I agree with alleyoop1. Find the dealers, try out all the various machines in your price range. Take your own fabric to the shop to try out on--they usually use a stiff starched kind that may not show you what the sewing is like on a fabric you may use. Plan on spending some time trying them out but it really does count. Be sure they offer repair services and maybe they even offer classes. I prefer the Janome's but Bernina is great too but more expensive. Take your time and really enjoy.