I have 4 Janomes and, yes, they are definitely worth what they cost. It's the difference between driving a Yugo and a Caddy. I would go try out both cheapies and expensive machines. You will be able to figure out what your must-haves are and what you definitely don't want. Get the best machine you can afford. Think of all the time you will spend together. You wouldn't want some old throw-away cheapo husband, now would you?