I, too, thank you for starting this for July. I found the other thread entirely too long and overwhelming to follow. I do not have a 'modern' embroidery machine. What I do have is a Viking Rose which, while a very nice machine, is very out-dated as far as embroidery capabilities. No matter what design I want to do, I have to load it on a card reader and then transfer it to my machine. It is not user-friendly, therefore, I simply do not embroider. I am hoping (now that all 3 kiddos are out of college...married, moved out) to purchase an embroidery machine this fall. In the meantime, I am going to be following this thread...hoping that I can learn some tips along the way. Oh, yes...what do I think I want to be able to embroider....towels, shirts, jackets, and items for my grandbaby who should be arriving sometime in the next 4 weeks.