Three years ago, I bought a Bernina QE 440. I have always admired the Bernina machines, particularly when it comes to perfect and consistent stitches. I grew up using my mother's Viking "Huskvarna" (might not have spelled that correctly), which is still a dynamite machine to this day (great stitches and great local store, also). And, she has used it non-stop for 40 years. I sewed on an older Singer, which is still just fine, but limited to the basics. I was walking through the Bernina store, because it is right next to a very nice fabric store that I was in. (I had bought a Bernina Serger at this store about 5-6 years earlier on sale, and found it easy to use and have had no regrets about my choice back then). I had my husband with me. He saw me admiring the machines, and being the very "hands on and tool oriented" person that he is,,,,,he suggested that I try some of them out. This Bernina Shop is EXCELLENT in every aspect of their business. Staff is knowledgable, accessable, and friendly. Someone came right up, and didn't treat my husband like the invisible extra baggage. I asked sewing questions and he asked mechanical questions. After they asked me certain questions, I was steered to an area with several price ranges of Bernina's and also the Babylock Machines. I was not looking for the embroidery machines. I was not pressured about buying, but was encouraged to try them out. The sales person AND the repair person (who is an owner, also. H & W team), was able to give a lot of input, even though there were many customers in the store that he was helping at the same time. I kept coming back to the QE 440. It did exactly what I wanted in a machine. Plus, it did quite a bit more. I did not need the embroidery module, but it came with tons of fancy stitches already. It happened that they had just gotten a trade in from a lady who upgraded to a new embroidery machine. Perfect condition. Several extra's, including the BSR attachment for the free motion, and the Walking Foot. $2,000. I had no intention of buying a machine that day. Had not even set out looking for one. After a couple of hours in the store, I stepped outside with my husband. He told me to go back in and buy it before someone else did. He is NOT, and I will emphasize, NOT a compulsive buyer. He DOES know quality and prices. I was still hesitant, but it was calling to me and without verbalizing it to him, I wanted it bad. You guessed it. I bought it right then, and have been incredibly happy with it ever since. This machine makes me want to sew more and more. It is that much fun. I will add though, that even though I have sewed most of my life and am very picky, I still signed up for their class on how to operate the machine, BEFORE even taking it home. I highly recommend this to to ALL who buy a new machine (I did this with the Serger, also). It got me going very quickly, and they even throw in some tips and tricks that were new to me. It was a very thorough overview of the entire machine, and all of the attachments that came with it. I could go on, and on, but I think you get the point. I am a totally satisfied customer. I got an excellent machine, for a very good price, and I was immediately happy and comfortable with it because of the in-store support and classes, which were included. I'm lucky to live near such a good store (They have been in business for many years here). I also, know that, whenever I have a question, there is someone there that can help me. This is the one MAJOR thing that you do NOT get when you buy the very INEXPENSIVE brands from the Big Box Stores. The store I bought mine from knows that if their customers love sewing and are matched to the right machine that works well for them (business or pleasure/hobby), they will be repeat customers. They also know that if their customers find their machines frustrating, they will either hate sewing, and give it up, or find another machine/store. If I am allowed to mention the name/location of this store on this board, I would love to. But, I don't want to violate board rules. Let me know, because this is one of those special small businesses that really deserves to be recognized. Best advice, I can give is to find a store that will work with you in the future, as well as, point of sale. Even if you have to drive an hour or so to get there. Try the machines. Don't be pressured. And, Good Luck. Hope you find the right machine for you.