Sewing Patterns & Supplies

I am thinking of starting quilting as a hobby and need to buy my first sewing machine......??

Does anyone have any suggestions on what would be a good machine for a beginner? I have read a few books on the subject and they all say a fancy machine is not necessary, just one with a good straight forward and back stitch. I am interested in machine quilting only and live in Australia. Thanks!
I should probably add that I have experience sewing clothes, pillows, costumes, etc, but not quilts.

Any decent machine will work for quilting. As you've been told, all you really need is a straight stitch for piecing. However, it is a lot easier to maintain accurate seam allowances if you have a quarter inch foot, which isn't always standard. It is also helpful to have a walking foot (for straight line quilting) and an open toe darning or free motion foot (for free motion quilting). You might want to add a "needle down" function to your wish list. This means that when you stop sewing, the machine automatically stops with the needle down, in the fabric. Standard machines stop with the needle up, which is great for clothing, but annoying for quilting. And of course, if you're going to stuff a whole quilt under the machine, you want as much space as possible under the arm.

If you're going to buy a new machine, it's still worth a little extra money to get a good brand, like Janome, Bernina, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking, or Babylock. For a basic machine, they'll all offer similar quality and features. Find out what dealers are in your area - it's just as important to have easy access to your dealer for repairs, troubleshooting, and training.

If you don't want to spend too much money, look for an older used workhorse machine - any of these brand, but old Singers are also good (the new ones not so much).

BEGINNER'S HANDAMDE BAGS 2 - Japanese Pattern Book $26.99

Book Pattern Sewing Simplicity Unit System of Sewing 1965 Beginner to Expert VTG $17.99

MARTHA PULLEN'S FRENCH HAND SEWING BY MACHINE BOOK BOOKLET BEGINNER'S GUIDE $4.99

Bags for Beginners - Japanese Craft Book $22.99

BEGINNERS OSHARE TUNICS - Japanese Craft Book $30.99

Vintage 1947 Simplicity Sewing Book Helpful Hints for Beginners and Experts $15.00

Handmade Skirt for Beginner/Japanese Pattern Book/271 $17.80

4 PLAID Iron-On Liquid Beads For Beginners Books:Dots & Dash ,Christmas Festival $12.99

SEWING FOR HOME BOOK BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS /GREAT FOR BEGINNERS $8.99

Vintage 1949 Simplicity SEWING BOOK Helpful Hints for Beginners and Experts. $12.00

Vintage Simplicity Sewing Book Hints For Beginners & Experts 1947 $6.00

Beginners Dress Makings - Japanese Craft Pattern Book $32.89

BAGS FOR BEGINNERS - Japanese Craft Pattern Book $30.99

BEGINNERS DRESS AND TUNIC Book - Japanese Craft Book $24.99

Children's Clothes for Beginner - Dress & Tunic/Japanese Pattern Book/338 $16.80

Beginner's Furoshiki Wrapping - Japanese Craft Book $31.99

HB 74 BEGINNERS BOOK PATCHWORK APPLIQUE QUILTING BOGEN $5.95

Children's Skirt & Pants for Beginner/Japanese Clothes Pattern Book/265 $15.80

BABY CLOTHES FOR BEGINNERS - Japanese Craft Book $29.99

BEGINNER'S HANDAMDE BAGS - Japanese Pattern Book $26.99

BEGINNERS SKIRT Book - Japanese Craft Book $24.99

BEGINNERS KIDS SKIRT AND PANTS Book - Japanese Book $24.99

Simple Patchwork for Beginners - Japanese Craft Book $32.99

BEGINNERS HATS - Japanese Craft Book $24.99

Beginners Dress Makings - Japanese Craft Book $32.99

Bucilla 86194 Holiday Cornucopia Stamped Cross Stitch Tablecloth, 60-Inch by 90-Inch $26.38 Celebrate special occasions with family dinners over the Holiday Cornucopia Collection of hand-made table coordinates. This kit contains washable white poly/cotton pre-finished fabric with the design pre-printed in wash away ink, DMC floss requirements and easy to follow instructions. Finished size: 60" x 90". Design: Holiday Cornucopia. Made in USA/Imported....

Bucilla 86193 Holiday Cornucopia Stamped Cross Stitch Tablecloth, 52-Inch by 70-Inch $28.34 Celebrate special occasions with family dinners over the Holiday Cornucopia Collection of hand-made table coordinates. This kit contains washable white poly/cotton pre-finished fabric with the design pre-printed in wash away ink, DMC floss requirements and easy to follow instructions. Finished size: 52" x 70". Design: Holiday Cornucopia. Made in USA/Imported....

DRG Publications Annie's Attic - Towel Toppers & Dishcloths $7.95 Towel Toppers and Dishcloths are great projects for great gifts to accent anyone's kitchen. There are nine colorful matching sets in the following designs: Rooster, Spring Garden, Chef, Sunflower, Teddy Bear, Pastel Rose, Navy and White, Daisy and Espresso. Includes a Stitch Guide and Brief Illustrations of How-To. Style: Crochet. Softcover: 19 pages....

Alex Toys My First Sewing Kit $17.00 Winner of both the Dr. Tony Best Classic Toys Award and Parents' Choice Approved Award, My First Sewing Kit from ALEX gets you sewing right away. This kit includes everything you need to make and decorate adorable stuffed felt animals and a notebook cover. Clear instructions guide you through each project--no sewing machine required. Great for rainy days or traveling in the car, My First Sewing K...