You don't need to spend 600 bucks on a machine. There are lots of machines for sale that are half that. Janome makes some low-end models that work just fine. I bought a Bernina Bernette for my sister at Hancock Fabrics and it works great. I know Walmart carries some machines that I'm sure work fine as well. I think they're Singer machines. I have a little Janome Jem Gold that is actually for quilters. It came with a plate to cover the feed dogs, walking foot, etc. I think I only paid about $200 for it. I purchased it on-line. I use it when I travel and want to take a machine along with me.