I started into the machine embroidery hole in 1997 when my husband gave me a Janome MC9000 as a 30th Wedding anniversary gift. On our 35th anniversary he upgraded it to a Janome MC10000 for me. I still have this machine but have since added a Brother PR620 multi needle and the Brother Quattro 6000D. I love all three machine and have not had any problems or issues with them but I do have them serviced regularly.
Machine embroidery can be a very expensive hole to be in. The machine is only the beginning, then comes embroidery thread, bobbin fill, stabalizers, designs, upgrades for the machines, extra bobbins and machine accessories. Every colour thread is needed, the variety of stabalizers for each and every project, designs ( there are so many wonderful digitizers out there) and the list just grows.
I just love this hobby so much and gain so much pleasure and enjoyment from it. I have embroidered on all manner of things from clothing, craft, quilts and quilting, bags and home décor. I embroider a lot of gifts for family and friends. This year I embroidered baby wraps, towels, sheets, bibs, baby blankets for my daughters first child and my 5th grandchild.
At present I am putting embroidered coat hangers together. The designs are from Artistic designs which are on the Oregon Patchworks site. I have made all of her sets of coat hangers and they are beautiful designs that stitch very well. I do not add the piping as shown on the site. I mainly use cotton fabric or dress taffeta for the hangers.
http://www.oregonpatchworks.com/item...426&pid=139585
I also make Crazy patch padded hangers and embellish them with the fancy stitches from the machine and then embroider small embroidery design on them. See attached Pics.