I sewed on a Featherweight for years. they make a beautiful stitch and are easy to take to classes. BUT, that being said, whenever I took a class that involved something other than a straight stitch I had to lug around my large machine. I sold mine and bought Janome Gem 760 that sews beautifully and also give me several other decorative or utility stitches that are common in today's quilts. It only weights 12 lbs...