NO QUESTION, HANDS DOWN JANOME 6600!!!! This is one work horse and my favorite of five. I have had it for five years and hubby last year said I could trade for the 7700. I didn't after looking at it and wanted to keep my known work horse. Does it all, have never had a problem. I want it to last forever...When I teach or show friends, they love it too. And not as expensive as a few others. I would suggest sitting down and trying some machines, including this one, and than make a decision according to price and ease. Good luck....C.

I use the janome 6600P, it is great and has both options you want, plus the knee lift, and stop/ start buttion, that eliminates the foot pedal, but it has that too, if you wish to use it. Plus the accufeed system, which is worth the price all by itself..

If money is an issue how about looking for a used Singer 301. Have heard good things about them.

If you're wanting a modern machine - Hands down, a Juki TL98Q

While it only does a straight stitch it has a 9" throat/harp space, knee control presser foot lever, power foot controller with power & thread cutter pedals (there is also a thread cutter button on the front neck of the machine below the stitch regulator), needle threader, needle up/down button and this machine sews absolutely beautifully and works like a horse.

It also has an extension table which can be easily put on or removed depending on your sewing needs and comes with a good assortment of accessories and presser feet.

If you're wanting a Vintage machine -

A Singer 301 - mine is fantastic - sews only a straight stitch but stitches beautifully and works like a charm.

A Singer 500 Rocketeer - this not only sews a straight stitch, it does Zig Zag and a myriad of decorative stitches using Cams.

Any Vintage Necchi (only the ones MADE IN ITALY though - stay away from the ones made in Japan - they're mostly plastic with plastic gears, are not reliable and are not built to last like the Italian all metal machines) They truly are work horses and sew beautifully. I love both my Necchi BU Nova and my Necchi Supernova Automatica.

Good luck in your search.

It took me a while to find my Rocketeer but she's in near mint condition and sews like a charm.

I love my old Bernina...it has never given me a bit of trouble. It is @ 35 years old and still going great!

Ditto! Love this machine.

I have a Singer Heavy Duty machine as a "work Horse" Will sew through 6-8 layers of leateher if needed. It has 10 basic decorative stitches and a buttonhole stitch. No mother board to burn up. Thread up and down is by hand, and the thread cutter is on the side. Came with attachementsstippling foot etc. Three needle position, stitch length control, automatic threader,zipper foot,lower feed dogs, pressure foot adjustment, and some other features.
When my other other machines hesitate to go through thichness, this one will always do it.
Singer 4423 Heavy Duty runs around $200.00 and is a favorite for me.
Its not going to make little duck stitches, or flowers, but it is a reliable, and tough little machine.

I agree, a great machine, fast & heavy duty.
Maire

I like the computerized sewing machines but the pc boards are always going out on them. I have found the Singer 401's don't take a regular belt. They have a steel cleted belt which lasts forever. They sew like a dream and have built in stitches, 3 needle positons, etc. I was given one of these by a friend. When I took it apart to oil it I was amazed at the construction.

Bernina. Mine is an embroidery unit. I simply can't say enough about it. It's just an awesome sewer. Use it for my quilt's too.