Janome Memory Craft 230E Embroidery Machine with Exclusive Bonus Bundle

I love this embroidery machine, and the 5.5x5.5 is a perfect size hoop for most embroidery projects. The machine is incredibly easy to use and is user-friendly. It likes every type of embroidery thread that I have tried, and is very forgiving for a variety of stabilizers as well. The only downside is that it's next to impossible to buy any replacement hoops for it. There are only 2 sizes, and both are either discontinued most places, or are over $100 each when you do find them. (I can buy a set of 4 replacement hoops in different sizes for my Brother machine for under $25.).Update: Fast forward 6 months...the machine stopped reading all designs from a usb stick, and the gears froze completely. After servicing, the machine cannot stitch a single design, either the ones that came with it or others, without skipping most stitches and every design being unrecognizable. The machine is completely unusable, and I have to pay to send it in for Janome to replace the motherboard. It's been out of service for 3 months now and will take another two for repair.

I had to return my first machine because of knocking and it was not filling in monograms. They promptly sent me another one.I’m disappointed that this machine will only use a 5x5 hoop I should have known for the price it’s not the best. It has less built in designs than the Brother or Singer. I bought a Janome because I have their sewing machine and it’s been really great!The new one seems to be working so far.

The needle keeps breaking

Doesn't like different thread spools. needles break more than they should. doesn't like to start up where it left off on a design. Had it less than a 2 weeks. It's going back.