It's time to replace my Singer Futura, but what with?

We have just spent some time in Spotlight looking at sewing machines and getting nice and confused.  I want to replace my old Singer Futura with a machine that will allow me to do some freehand quilting.


I am looking for a simple basic machine - nothing too outrageous - a fancy embroidery machine is out of the question - I am thinking under $500 is preferred.


Spotlight have a special on the Brother BM-2600 RRP $349 down to $174 as a clearout - I figure it is going cheap for a reason ?? 

EDITED:  Spotlight have one set aside for me that I will pickup tomorrow.  at $174 I can't go wrong - if it doesn't suit after a year, I will look at something else.  At a minimum, it will be better than the Singer which is missing stitches on a more regular basis now and I am only left with 4 bobbins, as they are plastic and have deteriorated over the years - they are the screw together type and I have not seen them in any of the stores.

HERE is the Brother BM2600 brochure if anyone is interested. 

I am hoping my fellow block swappers can give me some suggestions ;-) 

what machines (model numbers too please ;-)) do you use?  are there some that are better for quilting?

A nice, neat & tidy sewing room

Hi everyone

I have been very busy over the last few days - I was having trouble finding some material I knew I had set aside for a swap swap over at CraftMad and decided I really needed to sort out my sewing room.

I dismantled the single bed and it is now leaning up against the wall in the corner.  Know anyone who wants a single bed in the Adelaide area?

The Horn sewing cabinet - this was my Mum's and it became mine after Mum passed away in 1998 along with the Singer Futura - I love this piece of furniture - it folds away neatly when not in use, but opens up to reveal a reasonable work area.

Complete with Singer sewing stool - the top cushion lifts off and there is a storage area underneath.

Here is my cutting table

My very small, but growing stash of fat quarters ;-)

Now I have my neat sewing room, I can make it all messy again by finishing my swap with CraftMad and my Quilt Block swap with Leena.