what is a knee lifter sorry I dont know

It's a bent metal bar that sits in my basement...

Absolutely essential for me -

Needle up/down.
Knee lift. So you can lift the presser foot and turn your work hands free.
Needle threader.
Basic stitches plus a few decorative (eg blanket stitch) - I don't need dozens of different ones.
Preferably machine comes with walking foot, 1/4" foot and FMQ foot so you don't have to buy separately.

needle up or down & blanket stitch would be my first 2 choices.

It allows you to use your knee to lift the presser foot so you can reposition fabric without taking your hands off the fabric.

after saying I wasn't going to buy right away, I ended up going against my best intentions. But I am pretty excited....and I can't wait to get her home. I spent way more than I wanted, but I can justify in a number of ways. I bought an Elna 7200pro, there is a new version but the deal I got with this one was amazing. Not only does it come with all the feet and an extension table, but the actual table that it sits down in as well...which was a $600 bonus. The other way I can justify is that if I really wanted to mount it on a frame I can, which will eliminate the need to upgrade once more, unless it is a true long arm! Here is the link with all the features
http://www.elna.com/en-ca/model_quilt_elna-7200.php

Have you taken a look at the Viking Saphires. They have a lot of space for quilting. I'd love to have one to carry to quilting classes instead of my bigger machine

You have an awsome machine. I was just telling one of the ladies on the board her to check one of those out... The auto lift foot is so nice when you are doing applique... I will never have another machine that dosent do that and the easy needle threader. I'd love that machine for free motion quilting.
And being able to move the needle in 25 positions is so great.
Happy Quilting.... Connie

Congratulations - I hope you enjoy your new baby.

Needle down, is an absolute must for me. It is great for turning corner. Needle threader and a fix stitch are also important for me.

Good Luck

RuthieLynn