Hi!
I have gone through 4 embroidery machines in 18 months. First, a Singer Sewing/Embroidery. What can I say other than you get what you pay for. I literally threw this one out of a second story window.
Number 2 is the Janome 300E. Embroidery only. Stitches beautifully, when it works. It is plagued with bobbin issues.
Number 3 is the Brother 4000D. An awesome machine. I have put 6 million stitches on it in just one year. The D stands for Disney. It is preloaded with Disney designs and will read the Brother Disney Cards.
The newest addition is the Brother PR-600. A 6 needle machine that is basically an entry commercial machine. Again, an awesome machine. I've had it since mid October and have 3 million stitches on it.
As far as projects go, the most unique and true "works of art" are the Christmas stockings that I did last year. I have pictures of a few and will post them. I've done 3 baby quilts (teddy bears, sea creatures, and noah's ark). Aside from that, sweatshirts, t-shirts, tea towels out the ying yang and so on.
Now, aren't you glad you asked? LOL!