I have Janome machines now and my old Pfaff. I really love both brands. Several of my friends got Kenmore machines from Sears to take to classes. They are made by Janome, I think. If you can find a Sears store that carries machines you can check them out. They got lots of bells and whistles for less money and are very satisfied. As to Brother I have several friends who have had lots of problems with theirs. Two of them traded them in on Janome. We have an excellent dealer about 60 miles away who was smart enough to give really court the local quilt trade and she sells lots of machines.