To say I love my FW is an understatement! It is great for those travel days where I go with my quilt guild or to sew with friends or family. My Janome just went down until I can get it in the shop for repair so I pulled out one of my FW's and have been piecing a lot ever since and I love it. I can get a nice 1/4" so easy and it is as smooth as velvet. If you have the choice that is what I would do. I also have a light weight Brothers machine that I take with me from time to time but the FW still reigns supreme.