I'm sorry, I'd at least try it before I got rid of it or got a more expensive one. You don't have to spend a fortune on thread; it depends on the project as to what thread and stablizer you use. I did free standing lace and emblibrary.com said that polyester thread was better so I had some cone thread that I had for over 20 yrs and used it; worked great. I did a nativity scene and used rayon for it; different threads, different stablizers. I like creating different things and even though I havn't used it as much as I thought I would I know that it will be used more as time allows. At least I gave it a try. Buying a more expensive machine won't mean you'll like it better. Try the one you have first since alot of people on here say it's a good machine and if you like the concept then go bigger and better.