I would go to different stores and try different machines - I love my Janome and my Pfaff - I would make sure that it is from a reliable licensed dealer if it is brand new and what kind of lessons come with it. I almost sold my Pfaff because it was supposed to come with class, but that meant everyone who had bought a machine - so there were all different levels of machines and learned little I have spent a lot of time with the book. The janome came with one on one lessons.