I love my Viking Topaz - it is a sewing/embroidery machine. I also have the Janome MC6600P. At first I was using the Topaz for piecing too, but found I much prefer to leave the embroidery unit on it. It is on top of a cabinet because I don't have to sit by it like you do when you sew/piece. I have not tried a Bernina, I bought the Viking and fell in love and the price was just too good to pass up.