I have had an embroidery machine since the early 90's, too. I have upgraded 3 or 4 times and now have the Pfaff Creative Sensation. I love my machine, and have never regretted buying it. My first embroidery machine was a Bernina. They are very expensive. My next machine was a Brother ULT and it had many more features and cost quite a bit less. Brother machines are very user friendly. The learning curve is not steep with a Brother and Brother accessories are a lot cheaper than Bernina accessories. I traded up to a Pfaff because the Pfaff at the time had the largest hoop. It definitely had a higher learning curve but the local quilt shop offered free classes for one year so it was not hard. I have upgraded my Pfaff twice and am so happy with the Creative Sensation. Not only is it an awesome embroidery machine, it is an awesome sewing machine, too. If I couldn't afford a Pfaff, I would get a Brother.