Originally Posted by kathdavis
Go with the biggest hoop you can afford. You will quickly out grow the 4x4 only hoop. I agree that one should have a separate sewing machine too, so you can sew while you are embroidering. I have a Janome 300E and I have had a lot of trouble with the bobbin. Embroidery machines are a lot of fun!
I have a 350E and had some issues with my bobbin also. I had it replaced and haven't had any issues since. I think part of the problems is that when the machine is doing stitching that is right next to each other that there is a tendency for it to ball up, because it catches the other threads and can't move. It only cost me $22.50 and I think the little armature that is on the top got sprung. You might check that on your machine.