I have this machine and use it daily..love the deco stitches. the feed dogs do lower in the back of the machine for fmq but I have tried alittle and need alot more practice. I have made several bow tucks purses and with the fleece and fabric I have had no issues. I have made several quilt tops and baby blanket and sewed thru jeans and a lettermens coats and all good. Mine too did jump time and took it in and got back in a week and the auto tention is off but will have to go back to shop. all in all I am happy with the machine so far and like I said I do use it almost daily as it is the only machine I have set up. I too am partial to the older singers but I didn't like changing cams and felt I deserved something nicer. so to each their own and now that I have said this I sure hope and pray it doesn't bite me in the butt and the machine go wacky.