I use my FW for classes and always take it even when I take my Janome Jem for when I need different stitches. It has come in handy so many times for when my or someone else's machine decides to not sew. It's simple for everyone to use, even a beginner sewer. I keep it in the hard case and sit the case in a regular machine rolling case. I have the white (celery) one. The white ones are actually smaller then the black ones! I can get a perfect stitch with any type of thread on the FW. It's not picky about thread types. I use the Singer needles made for the FW. The other needle brands are just a smidge longer and doesn't give a perfect tension stitch but not many notice that difference. One con: The light cover gets very hot. I seldom turn it on and use a sewing lamp.