I purchased the broher se-350 from Walmart and am amazed at all the features. It is half the price of the brother machine that looks just like it that I bought last year. Not a heavy duty machine like my viking. Nothing will replace that, but I love the automatic threading and automatic thread cutter. An added plus is the embroidery. Not terrific, but good for a starter. Viking is still the best but they don't produce a 12 pound machine to take to class or to the lake.