I just bought a Janome 11000. It was the store demo. It is a combo machine, but has 4 hoops and will do all I want it to and was less than half price.

I have a Brother 620. It has six needles. I have really enjoyed this machine. There is a newer model- the PR 1000. It has 10 needles and stitches like a dream. I have several friends that have the Brother Quattro and they love their machine. I have seen the Bernina 830 used at the dealer where I do business. It does great work.

Good luck. You are going to have lots of fun.

I agree with the advice to get at least a 5 x 7 hoop. My first machine was only 4 x 4, I felt so limited I got another one. Now I have 2 Vikings.

I found that all my friends love their brand of machine, they are all good. Find a good dealer that you like and purchase that brand. You won't go wrong with a good dealer.

Jean

I have a Pfaff 2144. I love it with the built in stsiches and the embroidery unit I can use with it. It does everything I want it to with ease.

I have the Pfaff Creative Vision, upgraded from the Pfaff 2144. I just love this machine. You are able to do so much more on this one than the 2144. Very user friendly.

Hi, I have the janome 300E. It is embroidery only, and I love it. It does up to a 5 x 7 inch design. It does not have the usb option for the pc, like the 350E has, but I don't miss that.

I have a Janome 6600 and it has a fabulous selection of decorative stitches on it and I am also lucky enough to have a Janome 11000SE. That too has a wide range of decorative stitches and embroiders and has an a large hoop to quilt with too. I love both machines

I have three Brother machines and a Pfaff. Right now if I had a choice, I'd buy the Brother PR650. It's a small single head machine but has larger hoops, hat hoop, etc. When I think about all the money I've spent on these machines I could have had one of those for a lot less. It's a little more in price than the sewing/embroidery machines, but look at all the options you get with it and the sizes of the hoops you get. It also has a hat hoop which is a really nice feature if you plan on a small business. The hat hoops with the home machines aren't the easiest things to use.

You'll invest a little more in the beginning but probably be happy you did, especially if you already have a machine you like to sew on.

I have the Janome 9700 sew/embroidery. If you are happy w/your Janome, I would take a look at their embroidery machines. I tend to stick w/one brand myself. I also have a Janome Decor 3050. I love Janome!
sandy

I don't think you could make a better choice if you go with Bernina.
I would not be happy with a Deco please look at other models with larger hoops.