Have had Janome 9500 for 4+ yrs. Paid $1500 for it. I used the embroidery often at first. I was surprised at the amount of other supplies, stabilizers, embroidery thread I needed. Now, I do not embroidery so often, so I use it as a regular sewing machine for quilting and garments. It is a workhorse and made to do many stitches. Inside, it has many metal parts, which makes it too heavy for carrying around. I am very happy with this machine and it comes with many attachments and decorative stitches. I do not, however, like the zipper foot!