How great of you to be so interactive with your wife's sewing. As far as machines go, the best advice I can give, and I'm sure others will agree, find your closest sewing machine dealer, be it BabyLock, Bernina, Janome, whatever, go there, check out the various machines - a good dealer will let you try out the various machines. They can be pricey, so don't be sticker shocked. I have a BabyLock Espire - it's for sewing/quilting - not embroidery. My dealer is great and strictly BabyLock machines. He does sell tradeins, no matter what brand, after he cleans and does any repairs. My mother always said you want a dealer who is close because if you need help you don't want to be driving a great distance. You'll get some good advice from the ladies here on this board. Good luck and Welcome Aboard!!