When I was recently shopping for a new machine, I tried the Berninas first since that's what I have used since the 70s. I asked the salesperson if I should try the other brands and she said--if you have been happy with Bernina, no other brand will ever make you happy. I got the 350 Patchwork model. It makes buttonholes and has many deco stitches, has the needle up or down function, but it's not a real fancy machine. I'm very happy with it.