Hi from Michigan. I just purchased a new sewing machine last week. I have a Pfaff that I love but it did not have a large enough opening for quilting large quilts. I was always fighting to shove the material through the opening. So that is the first suggestion I have, make sure you have the largest opening you can afford to buy. My new Janome has a 9x5 and I love it. Second would be to have a needle down option so when you stop your needle stays in the material. A 1/4 inch foot is a must have. If you think you will be machine quilting a walking foot is also a good option. I'm sure some of the other gals will have more ideas, but these are just few that I could not live without. Hope this helps and Good Luck.