I love my new Bernina. I spent a lot of time trying out new machines and the Bernina was the only I liked EVERY time I sat down at it. But I did sew on a Brother from Walmart for 9 years, and it held me in good stead. I was just ready for something with more options and better FMQ results. So look for what is best for you and try them all out multiple times. For me, the cost was worth it for the Bernina, since it just fit me unlike any of the other machines I looked at (Pfaff, Viking & Janome).