Hi, Jmm3,
For years I sewed and quilted with my Singer. Last year I traded it in for a Janome. Loved my Singer, but love my Janome more.
Figure out which features you want. Here are my favorites:
1. Lots of feet
2. Lots of different stitches
3. Up / down permanent needle position
4. Thread cutter on the machine (this makes SUCH a difference)
5. The larger the machine bed, the better for quilting.
6. Portability; so you can take your machine to classes.
Welcome to the board! LoriAnn