I am interested in getting a embroidery machine (for Christmas). I wanted to know what models you have and what you like about it. I want to spent $500-$1000, can you get a good one for that price?

Looking to do mainly names, quilt tags...

I don't have one but yesterday I was looking at the Singer...think it is the Futura. Of course I don't do embroidery either but loved a lot of the features on the machine. It was priced at close to $1,000. My friend who was with me said...why are you looking at an embroidery machine and I said...I don't know. LOL

It had a larger throat than the other machines on display so I immediately went to look at it thinking it would work great for quilting. I've since changed my mind and won't buy it because it IS more for sewing and embroidery. I'm looking at the Janome 6600...probably late spring of next year I will have the money saved to buy it. Anyway...I know people here aren't too keen on Singer machines (the newer ones) so hopefully you will get some honest opinions on this machine and any others that they like. Here is a page from singer.com that describes the machine and has reviews you can read.

http://www.singerco.com/products/2168/futura-xl-400

I love my Brother 1250D. It does everything I want and more. I'm still learning all it can do, and I've had it about a year now.

I have Pfaff 7570 and 2140, Love them both.

I have a Bernina 640. I started out with the Bernette 340. (It is similar to the Janome 350.) Bernina sells them. Mine was a great machine. It has a 5 x 7 hoop, but I wanted the 6 x 10.
Alice

I have a Viking Rose (for backup) and a Viking Designer I. By now, the Designer might be in your range. I really enjoy it for embroidery and sewing.

I have the Baby Lock ellure Plus.

I am happy with it, It will do a 5x7 area, which I like, but now..... I kinda wish I could do bigger.

I started out with the Pfaff 7570. This machine is an absolute workhorse. And even though I upgraded to a Bernina 830 after lots of research ~ I still get my Pfaff out and use it every now and then. I am amazed at how smooth it is after all the years I've had it. If it wasn't for the fact that I needed a bigger sewing field I'd still be using it daily. =) Good luck on your search.

Wow I didn't realize there were so many choices :)

I have these same machines and both do beautiful embroidery as well as sewing. I bought my low use Designer 1 for only $600.00.