I am looking for recommendations for a sewing machine upgrade. I would like to be able to sew thicker handwoven fabrics (even felted or fulled woven fabrics) for weaving wool for outerwear. While this is a bit adjacent to weaving, it is something I want to keep in mind as I make my decision. Any thoughts?

I'd visit a couple of nearby sewing machine places to try them out. See if they also do repairs and tuneups and if your machine comes with lessons--at least to learn your machine. Personally, I wouldn't buy a machine at big box.

A walking foot is a must from my perspective.

You could check out Sewing Pattern reviews website. People post their reviews of their machines. It's like any major purchase. There is a lot of brand loyalty. I wouldn't go the cheapest either.

If you think you will be sewing big items, you could look for a machine that has a bigger throat so you can maneuver your fabric better. My first machine, I bought for fashion sewing and then I started quilts. It was like Wrestling Match.

Have fun!!

I love my Juki DX-7. I've sewn everything from stretch lace to jeans (I think some seams were 8 layers of denim) on this machine, including handwovens, and I highly recommend it! Juki machines give you a lot of bang for your buck in my opinion (my serger and semi-industrial straight-stitch only machines are also Juki machines and I've been super happy with all of them).