Very good to hear about this new babylock - I have the babylock melody it is the same as the quiter choice just a new model I believe - the thread cutter is great - just use a stoppy-starty scrap of fabric before you start to sew and you avoid all the problems mentioned by Justabitcrasy. If I understand correctly this new model has an needle plate for stright needle sewing (piecing) and another plate with a slot - they are interchangable. This machine can be programed to make the presser foot rise when you stop sewing and I believe you can thread a bobbin without unthreading you needle. Justabitcrazy got a great price on that machine - so happy for you.