I haven't used a sewing machine since 7th grade Home Ec (I won't tell you how long that has been! ;-)). This is the first I have ever bought. So far I love it! It is small and lightweight, but heavy enough that it stays where it is put. My only problem is the instruction book. I had to keep flipping back and forth from the instructions to the diagram of the parts of the machine. Maybe just my inexperience. The English and Spanish instructions on the same pages made it take longer, I would have preferred to have all English in one section and the Spanish in another section. However, that does not take away from my enjoyment of the sewing machine itself. I have a friend who is a very experienced seamstress and she is impressed with the features for the price. I look forward to learning how to sew on my Brother sewing machine. As far as the pink - Yuck!, but I didn't choose it to fit my "decor"! Bottom line, I would recommend it to my friends..