I've treated myself to a 'retirement' present of an ex-demo Brother V5.........I have to say I'm not over keen on it as a sewing machine, (My old Bernina sews better) but as an embroidery machine its great! I purchased a copy of the Anita Goodesign Golden Tapestry as a bit of a project, and wow, its brilliant. I have had a few mutterings over the odd metallic thread breakage, but to be honest it hasn't done it as much as I thought it would - I have been using metallic needles and changing them after about three hours use! Ive stitched together 8 of the panels, sewn out another 14 and got another 8 to embroider!