As with most things quilting, I don't think NEED is the right term, just WANT. I also have a Janome, mine's a MC9000 and it's pretty heavy to lug around. I have taken my Featherweight to classes, but if your classes have machines, maybe you don't need it for that. I also do projects with kids, like the pillowcase project and tote bags from old tee shirts we did at Sunday school. When kids come here to learn to sew, either grands or friends, I usually start them on the FW. If Jan should be out of sorts and need to see the machine doctor, it's good to have the FW as a backup. Mostly, I just love having her. So the decision is yours to make based on what your needs, or your WANTS might be. If you can, just do it and you'll find lots of needs for it. You can always sell it if you find you don't want it anymore. There is always a market for them.