I purchased a Janome 6500 about 3 yrs. ago...when I got serious about quilting. I like it a lot because it is dependable and has some nice features to it..Like the self threader,separate bobbin winder,. and especially the up/down needle button. I do my own free hand quilting so I like the speed control level and thread cutter button...It has a lot of decorative stitches that are very easy to incorporate in my quilts or purses that I make Janome is a very dependable well built machine...Good luck! Kathy