When i wanted to learn free motion for real I wanted a high shank machine with a lot of space. And needle down. And for it to be non finicky and sturdy. I have the Brother PQ 1500 and it is just right for me. Really is a limited frills machine. I rarely use the thread cutter, never use the knee lift, and added a strip of LED lights. It sits in an arrow table and I have no complaints. I have other machines if I want a fancier stick or a button hole.