Amazon has the Janome HD 1000 priced at $ 329.00! If I didn't already have my beloved Pfaff it might be worth it!

I have a Janome Gem, lightweight for classes and a Janome Horizon which I'm very happy with after having many Berninas. I couldn't see if the model you're looking at had the needle down feature. I like that and use it a lot. And Congratulations !

I have the Janome 3160 and love it. Great machine for piecing. Light weight. Versatile. I bought it to have a machine to travel with but end up using it as much as my designer machine..

I'm another who feels compelled to encourage you to keep searching for a used Bernina i.e. 730, 830, 930 series.. All of the bernina sewing machines from that era are solid workhorses that are simple, solid, mechanical machines that stitch exceptionally well and are easy to use/maintain. I have a Nova 900, a 930 and a newer computerized 770QEE and am most often found sewing on the 900 and 930 (or my Juki straight stitch machine). They are simple, solid, excellent machines. FYI - I found the Nova 900 two months ago on Craigslist for $225. Any of these machines are likely to outlive all of us if cleaned and oiled regularly. Good luck with whatever you decide is the best for you!

Well, no used Berninas around right now, so I sat down with the local Janome dealer and we decided on the Janome 625e
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was a good entry level price, a nice suite of features to get her started, and I will report back on how it goes with our sewing newbee!

Thanks to everyone for the help and advice!