I do a little free motion machine embroidery. It's fun and even the mistakes look good. I trace a design on the fabric, and then color it in with thread. I use the same bobbin color so all I have to do is change the top thread when I want a different color. I didn't have to invest in anything but pretty color thread and some stabilizer. I use an embroidery hoop I had. I do it on my old Singer 15. I've thought about buying a nice embroidery machine but I really like doing it myself better so give the free motion a try before investing a lot of money in it.