I got the Janome Gem Gold (not the Plus) at Christmas and if I had it to do over, I would have bought a Janome but spent a little more. The things I don't have (like needle-down, ability to adjust the needle position slightly for scant 1/4 inch, having the take-up lever on the left, etc) are more important to me than I thought. It is lightweight, which is what I wanted so it will do for now, but I would suggest you make sure your new machine has the same features as the one you let go. You'll be happier!