I have two Kenmores One made by White that I use to sew all my heavy duty things and one made by Janome. I love them both and use them both for various projects. My Janome cost about $179. It has abut 160 built in stiches and is great to carry to sewing retreats.

I hasve two of them, one is a Gem and it really is nice, I got it for taking it to quilting and it almost works too good, sews faster than I think at times. The other was pricier but has an emb roider/sewing machine. They are really quality built into it, I really like mine/

I got a Janome for Christmas from my mom three years ago. It doesn't have a lot of fancy goodies, but I have made over 20 LARGE quilts and many smaller ones, I cart it to our quilting group meetings and to friends homes, the only problem I have had is that sometimes it likes to sew by itself--has something to do with the foot pedal. I LOVE the machine itself, it does what I need and I am quite happy with it.

I love mine! Check Craigslist for a deal

Keep in mind that computerized sewing machines are only as good as their chips. That's why I love my old mechanical New Home. Nothing bad happens when I'm using it - as long as you don't count pilot error!

But my new brother - very computerized, as are most newer machines - and it will be treated delicately - well, at least for a month or two. Then, no doubt, I will be back to my old, bad habits.

The more expensive the janome the heavier it tends to be. If your friend only wanted back and forwards look for a featherweight if you are lucky. Hope Santa finds something. Just thought have quilters got a machine they don't use or want.

Possibly check refurbished machines at a shop you can trust

Wish we still had a Janome dealership close by....I'd have traded my Memory Craft 6000 for a newer model. I love Janome machines!

Did Santa bring your friend's machine? What'd she get? ;)

Ditto...what did she get????