SusanSusan: I have a Brother 1500S. I would highly recommend it. It has no frills, only a back and forward stitch but it is a real work horse. The stitch quality is great and it is very powerful, no problem going through multiple layers. I paid $750 for it but recently saw it for $695. It looks very similar to the Janome but is usually a lot cheaper. I am so enthusiastic about this machine that I think the Brother Corp. should pay me for my multiple endorsements. Had it close to three years with absolutely no problems. I use it for both piecing and quilting. Someday I may even get another as a backup. I have seen it mounted on a frame but the quilting area is to tiny as far as I'm concerned.