When I could afford it, I moved up to Berninas. I loved them. Then I got a lemon serger. My friend got a lemon 1630. My biggest complaint is as Bernina updates its machines, it makes it impossible for you to use the new feet etc. on your older machine. I can't afford a new Bernina every other year. I finally moved to Jenome. I have the gem for classes and the 6600 for quilting. I love the machines and as far as stitching quality, I guess I'm just not that particular. That was never one of my criterias when selecting a machine.