Three years ago I bought a Bailey 13" and a GMQ Pro frame for $2500. That was it. No Bells or whistles.
Bailey made these machines for home quilters who wanted to be able to quilt their own quilts. They are not Professional models, but some of the people who have bought them have been able to do some phenomenal quilting.
Most of us are happy to be able to quilt our own quilts and using our own free motion design and meander quilting, suits us fine. Those of use who do charity quilts do not need fancy stitches. I have been totally happy with mine, it is in my sewing room and when I want to turn it on and quilt, I can do that. I don't have to wait in line or pay to have my quilts done by someone else. It is liberating, especially after I paid a quilter $500 one summer - then decided I should just learn to do this for myself. My own quilts keep me busy, and that keeps my happy and out of trouble!
Home Quilters are great.
June in Cincinnati