Latrinka, KWIM is "Know What I Mean?" (I think!)
kensington, I think the suggestion to get two machines is a really good one -- especially with your price range. I have heard really good things about standalone embroidery machines (check out all the Brother embroidery machines at the $300 or so price point), and it's nice to have one machine for embroidery and one for other sewing tasks. It takes awhile for an embroidery machine to sew out a pattern so, while you are waiting, you can be piecing on the other machine. These are great beginner machines for embroidery.
Edit: I think the Brother embroidery machines use PES files. For another $100 you can purchase the PED software so you can download designs from the net.
Last edited by Prism99; 07-26-2012 at 07:57 AM.