I bought a Brother (small) at Walmart for $200. Have used it a lot in the last 2 years and it sews perfect. Has 79 stitch patterns and letters and numbers. It skipped stitches and I found out the bobbin case was worn a little so ordered a new on from On Line Sewing Parts, works fine now. Hope this helps. I do have 2 other machnes that are too heavy to take to class. This was the reason for me to buy this little Brother. My other machines are sewing and embroidery machine. Janome 9000, Brother ULT with the Disney designs built right in. TOO heave for classes.