I am contemplating buying an Embroidery Machine so I can do some fancy stitching on my quilts.

Question is, what is the best machine to consider and why.

I don't know much about them so I need to get a good idea as to the size ( I would like it to be big enough to handle large projects - I'm thinking this would relate to the sewing bed or hoop? area?) I should consider as well as the stitching functions it should have for the particular machine.

I don't think it would be necessary that it can do a "trillion" different stitches but I would like it to be fairly versatile.

I know store salespeople are available to answer questions like these however, I feel they are slightly biased when it comes to the particular brands they carry in their stores so, I thought it would serve me better to ask all of you on the QB who own an Embroidery machine to give your opinions on the machines you have - BOTH PROS & CONS PLEASE.

Many thanks