There's another machine you might want to consider-it's the Elna Lotus SP. It's case closes up over the machine and it's a fabulous machine. I own one and have been so happy with it. I was lucky enough to get it at a yard sale for $5.OO. Yes I did say five dollars. I've had it for about 9 years. It also does free motion like a dream. It weighs less than the featherweight. It has a great stitch and it does a zigzag also. It's swiss made. I've never had a problem. Alas I don't have an instruction manual. I've looked on ebay and got a really bad copy of one.