I am new to machine embroidery also GrandmaJeanne, I just purchased the Janome 350e...it is awesome very user friendly as far as the other costs related I was recommended to Isacord polyester thread which is very reasonably priced. As in anything the start up costs can be expensive at first but once your supplies are established it's not that bad. A spool of 1000 meters goes a long ways when u think of all the colors that are in one design. Good luck on your quest