I just picked up my Anniversary Featherweight last week. My husband couldn't figure why I would want such a small machine. I said, "It's like your owning a Prius." He said, "Oh".

I would like a Bernina 830E, because of the large hoop and everything else it is able to do.

APQS millinium long arm with cruise controls, computer and with all of the circle lord templates added .Add the bliss wheels , hydraulic/ motorized quilt advancement
bobbin threaded a nd all the other whistles.

I would love the Baby Lock Tiara that I tried out at our LQS a few weeks ago. They had a "see it, try it" day and we got to sew on several new Pfaff and Baby Lock machines including a Pfaff serger. Most of them were wonderful, didn't care for the Baby Lock with the laser light but maybe that just takes getting used to. Obviously the Tiara could not be my main machine (and it's very pricey) as it only does free motion quilting. I love my Pfaff's but would like a much bigger harp, the two I have are 6 3/4" and 7 3/4". I like the Pfaff expressions that have a 10" harp but they are out of my price range. The Singer touch n sew that someone else mentioned had a great bobbin winding feature that I'm not sure why others didn't copy it. I know they don't have a very good reputation but I have two and have had very little trouble with either one. Hubby did replace gear in one of them but it was a simple job, hardest part was getting the gears. It's fun to dream!

I just recently had this conversation with my husband. My dream machine would be the Brother Quattro 2 with a knee lift like the Bernina, all the feet the Bernina offers, and an automatic walking foot like my Pfaff 7510 for quilting. It's like taking the best technologies from all the manufacturers.

And I also agree with everyone's comments about the never-having-to-refill-a-bobbin.

I can only dream....

Well I just got my dream machine last week. Surprise for me!!! It's the Baby Lock Ellisimore Gold. It has everything that I will ever need in a machine because I don't want a long arm machine. Now I have to build my table for it and we are off and running.

It would have a thread cutter, and a low bobbin indicator, a special plate with a built in 1/4" edge that seams can run along.

or I could use my treadle machine and be perfectly happy.

My friend has the Viking Mega quilter (9" throat) with the Grace frame and stitch regulator for sale if you are interested let me know. It is below your budget...;-)