I would strongly recommend testing out the BSR before purchasing. I had been drooling over it, thinking it would solve all my FMQ problems. I finally went in and tried it out, but really did not like the feel of it. I realized it would take a lot of practice to get proficient with it, and I could just put that same practice time into FMQ without the BSR, and how I could buy a lot of fabric with the money saved. I ended up buying a used bernina 160 at a fraction of the cost of the B550. I like it very much. I use it for fmq, but admit that the smaller harp space is a challenge. The day I went in to try out the 550, a former 6th grade student of mine was there trying out the same machine. He did buy it and loves it ! I have friends who own a juki for their fmq. Just straight stitch and a somewhat larger harp. They do beautiful work on their machines! Good luck on your decision!