If you are interested in having an Embroidery machine only I recommend the burette Deco 340 by Bernina. I have had mine for a bout 18 months and love it. It is very sturdy. It also has an open arm. It runs about $1,400.

I like my Janome 300E but why not look and the reviews at top of page to see what all cuties have to say about a range of machines

I have a singer futura - it has been nothing but trouble from the beginning . The bobbin case gets pulled out of position by the upper thread , doesn't always recognises our computer . Come back from the singer factory , sewed about a dozen designs & then wouldn't embroider any more .I would recommend continue saving up & buy a machine made in Europe which guarantees to keep on making parts for at least 10 years .

Look at who you buy the machine from no matter the brand. Service and them being able to train you to use it is a big key to being happy with an embroidery machine. Even if you get a great machine sooner or later you will need the help of your dealer and if they are not well trained or 'nice' people you will regret the purchase. All machines need 'tweaking' now and then and the last thing you want to do is have to ship your machine to a qualified service center!

Also be sure to get a deal... Dealers set their prices... if they don't want to give you a price break or throw in some sort of 'freebies', like software, extended warrantys, free design set cds, bobbin winders etc., in this economy then they must not want your business very bad! lol
If I were you I would look at a Baby Lock machine. They have several in your price range. I have a one, a BMP6, that I really love. Even tho Baby Lock and Brother companies do share some corporate 'links' the machines, from my experience, are vastly different in quality. I bought my daughter a Brother not long ago and really regret that I should have just gave her my mothers ancient Singer (from when Singer was actually an American company) ... it beats the Brother hands down.

Take your time choosing... What is best for one person may not be best for you...make a list of what you need in the way of features and what is no so important. That's a lot of money and it is better to wait and get a machine you really like that suits your needs.

Yea, I like Janome. Mine is Memory Craft 9700. Pretty old model still using CF card but its made in Japan. I just bought it less than a year. Brothers models, unless they are on the high pricing, otherwise, they will be assembly (or made?) in China. My machine is sewing machine & embroidery machine. If u like Janome, u can look for 350E. its a newer standalone embroidery machine.

My Brother never had a proper bobbin alert. It always starts to alert me when it's only halfway empty. Quite annoying. But it was like that on all of them at the time and the sales person said they couldn't fix it.

Before you consider buying another machine, have you taken yours back to the dealer and told him what the problem is?Thread jams might be a tension problem and skipped stitches could be you are using the wrong needles for your machine.
I have a Janome300E.It does not have a bobbin alert, but I love it. All my machines are Janome and I have never had a bit of trouble with them. We also have a very good Janome dealer here,with very reliable and friendly back up service. I would never buy machines from anyone except a dealer who specializes in one or two particular brands.

Two words....Baby Lock...my friend recommended I buy a "used" Ellageo....and I love it...user friendly, no problems and in your price range. I would highly recommend "it" rather than the new models they have!

I love my brother 1500 D it is a big difference to the 1200. I had the 500D stitched out beautifull but wanted to do bigger designs so upgraded and i havent looked back. You can pick them up for $3000 on special around mothers day xmas and with some bonus's like trolly and carry bags and sometimes design software ( check out the brother site's catalogue) good luck and happy stitching:)

I would highly suggest a Husqvarna Viking Designer 1, you can get them from the dealer (Usually inside Joanns) previously loved and they come with a warranty. I just love mine bought it brand new for $4000 and my final words will be "Just try and pry it from my cold dead hands!" (hahahaha) Anyway they have lots of trade-ins since xmas is just past and you should be able to get a good deal. It all depends on what appeals to you. Kinda like Ford or Chevy, it's your preference. I don't think you can go wrong if you stay with a good dealer. But I use my machine a minimum of 4 hours every single day and in over a year never had a problem that wasn't mine. Happy hunting.

i had the 1200 also. Had the same problem...Come to find out my feeder dogs weren't going all the way down. caused the thread to snag and break. Be sure that isn't the problem...you have to make sure the embroidery unit is pushed on completely . run your finger over the feeder dogs to see if they are down all the way. if not manually click button down and then try. if that is the problem then you can take it back and have it fixed. good luck...I upgraded to the larger one...