I have a Janome 6500. I paid over a thousand for it when it was new, but now that the new 6600 has come out, you can pick up a 6500 for less than $500. I love my machine. I would like it to have a built in walking foot, but I have found that putting on the attachment is not much of a problem. I love the thread cutter, the needle threader, the knee lift, and the fun stitches. I have had no problems at all with my machine. The only drawback I have found is that it does not have a free arm. I sew patches on my husband's uniforms and I have to use my old Montgomery Ward machine for that. However, if you are mainly looking for a good machine for quilting, this is my recommendation. (I looked for months at a variety of machines and this fit my price and what I wanted in a machine. I own two Janomes now and I really like them.)

Thanks for the recommendation. I've read lots of good things about your machine, but I figured it would be too much. I'll look around.

Thanks for all of the great ideas and encouragement, everyone!! More ideas are always welcome, too.

Nice quilt. I love that pattern - did one for DH a few years back.

As for the machine: I suggest that everyone make a list of features and break them into the MUST HAVE, Would be nice to have, and can do without categories. For example, Needle up/down and low bobbin indicator are musts for me, as is the built-in walking foot. That is why I went with a Pfaff (although I would look at a Janome too).

The modern machines have so many features, that you will most likely end up with a bunch you won't need in order to get the ones you must have.

I would recommend you check out the Janome brand and go to a reputable dealer in your area. Sewing machines prices can be negotiated. (In case you didn't know)

I have read to check out the quilting that can be done on a particular machine that you should take a quilt sandwich with you to see how it quilts. You could take about 18" x 18" and quilt the devil out of it. Make notes which machine worked the easiest and best. :D :D :D

I use a Janome, the ladies I sew with all have Phaff's, mine was under $500. Also, there are used machines on Ebay that may have everything you're looking for.

I really, really like your quilt!

I have had a Singer, a White, an Elna, and now a Bernina.
After using the Bernina, then returned to use my Elna, which I have always loved, I felt like I was working with a Cadillac. I think you get a Bernina in your price range.

I haven't tried any others. My neighbor has a Pfaff and a Bernina. She likes both.

Quilt is lovely.

Have fun on this new journey.

I have been trying to find this pattern for quite some time now. Is it something you can share? I would love to make one of these! Thank you in advance!

I don't have a pattern, per se. I saw a picture of a tumbling blocks quilt and asked a friend to help me set it up. I made strips of alternating parallelograms and triangles and then sewed the strips together so that the matching triangles came together (making the third part of the box). I hope that makes sense (I don't have the quilt here to look at it).
Someone told me that the pattern is called "Not your grandmother's tumbling blocks" if that helps.

I agree, beautiful quilt.