I started a friends daughter on a Brother from Walmart. I have just purchased a NEW HOME Janome for a great neice that is here for a few weeks. I am so unhappy I am sending it back to Micheals. Not a smart purchase. All of my other machines are Janome. And I have had good luck. But I wouldn't recommend this for a learners purchase. No light no 1/4" foot and other problems. I am sending it back.