It's a fantastic starter machine. I find that Janome machines are easier to use than Brother machines and the 200e has a bit more capabilities. It has a 5.5" square hoop and you can buy a smaller hoop separately. I used mine every day for 2 months before I got the 350e. Actually I fell into a great deal on a used 350e, that's why I bought another machine so soon. I played with the 200e constantly and found it can do a couple things that I was told it can't do. You can combine designs in the editing screen(even the Janome website says the 200e can't do this). I loved my 200e and often used it at the same time as I was using the 350e.

Cari

Thank you mermaid. I think these will make a nice home made SS gift for next year.

Cari,

Thanks for your feedback. I like the larger hoop area and didn't want to make a huge investment because I intend to get a Bernina with the embroidery module. This is my starting point and there's also the portability factor which helps.

What additional features do you find on the 350e? And how does it differ from the 400e? It's probable that my choice will come down to one of these.

All 3 machines are very different although the computer part of the 200e and the 350 are the same. The 400e and the 500e are basically the same machine. The biggest hoop for the 400e is 8" square and for the 500e it's 8x11" for doing quilting. The 400 and the 500 also have a large color screen. The 400 didn't come out in the US until well after the 500 came out. Janome hasn't even really advertised the 400, not like they have the 500. The 200, 400, and 500 all have the same way of attaching the hoop to the machine.
The 350 is a very different machine. it's largest hoop is a 5x7. The hoops attach to a bar that come out of the back of the machine, this makes it possible for the machine to have a free arm. It's not a small free arm but it is one.
If you're planning on going to the Bernina with embroidery then the 200e is a good starting point, but I like having separate sewing and embroidery machines so I can do both at the same time.
Here's a page comparing the Janome machines:
http://janome.com/en/machines/embroi...ry-craft-500e/

Cari

Cari, thank you for the link. Based on what you've said it sounds like the 400e would suit me best. It's a little more but I really like the screen. As for quilting, are you unable to do the same on the 400? I see the 500e is an embroidery only machine, I'm assuming the same is true for the 400?

I don't know if its the same ones but Anita Good designs has some

Sweetpea site has fridge handle covers. Mine, I made myself; did not buy pattern.

All 4 machines are stand alone embroidery machines. I know nothing about Janome combo machines because I've never had one. The 8x11 hoop that the 500 comes with looks like an accufil quilting hoop but again I don't know anything about that other than I've seen some really nice work on a high end machine at my dealer. I use the hoop for embroidering large designs just fine. Quilting on the 400 should be the same, you just use the square hoop it comes with. I absolutely love my 500 and I'm sure you'll love the 400.

Cari

Thank you for your help. I bought one to get the rectangle (from Sweetpea) and then I will put other designs I already have on top! I can do that after this holiday madness is over! She has lots of cute ITH stuff. I wanted so many things but I already have more than I will ever use! Thanks again.

As for larger designs, for the sort that you see on a tote bag, what size are they typically? I'm thinking 5x7 but since I've never embroidered I could be wrong.