i have a babylock elissimo and love it. have had janome 11000 and 2 viking designer diamonds and they don't compare. the price is high but worth it to me. i got the masterworks software free with the machine plus lessons. you need to try the various brands to see which one you like best. a used babylock if you can find one, doesn't have to be an elissimo. lessons to learn to embroider are important if you are a visual learner like me. definitly one with at least 4 hoop sizes.