You sound like I did a few months ago. Wanting a new sewing machine and not sure what to get. I am sure there are many good machines. I ended up with a Janome MasterCraft 6600 and I love it. It was more than I wanted to spend because my budget for "toys for mom" is about $0. This may not be quite the level of machine you are looking for but I am glad that I got it. I has a lot of decorative stitches and I can do the letters. I can now put my "signature" on my quilts - - not really a signature, but I leave my mark. The throat is enough that I can machine quilt.. I have done a twin size and a couch throw size so far. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone