I bought this to replace the 45 year old Husqvarna Viking I learned to sew on as a child - a very basic, sensible, no-frills workhorse. I was looking for something similar, something that would allow me to sew just about anything, but didn't have a lot of frills, and didn't cost a fortune. This machine has been great! I have been making guinea pig fleece bedding pieces, using up to 4 layers of fleece at a time, and it has sewn with absolutely no problems. I really like the see-through bobbin area - it makes it so much easier to gauge the amount left and to stop without running out! I haven't quite mastered the automatic needle threader, but I've only had the machine a week, so I'm sure I'll get it figured out. Very happy with my purchase!