I sew with a Brother HS-2000 & I adore it!! It sews over big jean seams or anything else I've tried to put through it. It's barely shut off since June of 2010 & still purrs like a kitten. Very quiet machine & is very lightweight! I can lift it easily & it's under my 20lb lift limit. It does have a small throat though, so I'm presently saving for the Brother, Laura Ashley special edition NX-2000 which was built for quilters & has all the items with it that you need including a large sewing area. Before the HS-2000, I had a Signature by Brother for over 35 years that still works, but needs new wiring before I dare plug it in, as the wiring is really brittle.