I have a Kenmore 181 from the 70's. It is my favorite machine for free motion quilting and have been able to do a queen size quilt on it. I also like to use the cams for decorative work. I also have a small Brother machine that I use for piecing and general sewing. For the best straight stitch and heavy weight sewing like canvas and top stitching my best machine is a Singer 201 built in 1938. If you want the new machine and can afford it go for it, but you might want to keep your older machine also, it may be better for some things. Maybe try to find a machine with a little larger harp space than the one you are looking at.