I would suggest going straight to a bernina dealer and trying out their machines first. I went through buying other brands because I just thought bernina was too expensive but the more times I used them at classes or used friends machines I found the expense was worth it. I gave my daughter my Viking Saphire and bought a bernina 550 and everyday I am glad I did. It was worth every penny and with the way a bernina is built it will last me 20-30 years. I believe bernina is the only machine not made in china now. Their bernette is made by a subsidiary and is made in china and I would not recommend it.