I got a Featherweight for carrying to class. Comparably light new machines were pricey and did more than I needed them to do. I love the FW and find that all the hoopla about perfect piecing is true. My piecing has improved like crazy. I had a big problem with accuracy. And after reading about the Elna Grasshopper on this board (sorry, don't remember the thread---but thanks, Elna poster!) I was lucky enough to find one for cheap. Won't see it until October when brother comes to visit, but it's on the way. It was love at first sight,and it's light and lovely, too.