I have the Handiquilter Avante 18" and I love it. I purchased mine as a floor model - it had very little hours on it (there is an hour meter) and I got a great deal - mine came with a studio table that you can set up at 4", 8" or 12" - It has stitch regulator and needle up and down. Also has many different speeds and stitch lengths - if you buy the computer add another $ 8000. or so - I don't have that feature - mine is all hand guided. It does take practice but the more you use it the easier it will get. Have fun and good luck.