I agree with everyone who says you have to get to know your machine. Realize that they will all be somewhat different and it takes times to get to know your machine. I have several Brothers, a featherweight and some vintage Singers. I love my Brothers and strongly feel you get alot more bang for your buck with them. I have a high end Brother and 2 mid- range machines. They all work wonderfully. As a matter of fact, when I really sit down and look at the functions and stitches I use the most, I find I am using the basics. Yes, it's nice to have 420 stitiches but how many are really used? That being said, I have known older people who create amazing garments and quilts on very basic machines.