What about getting an emb. module for your 640? I have the 730 with the emb module, and I can sew bigger than 4 x 4. With the large oval hoop, I think it's 145 x 255mm - sorry, not sure of inches.

I have a PR 600 by Brother that I love.

I have a Viking SE that has an embroidery unit, it is nice but I basically use my PR 600.

Sybil

I have the Brother SE-270D. I started out with a Brother sewing machine, and that is what Mom always uses, too, so ....I drooled over the 270D and received it for my Christmas present in 2007. I had some problems with the machine, but it wasn't the problems that were the problem, so much as it was BROTHER's POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE! The problems were fixable, it was just hard getting Brother to do anything other than be intimidating after they would answer the phone (not a toll free number) after having me on hold for about 15 minutes each time.
As of right now, I have no complaints with the machine. It's been working fine.

I also have some singer sewing machines.

You should definately do some shopping and look at different brands that are available to you. I didn't reallly have anywhere to look at machines other than Wal-Mart and online because there is no dealer around here. And the Brother was the most affordable.

It seems like there are a lot more SE machines out there now.

I encourage you to go with something with a larger embroidery area than 4"x4", that is what I have. I'd love to be able to do some bigger designs. The re-hooping gets annoying. If getting a machine with a USB in it is an option for you, go for it! I have the PED basic. I got it for a little over $100. I love that I can put designs on it and put the card in the computer, but sometimes I have issues with it.

You probably will get as many answers as there are quilter in this board. I suggest you start by deciding your budget. Make sure you get your machine locally, or if not possible, at least make sure that the brand you pick can be serviced locally. If anything goes worng with it and you have to ship it some where, you may have to spend more $$$ than planned. Don't ask me how I know.

I appreciate your taking time to give me some direction. I know everything comes down to personal preference, but just having some information from 'users' certainly helps. I had the thought of the larger emb field, that was one consideration. The USB port was not...never gave it a thought, until now! There are two local dealers, one with Babylock and the other Janome. Thanks for the info!

With the newer larger area machines can you quilt a block that has the batting and backing on. I mean can it quilt a quilt?
If so then it would be worth the price to be able to do a fancy design in each block and have it quilted at the same time.

Yes you can quilt a quilt with embroidery designs. Some tone on tone quilts with different designs (like a sampler quilt) are really pretty.

I started with the Brother Esante embroidery/sewing machine about 12 years ago, and loved it. I could never learn to digitize my own designs, but just embroidering bought or downloaded designs was easy. When I realized my machine would not stipple correctly, my DH told me it was time to upgrade. I had two friends that owned Berninas and raved over them. I bought the 730 and could not believe the flexibility in designing and how user friendly it is. I know technology has improved greatly in 12 years, but as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for".

I have a huskystar made bye viking, I love it you can download designs off computer, but only has a 4x4 hoop, wish it was bigger,I have it up for sale and would like to buy a singer 250, but this machine is a good one to learn on and its not expensive Phyllis

Thanks for the info.
It is time to upgrade to embroidery. I have a Viking and know that they make one with a very large hoop area.
I have tried to do it free motion but can only do borders and even then not very good.

Hi Deb:
Got to give you my input...LOL.
I have an old 1957 Singer machine which i dearly love, I named her 'Nellie" because I use her so much. I also have a Juno Serger which is fairly new. I have an American Quilter sewing machine which I purchased from Walmart about 7 years agoto give 'Nellie" a rest. . It runs like a dream and I also reeived many accessories with it.
I also was interested in embroidery, so with what budget I had I purchased a Singer Futura Sewing/Embroidery machine. I absolutely love it. It was well within my budget and does all the things I need. I even download patterns from the computer with it as well.
Main thing is be happy with what you can afford and love it with oil.
Happy Quilting!