You were all so helpful when I called out for advice on sergers that I'm putting this out there to you. I'm looking into replacing my clunker of a Kenmore sewing machine. It has served me well (I've asked a lot of it!) but I'm at a point where I can justify an upgrade. The trouble is, what to buy? My cap is $1000 but, really, something around $500 would be ideal. This doesn't have to be the ultimate machine (that'll have to wait a couple more years) but it does have to handle knits and heavier fabrics (like wool coating) very well. I'm using it exclusively for garment sewing (a good 30 hours a week on average), so I don't need 200 crazy decorative stitches or anything like that. Just a good, solid workhorse. Ideally one that comes with a good variety of accessories (walking foot, edge stitch foot, rolled hem foot etc). I'd also like it to be quiet. Are all mid-range machines pretty quiet? Sometimes mine sounds like a gypsy cart! Well, not that bad, but it makes me crazy, especially when I'm sewing late at night! So far in my research I've come across many machines that seem to be geared more toward quilters, with embellishments that aren't all that relevant to me. So, if anyone has any suggestions I'd be very grateful for them!