I'm new to sewing and a friend had recommended this as a starter machine for a novice and it's perfect: easy to use, intuitive, and with all the basic features I need. It's also lightweight and has a handle on top so it can be moved and stored away easily. The dust cover that comes with it is extremely flimsy, however. You should tear its seams and use its pattern to sew a new one as your first project on this machine.