I started out 30 some years ago with a White, which at the time was a nice machine and I still have it and use it. Then purchased a simple singer 20 years ago, still have it, still use it...from there to a Bernette Bernina and also picked up a Brother embroidery machine so I could get the feel of doing embroidery work as well. I am still using these also. Now I'm saving up and hoping to purchase a new Bernina as well as a long arm sometime this year. I'm so excited and hope you find the machine that will work for you. I think going this route has paid off for me. I have had no regrets and also been able to try out several different brands before taking the "big" plunge in to high end machine.