Hello! I just joined this site. I am living in Africa (my husband works here) and Lagos is a little dangerous and not much to do so I don't get out often and therefore have decided to learn how to quilt. I just finished one with African fabrics but it wasn't very good so I'm trying to get better.
I think I'll try to start from the beginning.
I have an old Singer that rattles the table when I sew. I'm looking to find a used but better machine online. I can't go into a quilting/sewing machine shop here. I noticed someone on the Main forum asked for one around $800. There is no way my husband will let me spend that, so that's why I'm hoping Ebay or Amazon has a slightly used one for around $300. Maybe I'm unrealistic?
Anyway, also our internet sometimes dies so I'm looking for a few good resource book recommendations. Right now Quilting for Dummies and a Carol Doak book are in my wishlist. Any other recommendations?

Hi and a big welcome from Massachusetts.

this is my favorite learning to quilt book


http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Quilt.../dp/0696218569

Welcome from Kansas! I think that you should be able to find a great machine for around that price. I would check out the older Kenmores. They are great workhorse machines and all metal. Not like the ones that have plastic gears that they make now.
Here is an example of one. http://cgi.ebay.com/HEAVY-DUTY-KENMO...t_2152wt_1165.
Good luck in your search.

Welcome from Washington

Welcome from NE CA. Glad you joined us. You should be able to get a decent machine in your price range, elna has some good machines in that range also, they just won't have all the bells and whistles. Please show us pictures when you can.

Welcome, you have joined an awesome site and everyone will be only too pleased to help you.

Elle

*Waves from Iowa* :)

Hi, and welcome from Arkansas! Glad you're here. I would think you should be able to find a decent machine for that price range. the book I got when I first started quilting was called The Quilting Bible. It's a huge book and covers so much in it.

Hello and welcome from Southern California