They're both great, very creative. Difficult to choose.

Oooh, looking forward to seeing how this stitches out.

@Kittensposies do you have a nearby stockist where you could try the machines? Do you live near enough to anyone on TSP who would let you try theirs? You're welcome to come & try mine if you're anywhere near. I'm in RG5, near Wokingham, not far from the M4 if that helps?

I'm also rubbish at spending on myself - years of putting others first maybe?

I've had the Janome 2000 for a couple of years, haven't used it a mega amount but wouldn't be without now. It seems many owners need to raise the rear feed dogs to improve the stitch but mine seems ok. I had one project that it wouldn't sew but tried @Fabric Lover's machine (a Brother) and hers didn't like the fabric either. I think the key is to keep going - slowly if necessary - as my looper thread often breaks if I stop & start. If buying again I'd get the Brother (don't know the model of @Fabric Lover's but it's a Brother) as I like the presser foot raise lever on the right like on the overlocker. I also bought the clear foot, IMO it should be supplied with the machine as it's do much easier than the solid foot.

I bought a large, shallow plastic box with lid, I think it's intended as underbed storage. My embroidery module lives in there under the desk, along with hoops & roll of stabiliser.

Have you told it what size hoop you're using? My Pfaff defaults to the small hoop unless the design is very large, I have to select hoop size from a drop down.

Thanks @Sonatine you've explained it well, and the photo helps a lot. I can see why the habit is used, it does look more elegant. I had wondered whether a whip was used in lieu of the right leg. You must have very good balance.

That's fabulous. Congratulations on a well deserved win. You look so elegant. Riding side saddle must feel very different to astride - did it take long to get used to it? And does the horse not mind the change in weight loading?