I was trilled when a couple of yrs ago when my DH bought me a Brother Project Runway. He research and found it to be a machine with very good reviews and was $500+ (which I consider expensive) It does all the embroidery I need to do, I use it on quilting projects and clothing items also. I proudly take it to classes and have NEVER had anyone say a word about it. Of course, this LQS is in a small town a county over and I've seen all kinds of machines there. And a wonderful shop owner and employees that treat everyone the same!...
In the future if you have a Ag Extention office or adult ed classes, check into them, they are often cheaper and your everyday type of people there.
To be honest, I am glad I wasn't at your class because my mouth might have ran faster than my machine was! lol
I also would have let her know that she just lost my business and my friends as well.