I suggest doing a google search for mid-line machines and then reading the reviews carefully.

I was hoping someone with some sewing experience might be able to recommend a good one that they have had experience with, and maybe what to avoid. I appreciate all feedback!

I have a basic sewing machine my mother bought for me years ago and it still runs great. I make curtains and quilts and all sorts of things on it. You just need a basic machine. Good luck.

All my machines have been Sears Kenmores and I have zero complaints. It will handle anything you need as a beginner. Quilting on a home machine, however, is difficult.

Look at used vintage mechanical machines. They're better than the new computerized machines and in most cases cost less. You cannot go wrong with a Bernina. There are so many brands and models out there that would be fine for your intended use. You can check the Pattern Review site for individual machines. I'm also happy to comment on any specific machine you're interested in. By the way, sewing machines are like cars - they'll all get you there but each has unique features.

Berninas are very good reliable machines, but pricier. They are the best sewing machines I have ever had. I love to quilt and I have sewn clothing, curtains, shower curtains, pillows, am currently making valances, etc. You could purchase a good used Bernina in that price range and you would need to decide if you wanted computerized or mechanical. The model 1008 is mechanical and very reliable and would do all the things you want to do. I agree that it would be good to go to a sewing machine store to try out a variety of machines to find the one you like. One thing I would recommend is to look at the full size machines versus what is commonly referred to as 3/4 size machines. Since you want to learn to quilt, a full size machine will give you more space to manipulate the fabric as you sew. Good luck in your search! And you should definitely be sewing if you love fabric so much! I am with you on that! :)

Yes, I agree with comment above, quilting isn't easy on a regular machine. You need a machine with a longer arm to be able to quilt large quilts. This photo may give you an idea of how regular machines wouldn't have the room for all the fabric of a larger quilt.

I have a regular pfaff and like it a lot, but I I've only attempted quilts that are crib sized or just slightly larger, which if you are just learning quilting are a good way to start.

I had a singer previously and didn't care for it, although my mom had a singer that worked great. I've known a few people whom have Brother brand and love them. My local quilting shop sells Bernina, and they are supposed to be excellent machines.

My machine that I had for over thirty years died last December:(

I went searching for a new machine. My daughter had recently purchased a Brother and it also does embroidery. After talking with lots of other sewing friends and relatives I decided on the same machine. It is the Brother Innov-is 990D. I have used mine a little and so far am very happy with it. My daughter has done quilts, but no machine quilting. She has embroidered cute pockets for her jean shorts and made lots of tops and dresses.

I did not plan on getting an embroidery machine, but there was a display with a quilt and some of the squares had embroidery on them and I thought it was really pretty. The machine was about $800. It was on sale when I purchased it. You could get a step down that does not do the embroidery for less. Do not get a $100- $200 machine. I bought a cheap one for my girls to use in high school and it was too difficult to use and seemed to have one problem after another.

The only thing I do not like about my new machine is how much of it is plastic - my old machine was metal. However, all the new ones seem to be plastic unless you have a small fortune and get a Bernina - the top of the line. The things I need to get used to are the LED touch screen and learning the amount of stuff it can do - my old machine was pretty basic.

One more thing, could be good or not just depending, is it has a connection with Disney - can do Disney embroidery, so there are Disney characters along the bottom front of the machine.

This pic has the embroidery attachment on - it disconnects for a regular size base.

I have a Viking Husquvarna basic sewing machine and just made my first quilt. I did not purchase any specialized quilting accessories for the machine and just viewed a few quilting tutorials online. The quilt, although not perfect, came out better than I expected for a first effort.

I'm sure there are many forums online which could help you with your specific sewing machine questions. The Viking store concession at Joann's provides classes which may be helpful. Good luck.

My first quilt.

I have made a lot of quilts, but have always tied them off rather than machine quilt. Usually I put a lot of batting in them which makes machine or even hand quilting impossible. I have pieced them and sewn the binding on with a regular ordinary machine. I also have sewn curtains, but not fancy heavy fabric ones. My home is a cottage style and so usually cotton type fabric or lace.

Looking for an older machine is a thought - a friend of mine got a used Bernina at a great price. However, before you buy a vintage machine, make sure repair parts are available. They don't make repair parts for my old machine - why I had to get a new one.

I think maybe you might be better off, just starting with a good brand in a basic machine. when i was young i thought i would do this that and the other too. ended up not doing so. but my machine is now over 35 years old. a simple singer. had several types of stiches but only cost $80. sews through anything. put a fatter needle in, go slow and i have sewn triple thick before and quilt hems. all my son's halloween costumes. curtains, throws, just endless. due to disability have not opened in 4 years, but i know that when i do? it will work like it did 10 years ago. If you decide to go in a specific direction then go back and spend your life fortune on a special one.

Thank you all for the advice! I certainly won't be spending a great amount of money on my first machine. I will let you know what I find and how my first project turns out. Thank you!

Check out your local sewing machine dealer for old trade-ins. The older mechanicals made under the Kenmore name and Singers (to name two) will get you a very solid reliable machine for less money than many bottom-of-the-line new machines. If you have a local friend who knows machines than you might check out Craigslist and garage sales. Try to avoid buying a new cheap machine from a big box. Dollar for dollar it's not likely to be as dependable as an older one. You haven't mentioned what you'd be willing to spend but I just picked up a fully serviced Bernina 801 for $350 at my local dealer.

That's about my top dollar, $350 for my first machine. Thank you!

yes, i was talking more like this. you can keep it too once you get your fancy one, use it for the simple things you think might harm the machine. Walmart has about 5 under $100. 20 under $200.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Singer-Sewing-Machine-2663/10992861

oh if it is mechanical, my exe was right about one thing, always get belt driven if possible.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/sewing

PatternReview.com is one of the best sites around for extensive sewing machine reviews and lots of discussion about everything sewing. Check there first before you buy anything.

It's important to be aware that low-end and even mid-range new machines won't perform as well as vintage machines. Old machines were made of solid cast metal, not stamped metal and definitely not plastic (except for outside case). This means they tend to sew more accurately; they stay adjusted longer; and (given an appropriately sized motor) can sew through more layers.

So, if you are looking to spend < $400, you'll almost certainly be better off spending <=$100 on a vintage machine. Have it tuned up by a sewing machine shop and you'll be off to the races.

I love the older machines. Check garage sales, auctions, resale shops, even free ads. Often they just need tune up and oil and you have seversl Spare machines for price of one! I have several right now that i got for next to nothing. Once I cleaned, oiled, they sew great!