I love the Bernina quality far more than the Janome but I have 2 of both...I have a Bernina 830 embroidery and a Janome 10001 embroidery...cost of Bernina was much higher but the embroidery is beyond compare and it has a much bigger embroidery field...I am actually selling my Janome....but the plus for the Janome is the embroidery module is built in to the machine...taking my Bernina is like packing the house....as far as piecing I use my Janome 3000 most of the time and its a nice sturdy machine...if I am going to a class..I take my Bernina 240...its always packed and resdy to go...I would say...compare..test drive and pay attention to customer service...my Bernina dealer has a much better customer service..the people are always willing to help...the Janome dealer that is here now won't give you the time of day unless your there to spend.....blessings