I currently own four Bernina machines. An Artista 185 for general sewing, a 220 Bernette for traveling, workshops etc., a Serger and a Deco 650 Embroidery machine. I use at least one of them everyday. When I have trouble with the sewing machine eating the thread etc. I think it is because I have the switchplate on it that allows decorative stitches etc. I make a lot of little dresses for a charity project called "Princess Pillowcase Dresses". They have armholes that are bound with bias tape that also creates ties that creates the shoulder straps. Sewing those narrow pieces of binding without changing to the small hole plate sometimes causes problems. My favorite part of my Bernina machines is the decorative stitches which would not be available without the special faceplate with it's larger hole. At least a couple times a week I have to struggle with a wad of fabric or thread that got sucked down into the bobbin area. I think that would probably happen with any brand of sewing machine.