I can't help you with the quilting aspect as I don't quilt, but the Janome I bought is the best machine I have ever had to date. It's small, lightweight, and was inexpensive. It is Jem Gold 660, weighs 12 lbs, and cost $159.00. It is a Janome and I am sure if you check with a Janome dealer in your area they could suggest a suitable one for your needs. I would tell them up front also the price range your looking in and they can work from there. Good Luck! Marsha

Janome is a good moderately priced machine and you will be happy with it unless you are in the $1,000. and up price range. I suggest you try the one from Sears (Kenmore). My reason is that you can use it for a month (or whatever the return time is) and see if it does what you would like. In fact you may want to try a couple of models to see which one you like the best. Dealers are wonderful if you know what you want, but it's embarrasing to return something to them - at least for me.

My daughter just surprised me with a new Kenmore for Christmas. It has all the bells and whistles that I lusted for and was one sale to boot. She is a great daughter (and I thought so even before I opened the gift).

Good luck, Mavericks. Monica