Jim, Here are a couple of links about sewing machines that, according to someone on the GulfCoast list, come recommended by people that have them. http://www.qualitysew.com/brute.html http://www.tuffsew.com Neil Townsley Care2 make the world greener! Protect your right to breathe clean, smoke-free air: http://www.care2.com/go/z/11238/1043