Stick with larger brand names (not a no brand). Get from a shop this way you have classes etc. with that said I have 2 a smaller Janome 1100dx a real work horse and BL evolution - what fun! Once you learn to thread (some are easier than others) it then becomes more in performance and what you'll use it for. Like a sewing machine try them out. I like the bernina which will be my next and a stand alone coverstitch (lazy I am). Juki makes the bernina and now that BL lost the air thread patent juki has it and bernina is soon to be released. Threading is much easier than my original 3 thread jc penny one! Which is still in use hahaha.