hi -thanks for that..yes nothing like trying them out- I wanted to get as much information about them before going in to see them this week! As I am really easily talked into thngs so wanted to get the facts straight in my head before going.Good point about connecting to the computer..for me, it has to be easy, I would rather not ahve too much of a steep learning curve to start with!

I prefer to connect to my computer by flash drive. Keeps me from having to have a seperate computer for the sewing room or to find room for a laptop close to my sewing machine. I just love flash drives!

I have a Viking and love it. But it's a matter of what works best for individual needs.

I own a Babylock Ellure Plus and don't know anything about the machines you mentioned. I do agree with Momo, what works best for your needs and the user-friendliness plus the price. I'm more than sure whatever you choose you will definitely get help with questions from some of us here on the board. Good luck and enjoy!

Ladies, I have a question for you that are following this thread, how do you use your embroidery machine? What projects do you use it for. I was asked that the other day by a lady in my quilt club....what are you going to use it for? I didn't really have an answer! lol

What DON'T I use it for, LOL!
I embroider on aprons - both ready made and homemade
On the veils that I design and sell
On pillows
On t-shirts
Love to make free standing lace Angels to send to friends who need a lift
On pillow cases
Making some free standing lace wedding favors for my son
Oh ... and it is the BEST for elaborate quilting designs.

Casi,

I use my embroidery machine for MANY things from making quilt labels,
designs on baby bibs, to FSL (free standing lace) such as book marks &
earrings/pendents, monogram items.

A couple weeks ago I spilled some iced tea on a white top I was wearing.
After getting home and pre-treating the stain, repeatedly even and washing
the top there is still a light "off" coloring. It's not a big spot but I KNOW it's
there so I am going to put an embroidery design over the spot to "hide" it.

Hardest part is deciding WHICH design I want to use. Since it is a top I
pretty much wear year round (as an "under" shirt with long sleeves in winter)
I want to do a design that can work for any time of year.

Do not worry about what "others" may think of how/what you use your embroidery
machine for. It's part of your sewing HOBBY just run with it and have fun.

The last thing I did was to help my 10 yr old GD embroider butterflies and flowers on a plain demin bookbag that her other grandmother had given her. Of course we did them in metallics! The next project is to embroider some design in white on a pair of summer white slacks that got some spots on a leg last time I wore them. White on white, and then I can keep on using them as basic white slacks in the ol' summer wardrobe. Still have placemats to finish for gifts. Got to hurry, they have Thanksgiving motifs. I use my machine mostly for gifts, but am in the process of making two quilts.

Thanks for the replies! I just knew that I wanted one but now that I have it...not sure what to do with it. I want to make quilt labels but I haven't figured out how to do it. I embroidered some designs on some onesies for a great neice to be and I think I can use it some in making purses which I like doing. I just wondered what else I could do!