Janome is a dream! I qualify my whole review by beginning with my training, because it shows you how little I knew about "modern" sewing machines going in. I fell right into step with my Janome, and immediately fell in love with all the new features -- computerized stitches, ease of use, safety guards, and all the fun things I easily learned how to do! I learned to sew when I was 10 on an antique Singer. I sewed for years then forgot about sewing in college. I made some friends a few years ago who sew, and they re-awakened my interest. Janome was recommended to me as the most user-friendly machine, and I have to say I have really enjoyed having my computerized Janome Memory Craft 3000.

Sewing is a breeze with my Janome. I am able to sew much like I learned on a no-frills antique, but now with easy-to-use extras. I consult the user's manual a lot, and it offers brief, understandable explanations of the features and how to use them. I have never been able to put in a zipper before the Janome, but now, using the zipper foot they give you, and because the sewing feet are SO easy to remove and change, I have been able to add this to my list of skills.

Out of around 7 feet included with the machine, there are (among others): (1) a button-holing foot and auto-sensor that makes sewing a perfectly sized button hole a snap; (2) a rolled hem foot (!); (3) an invisible hem foot. I list these as the ones I use most often. Changing the feet is so easy - snap on and off - and totally changes the quality and ease of sewing (at least as compared to a 1900's Singer).

Changing out the needle is also a snap. The ease of changing the needle is what turned me on to twin needle stitching. Just buy a twin needle and replace the existing single needle with the twin, then thread up each needle, one at a time (simply overlay one threading on top of the other after the first is completed. The reverse side is a zigzag; the twin needle stitch on top is truly professional looking.

The machine, while it does have many guards and safety features, is not foolproof, however -- you will read lots of warnings in Sew News and other publications, because accidents do happen. For example, the machine is self-threading. I had the self-threader dropped down into "self-threading position" when I accidentally hit the pedal, starting the needle (there is no automatic lock to turn off the machine when the self-threader is pulled down, since it's entirely manual). I broke the needle, bent the self-threader, and locked up the machine (this is the downside of the computer -- when it locks up, like every other computer the answer is to "reboot", but with the sewing machine you just turn off and on).

Other models offer more "frills," like more decorative stitches. But I really don't do that type of sewing -- i.e., sew names onto things. These extras seem to be more for people who like to not only sew garments, but decorate them with their sewing as well. For those people, you might want one of the higher-level machines. This machine is perfect for me, as it easily handles all my sewing needs from making garments to simply sewing on a button. I have recommended this to friends, and will keep on sewing with my Janome in tow!

** Update, Jan. 17, 2005:
I was hemming some very nice dress pants last night, using my Janome, and was again glad I bought this machine. It's computerized, and comes with about 30 pre-programmed stitches, including an overlock stitch. I don't have a serger, so this is the next best thing. I had cut off the bottom of the wool pants legs, and was able to "seal" the edges using the overlock stitch. Then, I was able to use the invisible hem stitch (also using the invisible hem stich foot, as a necessary guide), to make the actual hem. Each of these stitches is near professional quality. And just learning to use them taught me more about sewing.

The Janome is so user friendly, with an excellent, easy to use manual to help out the rusty or the totally unacquainted. I continue to be glad I spent the $$$ for this then-high end machine. I highly recommend it for those with at least basic sewing knowledge.

Recommended: Yes