Well, here's some good news!!! i just got the weekly newsletter from my local quilt store (and Bernina dealer) and it seems that Bernina has a sale on an entry level machine!!!! Get this....the 215 is on sale for just a few days for $699....AND it has a needle threader, needle up/down and full or half speed setting. it looks like it's a smaller machine, but it's a Bernina nevertheless! I think I'll get over there this week to check it out! Christmas is coming!!!!