I have a small maching for classes but take my larger one for longer retreats. Like you, I do not need all the fancy stitches. Just an added expence that will not likely be used. I do love the needle down feature. Lived without it for years and llived to tell about it. As for thread, I like the Connecting Thread spools simply because they are so large. I can do a few quilts without having to run back to the store for more spools.