Nine years ago I purchased the Husqvarna-Viking Scandinavia 300 embroidery machine with a 4" (100mmx100mm) hoop. Also purchased the Plus hoop (100mmx170mm). My only thoughtful use for an embroidery machine at the time, was to make quilt labels!!!! Oh, my.......I have done so very much more since that first thought. I started with the 3D Embroidery Extra software and upgraded to the 4D & 5D, but couldn't see any reason to upgrade to the 6D (gets expensive to keep upgrading). If my pocketbook could afford a machine with larger hoops, I would go there, but I would NOT trade my Scandinavia 300 as I like the way it sews and it treats me good. As for thread, I started with the Sulky and like the 40 rayon, but do have Anton-Robinson and a couple other brands when I had to buy in a pinch (& the store didn't carry Sulky). I really do like the Sulky sheen.