I had a Kenmore from 1980 which was a great machine. I so wish I still had it. However, in the mid-90s when I got into quilting, I thought I HAD to have a Bernina! Bought one that was near TOL (1530) at the time and was amazed that it didn't result in perfect quilts! :-) It was a great machine and easy to use, but in looking at my quilts you couldn't tell any difference, lol. Sadly, when DH lost his job a few years ago, I had to sell it. Now I sew on a $40 Bernina (1010) that I got off of Ebay as a buy-it-now. I had to buy a foot pedal and bobbin case for it, but I've done my best work with it...the big difference is experience. Good luck with your decision! Sewing machine shopping is SO much fun!