I bought a 1500.00 Babylock about a yr and a half ago. The Serenade. I enjoy many things about it, but it does have a few bugs and a less than perfect straight stitch and a very generous 1/4 inch. Since then, I have purchased a portable Janome to take to classes etc. I think I paid 375.00 for it and am in LOVE with it! The straight stitch is perfect, the feed dogs are strong and the 1/4 inch perfect! All in all, I would buy a Janome over just about anything else out there. I have many friends that also have Janomes and love them too. Good luck on your hunt!