I am looking at a new machine due to having ankle problems. I need one that has an on/off button to sew. I have a older Pfaff that I bought on Ebay one of the first embroidery machines 7570. I don't embroider with it much, because it is so hard to use, but it is a great sewing machine. I am looking at the Pfaff Ambition line specifically the 150 and 100. They have a lot of great features for the price range of 750.00 to 850.00. I don't know if the bed would be big enough for what you are wanting to do or not. I just think with this line you get a lot for your money. I love the IDT on Pfaff. Let us know what machine you decide on.