For $948.00 you can get the same machine I have......
A Brother PE770, it can use up to a 12x5 hoop,
http://www.mrvacandmrssew.com/brothe...age-p-724.aspx
I really enjoy using my machine.
When I started looking for an Embroidery machine, I went to 2 of our LQS's and both tried to steer me to the more expensive models....3K at one store and close to 2k for the same one I currently own (and bought for $900.00).