About the HEW HOME> I got mine in 1987 I still use it all the tine. All it ever has needed is cleaning and oiling. I love it. I also have a Janome but still enjoy my new home better so far. Howerver I just wanted to say that New Home was bought by the Janome company I found out when I went to buy a 1/4 inch foot and found that the machines can use the feet interchangably so I had to only buy one.( I lost my other mv one in our last move.) I bought it cause of it being all metal. I don't care for the plastic ones still.