I also have arthritis in hands but have been doing some needleturned applique. Slow but sure. I think that the important thing is to fall in love with your machine, whatever the make or model you choose. After all you are probably going to spend a lot of time together and just as you are probably not the most perfect at sewing, your machine is rarely going to be 'The One'. The grass is always greener.....but this shouldn't stop us enjoying ourselves along the way.

I don't actually believe it's necessary to get a machine serviced every year, unless maybe if you sew a *lot* of hours with it every single day of the year. As long as you clean the lint out of it regularly it should be able to go much longer than a year without servicing. If it's an older machine that needs oiling, keeping it oiled regularly is a necessity but again, it shouldn't need professional servicing annually unless it is really used a *lot* -- like in a commercial business setting, perhaps, or if you sew 8 hours a day at home seven days a week year-round.

I agree. I have had my Riccar for nearly 30 years and clean it regularly but have only it it serviced 4 times. It still sings, albeit loudly, not quite the quiet purr of my new machine but soothing all the same.....

Hello from Minnesota. Welcome.

Thanks for reminding me, I think I did know that, I just wasn't thinking. The one I have now has snap on feet.
Thanks again.

Every brand can produce a lemon now and then but in my opinion, Janome has the best machines on the market. I still think you should take some fabric (different weights and types) and test it to see if you are happy. I personally don't like Jukis - not because of the machine, but the manuals for the ones I have used are the most incredible mishmash of ill written verbage I have ever seen!

Don't worry about computerized machines - they are wonderful!