From past experience......unless you enjoy the pleasure of learning a "new" machine every time you go to a class or retreat, try to buy one that is the same brand as the one you enjoy sewing on at home. I'd look for one that threads the same way, uses the same needles & bobbins & has a movable needle. Getting that scant 1/4 inch right by moving the needle is a must for me. Another key - Make sure whatever you buy can be returned if it pulls your material off to the right or left. Not all models of the same brand will sew the same.
All that being said - I use a Brother at home & at classes. I have a small Janome at a camp we have & it sews a really good seam, but the needle doesn't move. My 1/4 inch seams are not good if I can't move the needle so that I can line the fabric up to the edge of my foot.
Have fun shopping!
Last edited by Barb in Louisiana; 10-12-2012 at 04:06 AM.