hi, i have a small brother (target carried it) for less than $200.00 it is #cs8150 and i would put it up against my designer 1 & my brother ult2001. i can free motion on it, it's small enought to carry to class. never had i had a problem with it.... it is a great basic sew machine.

I just purchased a Brother at WalMart. It was not the one for #199 but it was the $139. I love it so far. I wanted the more expensive one but they were out and I was afraid my husband would change his mind! LOL The $199 one has a stripling stitch which looked interesting.

Oh, I liked the sipping better, thought maybe a bottle of wine came with the machine!LOL

I agree with folks who said buy a used machine from a dealer. Usually they will let you try before you buy and normally they offer a warranty. Just got a 'backup' machine before Christmas and got a 1 year warranty. Also if i have any questions on how something works, they are just a phone call away.

Have you tried going to local sewing machine stores? they take in machines in trade, and they have good deals. try them out, and figure out your budget. if you like one, negotiate price like you would if you are buying a car. if none fits your fancy, let the owner know what your price is, and what you are looking for, something will show up. or once you find one that you like, try ebay and craigslist to find the machine or to get ideas of used machine prices.

Before I bought my Brother SQ9000 from Wal*Mart, I wrote to the Brother Company to ask if the Wal*Mart machines were inferior. He said the interior workings are the same, although the body is plastic. I wish I could have kept his answer to me, but I didn't, so I'm paraphrasing. E-Mail and ask the Brother Company before you buy if that will make you more comfortable. Also, I do not think the dealers carry that model. The Janome Platinum Gem was the other machine I looked at at the dealer's. It was 2# heavier, and I really have back problems and wanted something I could take with me on vacation or to classes when I take them. I have not had too much time to play with my new Brother yet.

I looked inside of my cheapy brother as much as I could and it looks metal inside there. The bobbin case is metal too.

I bought a Brother 6000I from Walmart and love it.

Be sure to check your local craigslist or the local vac-sew shop. We have a couple around St. Louis that regularly list some nice older machines (ie Singers from FW to refurbished models from 60's & 70's) that will do what you need for quilting/piecing. Folks have picked up nice machines from garage sales as well. If you have a machine that works for now and can take the time to look, you can find a bargain out there.

I have the Janome DC2010 and love it for sewing and quiliting!