I think you did very well, especially since is has not been used much. This isn't an expensive machine but I'm doing well with my Brother CS6000. I got it as a surprise gift and I couldn't take it back without really hurting some feelings so I decided to use it until it broke or showed itself as a piece of junk that wouldn't work, then I'd look for a real machine! Well, it has done very well for me for the past two years. No reason yet to go shopping for another machine. I think if you are on a budget, Brother and Kenmore are the way to go. Here's some reviews for your machine...a lot of people like it.
http://www.viewpoints.com/Brother-Se...130328-reviews