I just purchased a used Viking Designer SE because I wanted to do embroidery as well as sewing. I haven't used a sewing machine for over 30 years! I enjoy the touch screen and being able to design the patterns easily.

I have had a Bernina Aurora 440 QE for almost 5 years. I use it more since I retired. There are many manufactures who make less expensive embroidery machines. You just have to check them out.

I have the Baby Lock Elure Plus and love it.

I have a Brother PE-770. I love it!

I have a Janome 300E, and love it.

I have a brother SE270D from WalMart in 2004 and I love it, had it in the shop once for cleaning. I have tons of designs and when I go to buy a new/bigger machine I will stay with the Brother brand due to the language.

I too have a Janome 350E and find it is easy to learn; very user friendly. I love all my Janome babies !! If you are going to purchase a stand alone embroidery machine for home use (not business) I think the 350E is a great choice....and I'm older than you, LOL!

Most of us began our addictions with smaller machines, and kept trading up; at least I did. Had 4 machines before I found the one that I consider my keeper now. I have a Pfaff 2170. Started out with the Bernina Deco 600, and kept wanting larger hoops and "software". I would suggest you find a nice well loved middle of the road, reliable brand from a reliable dealer where you will get lessons and service. Then if you feel the need to trade up, you have a good dealer and that is a big part of this expensive hobby. But, we deserve to have our hobbies!

You can see part of my machine in the photo, along with my Ragdoll kitty laying inside a purse I was making. Walked away for a minute and she made herself comfy inside the bag --she could not resist. :lol:

I have had the Janome MemoryCraft 8000 and 9000. Traded them in for the Janome 350E and 6600P. I like the ability to embroider and sew at the same time. If you like this capability, this is the route to go. Until you really make a committment to embroidery, then go for a lower end or used machine, then you can trade your machine in on an upgraded unit.

I have the Brother 4500D sewing and embroidery machine. I am a die hard brother fan. I find that out of all the machine brands that I looked at that the brother is the most user friendly. I have had Viking and Singer machines but this one out does them all.