15 years ago i started with a bernina deco, which was made by brother. it's a small, 4"x4" capability embroidery machine. I will say, that little machine was a workhorse! a few years later, i upgraded to a babylock ellure, which has a 5x7 area. have never progressed further (ie needing a bigger machine). I have not looked at the new lower priced brothers, but gut tells me it is alot like their older machines. I would buy one if i was just getting into it!