ok.thanks for all the great advice.i wound up buying a janome dc 4030 today.i really like the auto threader and the start stop feature which allows me to sew without using the fpptpedel.i figure that feature alone is going to shorten the length of time it take me to piece a top.cant wait to get home from work tomorrow so i can play with it.;) marty ps thanks to those of you who have so graciously put me on your prayer lists.