The Janome HD1000 is a real workhorse. Only 14 built in stitches. Aluminum body, painted. Front loading bobbin. No built in dual feed. No embroidery, unless you want to thread paint. Kind of a throw back machine. Only one buttonhole, and it takes four steps to do it. No embroidery. Only vertical spool pins. Does have a thread cutter and automatic threader. Does require oiling. Can drop the feed dogs, but the mechanism is under the front of the machine. Has that presser foot holder with the lever on the back that you lift up to release the foot. I looked very seriously at this machine when I purchased my 1600. The HD stands for heavy duty and it means it. You are right to suggest a local dealer, for the classes especially. I also agree with the suggestion of good used machine from a dealer.
Last edited by Krisb; 03-26-2012 at 08:36 PM.