Ooooooo, Lesley, I am so jealous!!!! I really fell in love with the Avante - 18" stand-up model. About the only thing that kept me from ordering one right there & then was $$$ - just couldn't judstify spending that much so soon after DH gets his job! Next year - well, that's another story. Yes, taking it for a test drive did it for me. It was soooo easy to use! I have the Handi Quilter frame and carriage, with special handles for my Janome, for my own machine, but this Avante is so much better and easier to use!!! I amazed myself at how much better I was on it! Beginnier's luck, you suppose?
Good to hear from you!