Hi,I have always hand pieced and quilted,being rather nervous about buying a machine I took the advice of a friend who had always bought Bernina but was looking for another machine.She did research and found the Brother NX-400. I rather gulped at the price £500, and walked around the store for about half-an-hour until my lovely husband said he would go and buy it whether or not I was there.I can use it without the foot and it threads the needle for me -----and I love it You would have to fight me to remove it from my sewing room.I have learnt to love it ,buy one with a quarter inch foot and a walking foot--look for special offers.I got those and an extention table in the price. You are a lovely man to be looking on your wife's behalf,hope you get what you want. Letty