I would have to disagree with a Featherweight. The machine is a small machine, and I don't think it has enough power to handle quilting -- as expensive as those vintage machines are ($300-$1,000 on e-bay) that machine has a very small throat, so you would be almost forced to QAYG, but if that's what you want, I'd say that choice is up to you. The Featherweight machines, pricewise, have really gotten beyond their true worth -- don't get me wrong, I have a FW, and I love it for piecing. I just don't think the motor is powerful enough to handle quilting on a long-term basis. JMHO! I have a Singer 403-A, but I think it would be too heavy to cart around to meetings, etc. I know I don't lift it -- I scoot it around on the desk top, but I cannot lift it (I've had 2 back surgeries in the past 3 years). In fact, I don't even lift the FW -- it's just too much weight (the physical therapist says 5 pounds, the neurosurgeon says 10 pound limit, and I'm just playing it safe). The 403 is a wonderful machine and my son bought mine for $41 at the Good Will Store locally. I have a number of vintage machines, but my 328K, the 403-A, and the FW right now are my favorites, with the FW being limited to piecing.
You need to get the machine that is right for YOU, and the only way you'll find it is to go to the dealer(s) where you can actually use the machines, always making certain you can get service if it's needed (as it almost certainly will be at some point in time). Fortunately, my son worked as a SM Mechanic for 14 years, so I have a "resident" SM Mechanic who takes care of my machines.