I love doing embroidery on my Bernina 880. It's my 3rd one. I traded in a 640 for it so I can use a bigger embroidery hoop. It can do a very large hoop for embroidery and has a large throat for fmq. I still have a White Pearl I keep as back up. Even though I am a long arm quilter I enjoy the space when doing binding. I believe they are worth the cost. I plan for this machine to last the rest of my life. I will take it in for yearly updates and spa treatments. Definitely try out a stitch regulator though. If you already fmq you may not need it and could put the $ toward other accessories. Another thing to consider is service. We have a great service dept. at Pine Needles Sewing Center in Cedar Rapids IA.