I've used a Viking and I bought a BabyLock more bells and whistles and user friendly and cost effective, plus almost all models have threading and scissors function. The Ellissimo the top of the line and the Ellegante have the pressure auto lift for ease of pivoting for quilting. Brother also has these functions. Check and test drive all models. Make sure you are comfortable with the dealer and also the convient location will probably be important. I know Nancy Zieman and Ellenor Burns are spoke persons for this brand. Good luck the choices are many.