I had a Brother SE400 that was a great machine but the opening was only 6". It made it difficult to FMQ. I ended up buying a TOL Brother Dreamweaver XE that is a combo embroidery/sewing/quilting. I've had it about six weeks and have barely scratched the surface of what it can do. To get the wide opening you pay the price and get a machine that practically walks and talks by itself. I love my new machine and have no regrets of buying it.