I have a Janome 9000 I use for the special features and have just purchased a featherweight for the basic sewing as many recommended on the board. Several people stated the new plastic machines did not last like the old metal ones so to use a 301 or featherweight for the piecing. I had so many functions on the Janome and when I had a problem (I am a
beginner quilter) I had trouble figuring out how to fix it. If you have a dealer you purchase your machine from near by,give free lessons and help....mine is 1 hour a way.