I agree Carla, I heard a few small remarks when I bought my machine at WM. It's a singer and it was a good price. Amore expensive brand may have more bells and whistles (that I probably wouldn't bother learning to use) but I don't think it would work any better. The reason I replaced my 28 yr old was because it was my birthday and I couldn't think of anything I really wanted. On my next BD I got a Singer embroidery machine and I love it too. I'm not sure but didn't Singer used to be the only machine? I've never seen another brand in the treadle style like the pioneers had. That's what I learned to sew on and still have it. Kenmore makes very good products, more money doesn't always mean better quality.