congratulations on your nursing degree!

Congratulations on becoming a nurse. And your gift was wonderful. Enjoy.

I would look around and find a great deal under 1000 and put the rest of the money into fabric especially since all you do is piecing. I would also look for a larger throat space on your machine. this way if you did ever decided to try your hand at quilting you could do it easier. but as everyone has already said, try them out first.

You could get a commercial straight stitch with a 9 inch throat. Either a Brother or Juki. Then if you decide to quilt later, you will be glad you have the extra area. Also, they make a beautiful straight stitch. I bought mine barely used for 650. Then if start taking classes, maybe you can watch for a Featherweight. Congratulations on your degree. I am an RN too but thinking about not renewing my license this year. You start, I stop. Of course, I am in my 70's. Lots of nurses quilt and do needlework. It is very relaxing.

Check out the newest edition to the Bernina machines...the 350B to 380B. They are very impressive for the price.

Congratulations! I loved my career in nursing.Lots of choices in machines out there. I got anew baby lock Quilters Dream for Christmas and like it so far.

Don't forget to look at the Brothers sewing machine line, also. I have both a Brothers and a Janome an love both. Viking is also good.