Hi. Gals: I was reading your emails and thought I'd add my 2 cents. I had a Phaff for 25 years and this time I bought Janome 10001. I was terrified of it at first and whished I haden't spent so much money, But every day I sit at it after 2 years I find out a new wonderous thing it does. The more I use it the more I love it, so good luck with your machines.. When I told the sales lady after I bought mine that I was afraid of it.. she gave me this advice that I am passing on to you. dont be affraid of it, sit at it as often as you can and play, experiment you cant hurt it and it wont break :wink: its a tough old girl and can take anything you can give it Good Luck Chris