I am an avid sewer but have slowed down in the amount I do in the last few years. So I gave my high-end sewing machine and serger to my daughter who loves to sew (so does her daughter). But I still needed a sewing machine. So I went online and read the ratings for various sewing machine companies on various websites that rated sewing machines, and Janome came out on top over and over again.I am in my 70's and have been sewing since age 7; I have made men's suits, complicated wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses for many shapes of women, have made draperies and slip covers for furniture, and many other sewing projects, so I am an accomplished seamstress.This machine is a basic sewing machine and actually full-size and heavy enough to not bounce around, much like the sewing machines I learned on in junior high school in home economics. It's a sturdy workhorse of a machine and would be ideal for someone wanting a starter machine. I intend to keep mine indefinitely. (I would NOT recommend one of those mini sewing machines. I bought one for a friend, and it was awful. So stay away from them. They do not work as expected and they are frustrating to work with, especially someone new to sewing. The pre-set stitches were so tiny and could not be adjusted.) The instruction booklet that comes with this machine clearly explains (with explicit drawings) how to work the machine and do the various techniques. It has the old style bobbin that sets in under the machine's sewing arm, not a drop in bobbin on top that so many of the other machines have. That's not a problem for me, but it may be a drawback for some people. It does straight and zig-zag stitching and the stitch length and width are adjustable. It has a variety of stitches, and knobs to set the stitch you want. You can sew on buttons and make buttonholes. You can do stretch stitching with knits, and also do smocking, and applique. It comes with several feet to use for many projects. Mine also came with extra needles and extra bobbins. I like the telescoping thread holder on top...when it is down it doesn't get in the way of a cover or a machine case. I've sewn a variety of projects since buying it and it works like a charm, so smooth and almost effortless. No problems at all with it. What you get for the price (I paid $189 for mine) is well worth it. I don't regret buying it.And it was packaged well, arrived undamaged, and was shipped quickly to me so I am pleased with this vendor.