I have all Babylock machines except for the 2 Kenmores that I started with. I just got the Babylock Audrey. It's a small machine-12.8 lbs to take to retreats. I also have a Babylock serger. I have had no trouble with any of my machines. Just keep checking. This is the most fun I have ever had.

Which Brother do you have, Kirsten? I have been looking at Brother embroidery machines, but haven't found one that takes larger hoops. TIA

I see different machine on craig's list some are emb some just sewing. Just keep checking and you will find what you want or can afford.

Whichever machine that GailR has is the one I want. Have you seen her work?

I have a Brother 150 and it has been a work horse, but on 4X4 design area sooooo i got software and a larger hoop so i just combine the designs while i sew. I now have the Janome 1400 and it has a 5x7 very happy with that too

I have the Brother SE270D (Disney) Combo and the PE700II (embroidery only). I purchased both "refurbished" from Ken's Sewing Center in AL. Both have been great. I use the 700II the most because it has a a5x7 hoop. I can "combine" designs/wording and just re-hoop. The 7000II also has the USB port.

FYI, I just talk to Ken's to see what I could get with larger hoops and the price jumps a LOT!! We had a great "discussion" about that!! LOL

I also know that they have machines that have been put on lay-a-way and left w/o being paid off. Or customer returns for whatever reason which are thoroughly tested for any issues.

I have been very pleased with my refurbished machines and I just purchased a Janome SM (customer return) and a Brother ci6000 (refurbished) and they are both great. I can't afford any of the more expensive machines either!! I would love to have the new Dreamweaver but I'll just keep "dreaming"!!

BTW, Ken's has a website: www.kenssewingcenter.com and also sells on eBay under the seller name: easyterms

Good luck in your search!

I bought a used Janome 300E and love it. It's been a few years now and it's still purring.

I agree; be careful where you buy it from. I learned yrs ago that you can have two machines, same name and brand but one was made to be sold at Walmarts and one at a LQS and the quality is so different. It's the same way for things that are sold at warehouses; if you notice the serial # or model will normally have an extra letter or two or added #s to show what it was made for.
You can't put a price tag on (you can but need to consider) having a good rep/dealer to help you when needed. I've gotten 3 Vikings and the last two have the timer to see how many hours were logged on the machine. The first one, My Ruby had 7 and now my Diamond Deluxe used at the Viking convention and sold as used has 1 minute on the timer. I guess it was a machine set up to use but wasn't; lucky me. I get warranties with them all and classes. I also got my first Viking on eBay, that one I got a 2 yr warranty on and it's a good thing because I had a few problems but they got fixed.

Another thing, check the hoop size. Sometimes people forget about this when looking and price is a big concern. In the past yr I have yet to use a 4x4 or even a 5x7. I love the larger hoops and will do lots of designs at a time. Don't limit yourself too much or you'll get bored and frustrated and the great deal won't be so great after awhile. While Disney does make great designs there are so many free designs out there (or low cost) for kids so don't let that be a factor. I know that Babylock has some emb only machines that are lower priced. I have used the latest Brother and while there are things I love about the machine that my Diamond doesn't have, there are things that mine does that Brother doesnt' and I wouldn't part with. I do love Vikings. Check out web sites for free or low cost designs. I love oregonpatch because they represent more than one company and I get emails each day as to what co has what sales. Like today one has designs for 75% off.

I'm just trying to say, becareful of where you buy, of what you get, if only one thing about the machine is interesting like Disney Designs remember there are tons and tons of places to get free or reduced designs, especially when it seems finances are an issue like for most of us. It may be better to save up to get what you want instead settling. Also, I know that like for Viking (others do too) has a lot of specials in you LQS that are no financing for 36 mos and thats a good deal.

Be sure and check out www.allbrands.com

I purchased all of my machines from them. They have free shipping and super FAST delivery and great prices.

You can get the PE 770 on some online sites for $600...and maybe no tax or shipping which is a very good deal. I bought my 770 for $597 via Amazon a year or so ago. No Disney tho!