you will praise your sweetheart for his purchase. I have had my Janome for almost a year. took classes on fmq and have done very well with them. you can teach yourself, but there is a lot to be said for a good instructor, also the fun of the class. I have done up a big pile of quilts and have also done regular sewing. it does not come with the stitch regulator, but with practice you will not miss it. for the cost, it is the best you should purchase the bobbin insert for fmq though as it will make the process much easier. happy quilting. bev