I just remembered another good reason for one. I like to sew bags and other similar projects. My 6600 is great but with really bulky seams, I get a lot of skipped stitches and the thread jumping out of the take up lever, even when I thread that part backward (which is supposed to reduce that). My 3500 has trouble as well, but my featherweight will tackle those thick seams just like that. I had to use it today when my 6600 failed. So I greased and oiled it up and it went over those thick seams so easily.