What is the best brand of sewing machine?

Depends on how much you want to spend! You didn't mention if you already sew well (which you may, although new to quilting). If this is a new venture for you you will want to get something along the lines of a nice reliable Singer. As your skills improve you will outgrow the machine, but by that time you will be knowledgeable enough to know in which type of machine you want to invest several thousand dollars in. I still use my Singer for tough stuff - upholstery, curtains, etc. I have three machines total - the Singer, a $4,000 Viking, and a long arm quilting machine. The Singer is over 30 years old and going strong! Hope this helps.