Who sews? Is this a good machine?

Any time I'm looking to purchase something like that I look up the online reviews at places like Amazon (and I don't put too much weight on the Vine reviews because those people usually got the thing for free) to see what real people who have used it have to say.

I personally would hesitate to buy a sewing machine from anyplace that doesn't also service what they sell. If the thing craps out six months from now, what recourse do you have? For that reason alone, I would go look at a certified local dealer instead of a chain like Michael's or JoAnn's because they do a much better job of standing behind the products they sell.

I have a Brother machine that has served me well for a number of years.  I not, however, familiar with current models.  But This review may be very helpful.

If you want to free motion quilt, you need a machine that will allow you to drop the feed dogs. Can't tell if that one does.

Personally I also like to be able to choose whether to stop with the needle up or down.

You want one also where you can increase/decrease the pressure foot pressure depending on the thickness of your quilt sandwich.

I got a machine with all those fancy stitches and haven't used them in 15 years -- pretty much straight and satin for me!

I'd suggest looking at the Janome/Elna brand...

Brother is a good brand. Look at Janomes. You want to be able to drop the feed dogs and needle down option is a real plus. You wont us many of those stitches.

Yes. You will need more throat space than fancy stitches. Needle down, drop feed dogs. And service.

I am in a quilt guild and beginners come in with all kinds of issues because they did not buy a machine with throat space large enough to quilt on their own machine. Ten of our members make a lot of money quilting for those folks on long-arms. Baby quilts start at $40 for just simple quilting.

Welcome to the world of quilting!