I have a little Janome 2139N..that I got at Hancock Fabrics a couple of years ago...I have pieced over thirty tops on it...from throws to Queen size and I have not had one problem with the machine...it is a little workhorse...any kind of thread works...bobbins from Walmart are fine...several fancy stitches..I hem my quilts on it when I get them quilted... and the price was around $150...never have to oil it..couldn't ask for a better machine for just everyday sewing...Hope you look into one like this...I see them at Hancocks on sale lots of times...