I think you may need to check the Singer again. I believe that is a embroidery only machine. The brother looks like a nice machine. I have 2 brothers and I also have the same Singer Confidence as you- It is a total workhorse! The brother machines are very user friendly. Let us know what you end up getting!

Oh and just FYI - the brother SE400 is a sewing/embroidery combo. I have a couple of friends who have it and really love it.

I have a different idea for you. Go to ebay and research an older TOP OF THE LINE brand machine. I did this and bought a Viking embroidery machine that was originally $5,000 and I only paid $700.00. Ebay has protection so I felt comfortable buying this way. One time I got a Viking (same model) and returned it to the seller as it was so smoke stained I couldn't clean it up or couldn't breath while trying to sew either. Once I returned it I bought another one that looked brand new and works like a charm.

I agree that Singer is just not the same anymore. With that said, please consider what the cost is on each for accessories.

I would stay away from the new Singer's, too. Your best bet would be a used Janome or Pfaff, or maybe a Bernina. If you are near New Holland, you could check out Brubaker's. They completely recondition used machines and offer a 1 year warranty. They have some used Pfaff's on ebay right now. I Janome used 6500/6600 would be a great machine for you.

I've piped in with this before---I think the most improtant thing is a "great" dealer---they will give you time and help to try and pick out the best one for you and back you up afterwards

http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewi...searchidx=16-*
Looks like a good buy on overstock right now. As I have never bought from a dealer or had to take a machine in to get it fixed I personally do not consider them more important than a good machine at a price I can afford. I have a Kenmore 19000 but you cannot down load off computer as I would love to be able to do for designs. Get what makes you happy and you might find you would like to do more than letters in the future. Let us know what you get and how you like it.

And you could probably sell your old Bernina for about the same price you paid...they hold their value unbelievable well.

If your old singer is still in good shape,maybe just buy an embroidery only machine.I bought an embroidery/sewing machine.I still use the sewing part of it but not much the embroidery part.It can't be upgraded.But,a new embroidery machine might be in my future.Maybe.I also have several old singers I have bought at auctions and use several on a regular basis.No bells and whistles though.But workhorses.Anyway,just my thoughts.

I just bought a Singer to use when my hubby and I go camping. So far so good, but all I really use it for is straight stitching. In my sewing room I have a Husqvarnia. I bought it about ten years ago and its still going strong. I would test drive until you find the one you like, and you can always find some of the "better" machines on sale, especially if the model/brand has been discontinued, that's how I got the Husqvarnia ..good luck..