Hi there ducklady.....You did not mention the Janome 10001...I just bought it this last summer and I am really addicted to it.....I does a wonderful job....it is sewing machine as well as embroidery...I think the most important thing is buying from people you like and that will help you.....There is a lot to learn about machine embroidery....Hope you get a machine soon...you will have so much fun!!!...good luck...Judy

don't hesitate, get one. With the largest possible embroidery hoop. Mine is a Brother,& I love it! Built extremely well.

Hey, Ducklady, I've got a Bernina Artista 200 that is absolutely fabulous (but rather expensive...you didn't indicate a price range). It's an embroidery and sewing machine. Uses design CD's in its included CD reader. It has a Mega-hoop too (an extra cost, but sometime dealers will throw it in). Important to find a dealer who has on-going software classes. I've been going to classes once a month for about 14 months and learn new stuff all the time.

Mary L