My first machine was a '76 Kenmore flatbed with cams- wedding gift from my parents. Still going strong. My second was a Brother CS6000i because I wanted a free arm and some different stitches. It's plastic and definitely not as sturdy. I also many treadles, a few 221's, a 301, Necchi, and a few other Kenmores needing cleanup. I don't have any machine envy for computerized machines after having seen other quilters struggling with mammoth purchase and repair bills.