I don't really have a strict budget but because I honestly don't think I'll use the machine much, just can't justify (to myself) spending much on it. I mostly want it, to add names to quilts. The smaller pictures would be nice for embellishment but for larger designs, I much prefer the look/feel of hand embroidery.
Thanks so much for taking the time to offer suggestions, everyone . . . but after reading what seems like thousands of reviews, I may just have to shove the idea to the back burner, for now.
Maybe there'll be a fantastic sale on one of the nicer ones, before Christmas.