Hi all,
I met someone this past weekend at a store going out of biz and we got to talking. She has a Babylock Ellure ESL that she does embrodiery on. I am thinking of getting another machine or trading up, have a Janome QC 6019 now but want to learn embrodiery and fancy stuff. Anyone have one, or any ideas on what is good and not really expensive? She does here quilts really nice, all squares, fabric on some then embrodiery designs on the others. They are all very personal to who it is being made for. They are so lovely. Any help is appreciated. Thanks. :P

A few years ago I was in a similar position as you are. I found that most all machines are good. One important factor to research is : what kind of support do you have in your area. No sense in buying a machine and you don't have anyone to teach or help you through problems. Bur from a reputable dealer and be sure they offer lessons.Check out the software needed to make your designs. Again ask about lessons. They were to me more important than the brand of machine.

I have a Brother SE270D from WM that I love so much. You can catch them on sale for about $400 +/-.
I'm not experienced with any other brands. My other machine is also a brother. Mom's is a brother, her newer one is, too....
Now, I do have an antique Singer treadle, though, but that's a whole different story.

I have a Singer Futura SE100 (or CE, I can't remember) it sews great and does embroidery costs about 500 at WM you can download designs from the net and it takes almost any format the patterns come in. I have always owned Singers most of the problems I've had were the operator not the machine.