Cari-in-Oly

First, let me say that this can be a very expensive, addicting hobby. Besides the machine, there are threads, stabilizers, and designs. Software for editing if you really decide to get into it.
That being said, it's just so much fun. I bought my first machine, A Janome MC200E just to try and make quilt labels. 2 months later I bought a another machine with a bigger hoop size(although I use my smaller hoops more often), a Janome MC350E. Not too long after that I received an older Brother PE200 as a gift. I wanted it for the built in Snoopy designs. Then last year when the new Janome MC500E came out I had to have it. I love it! And just recently I bought another older Brother, a PE400D, again for the built in designs(Winnie the Pooh). I've spent a ton of $$ on thread, stabilizers and designs but I don't regret it one bit.
Any of the low end Brothers or the Janome MC200E are fantastic starter machines. The Janome has a 5.5" square hoop which is actually quite a bit bigger than the 4x4" hoop many of the Brother starter machines use. I found that I can actually use some of the designs made for a 5x7" hoop, as long as the design isn't over 5" square. if you aren't sure you'll like this hobby, a starter machine is good, that way you won't have too much invested and can easily sell it. If you do decide you like the hobby, you can trade it in or sell it to another beginner and buy a bigger machine. In my case I knew I was going to jump in with both feet but didn't realize just how deep I would jump. I really should let go of my 200E as it never gets used any more. 5 embroidery machines is too much lol.

Cari