I will probably write too much here. I love my embroidery machine. It is a Pfaff 2144. If I had to do it again I am not sure I would buy a Pfaff. It is sort of temperamental. But I know I will never have another so I live with it. I love doing the embroidery! It is just like my quilting though. If I can only die when all my projects are done, I will live forever. My machine is always going with either a sewing project or an embroidery design. I am still learning something new everyday after owning the machine for 6 years. I am inspired all over again by your comments and pictures. Jolsons has very economical wonderful alphabets. I just bought some cute appliques from Urban Threads. I suggest starting out using free designs until you get the hang of it, then spend $$$ for the expensive designs later. Never skimp on stabilizer including a topper. I tried to save money on thread and gave up that notion when the thread would break so often, Now I watch for coupons at JoAnne's for thread. I love making gifts for other people such as towels, sweatshirts, t-shirts, bibs, blankets, pillowcases, baby onesies, towel sets, monogrammed sheets and towels. I love the lace stuff but mo one else seems to like it. Must be an old lady thing. But the snowflakes are show stoppers. Over time I've found wonderful websites from all over the world. I would be interested in sites that others use, besides embroidery library. Stitch on! :D