We get a lot of Ontario residents donw in Fl for the winter so come on down. Its still way to hot here right now. Sice Kenmores are made by Janome you would be able to get parts easily enough still. I think a mechanical one would hold up better for long hauls but lightweight..mnn. Yes, a FW would do it but at the asking prices now , forget it. I bought a Janome SewMini and left it out west at my son's. $40 and sews only straight stitch. Alos very noisy. I was afraid I would wake up the baby whenever I used it. :-(