I have owned just about every brand and I love vintage. But when the metal hits the pedal a great machine is your best friend. And you aren't going to know which one until you try them. Lots of people love Bernina and I guess I'd take it if it was offered to me, but is not my fav machine. I think Babylock/Brother can't be beaten if you do embroidery, but my fav sewing machine is my Juki. I started out with the 2000tl which is straight stitch only, but it is a beast for just a consumer machine. My problem with most of the machines with lots of stitches is the govenor (or whatever stops the motor from piercing difficult piecing). The Juki goes over thick seams like none of the other machines. I have the NX7 Kirei. It's got lots of stitches and does all the fancy things and is tougher than the other brands. Everyone has a fav machine and has their reasons, so just keep reading and find a dealer with a range of different brands.