I started with the HandiQuilter II and use if for few years. I used the Brother sewing machine that is pictured with the frame. At first I had trouble with the machine, took it back numerous times. Good thing I had a close (distance) and patience dealer. He worked with that machine so many times, only to find out it was user error on my part. I did apologize (where is spell check) to him when I figured out what I was doing wrong. I liked the HandiQuilter so much that I bought the HandiQuilter Sweet 16 and love it.