I had a Designer 1 that I purchased in 2000. Never did do any embroidering on it because I had no directions, purchased it from a dealer 400 miles away. However, now my dd has the machine and is really enjoying it. She does a lot of embroidery on it. We find the only limitations are the hoop size. The machine stopped working and she took it in to be serviced....turned out that was really all it needed was a good cleaning and servicing. I did have it up graded to a USB stick and found that better than the floppy. However, as long as you can find floppies to use should be no problem. Mine was good at sewing through many thicknesses and I was happy with it except I had no direction. Once I purchase another machine and learned how to use it....I was able to apply my knowledge to the D1 and teach my daughter how to use the machine. Good Luck. Do have it serviced on a yearly basis though. In the end it will last longer and give you less grief. Just general maintance like you would do on your car.