I am only familiar with the Husqvarna Viking machines....they are excellent machines...only, I am afraid way out of your price range right now! You could possibly get a used Viking for under a couple thousand...new ones run anywhere from 6-12,000. I am just getting into embroidery and I have an older Viking Rose which you could probably get (used) for 5-700. However, I am frustrated with it due to its limitations on hoop size and designs. I would not have purchased this machine...it was my late mother-in-law's machine. I will be trading up when my girls graduate from colleg. My advice to you...try out several and get the most capability for what you can afford.