My "main" machine is a Bernina, much too heavy to carry to classes. So I got a Janome Jem Gold for classes. That lasted about a NY minute. Upgraded to the Jem Platinum. Not much better. Like sewing on a toy. Gave up and got a Bernina 220, which I love. Bernina stitch, sews through anything and everything, and is a bit lighter than my other machine. For me, all plastic was not the way to go.