I have a very diverse collection of machines. My first is my Grandmother's featherweight which was purchased new in 1934 and is a reliable charm for basic sewing . I love it! Then I bought a Viking new in 1978 and it has cams that fit in the back for various stitches. It weighs a ton but reliably sews straight stitch, zig zag and buttons. The fancy cams no longer work. Then 4 years ago I mortgaged my soul to buy a Pfaff 2144. I bought it because it could do everything! I really wanted the thread cutter and IDF (integrated dual feed). I am sorry to say I was gullible and deceived! The thread cutter has never worked and I have had this machine in the repair shop so many times it is not funny. When I complain the store people say "Oh just buy the creative vision and you won't have any of these issues." I might be stupid but I am not that stupid! Now Pfaff also owns Husquvarna-Viking and Singer so... If I had it to do over again I would give the Bernina a hard look. Just my story!