I got my Avante in December 09, and I love it. I also have the pro frame, everything about the machine and frame is easy to use, easy to LEARN how to use. I talked to my rep for quite some time before buying, asked all the questions I had and got good answers. She even came and set it up, gave me lessons, it is worth every penny. Doesn't matter that I drooled over a Handi Quilter since they first came out. I like the looks, looks sleek like a corvette, to me anyway. But then looks are in the eye of the beholder.