I also have arthritis in hands but have been doing some needleturned applique. Slow but sure. I think that the important thing is to fall in love with your machine, whatever the make or model you choose. After all you are probably going to spend a lot of time together and just as you are probably not the most perfect at sewing, your machine is rarely going to be 'The One'. The grass is always greener.....but this shouldn't stop us enjoying ourselves along the way.