I have the brother Innovis 2500D and I really enjoy.
I also have Sears Kenmore Elite, that is about 5 years old, also enjoy. Both have been good machines.

I also have the 1500D and am like you would like to up grade. I have looked at the Viking. it has a 12x12 hoop. I think the new Brother has a bigger hoop too.

I have an Innov-is 4000D and love it. I can sew and/or embroidery with it. It is very user friendly and has a 8x10 sew out area. You might want to check with Radiant Threads on eBay. I saved $1500 on my machine that way.(Someone please tell me if I am breaking any rules here. I'm not affiliated with them in any way. Only know that they treated ME very well.) You will also want to find a dealer close to where you live for maintanance or to answer questions. Good luck!

Check out the review link section at the top to see if it is up to date. I have a Viking Designer SE and love it. I really like the USB connection to the computer. The Viking Diamond stitches out a very large area but that machine is very expensive.

Laura, this I know to be true - that review section hasn't changed one bit - since I have been posting in the Q&A area - Hehehe! I don't have any info on the Brother Innovis 1500 - other than I have a freind that adores hers. I own a Babylock Elegante2 and I hear that it is the sister to the brother. But not sure which model it is. Hehehe! I love my machine and the size of hoops I have are 4x4, 5x7, and 7 x 11.75 and could have the 6 x 10 hoop - if I bought it. What is nicer about this machine than the Ellure - which is another Babylock that I upgraded from - is this one has so many more features - but stitches so much nicer and I have less trouble with the machine than I did the lower model. It is built to be used and I use mine, more than most and I love it. There is a bigger and better model which is newer than mine the Ellisimo and I would upgrade if I thought the difference in the price was worth it, but at this time - it is out of my range. Hehehe! Hope you enjoy the upgrade and feel that you will not be disappointed in doing so - especially with the quality of the work that you will do and that larger design field will open your world to so many designs and projects. *4u

Like shirlene I have a babylock Ellegante2. I understand from others the Inovis 1500 is very much like the ellegante & a very good machine. I must remind u though to listen to Shirlene especially about maintenance, u need someone near u, It takes me an hr to get to my maintenance man & I usually spend several hrs with him. I believe if the dealer near u knows u can get the machine at a lower price elsewhere he will come down. It's not going to cost u anything to ask him. If he wants to sell it bad enough I believe he will lower the price. good luck dear *

I have a Brother Innovis 2500D and a Brother Quatro. I love both of them! They are easy to use and stitch beautifully. My dealer is 90 min. away from me, but it was the closest authorized dealer around. She's worth the trip and always does everything she can to make sure that I am satisfied. Remember, only have it serviced by an authorized dealer or your warranty will be voided Whatever your choice in machines is, remember that ALL of the brands are capable of sewing beautifully. Good Luck! Barb

P.S. You'll love the larger hoop!

I have a Baby Lock Ellisimo (same as the Brother Quattro that Barb has). I love that machine. The built in camera is amazing... My dealer (sewingmachinesplus.com) is only 2 miles from my house. I would encourage you to definitely take some time and research your choices, and work a deal with the dealer. The market stinks right now and everyone's hungry to make a sale... have them throw in extra hoops, feet, etc... good luck!

I have the Husqvarna Designer 1 usb and just love it. so far the only thing I don't like about it is that there aren't enough hours in the day to use it!! Bet you could get a 'previously loved' one at your local dealer, I know ours have several that have been traded in on the newer mega sewer and these have warranties and everything. It's always and option.....