Like mermaid I have been embroidering for years and years. I only use my 12 needs Happy now, but I started on a Bernina Deco with a 4" hoop. I do lots of baby things. This time of year I also start doing lots of free standing lace for Christmas ornaments. I also did some embroidery for pillows, but I still have to do the sewing part! The advantage of an embroidery-only machine (or at least a second machine) is that I can start an embroidery run and keep working on my sewing machine.Pam