I bought a Kenmore/Janome from Sears for a great price and it's been going constantly for more than a year and I haven't had any problems with it. It doesn't care what type of thread or fabric you use it just keeps on going. I keep saying that I need to take it in to get it's yearly service but I can't stop long enough for that to happen. That is the other great thing about Sears; thier warranty includes anual checkups. Since Janome makes it I can easily get attachments from Hancock Fabrics or any Janome quilting store