I have a Husqvarna Viking that has adjustable speed, five settings. My god-daughter loves to sew on this. the slower speed allows her to gain better control of the fabric and keep a better seam allowance. Like Redmadder, Lily's father had no clue she was sewing as he never ventured to observe her--that would have meant getting up from the pool or from in front of the computer or television! But, when he finally realized, he was duly impressed.