I was a little hesitant to purchase a refurbished machine because well, it's refurbished but I decided to go for it and it was one of the best purchases I have made. I paid less for this refurbished (which was practically brand new) machine with three years of warranty than if I had bought the machine new, I probably would not have been able to get a warranty. I love this machine, it is so easy to use and downloading designs to it is a breeze. Right out of the box, I made a few designs and it was so super simple. I did find out though (being new to embroidery) that you do need the right stabilizer for they type of fabric you are using and you also need the right thread (embroidery). I didn't realize there was specific embroidery bobbin thread so I used the same thread as the top and although the machine was fine, the end product was not as nice. So buy pre wound embroidery bobbin thread and embroidery thread and you should be fine. This is my first embroidery machine and so glad I chose this one, easy to use and at a price I could afford!