Well, I am also a home-based (garage) business. I only own one commercial machine (my Amaya). I also own a home machine (a Singer EU). I did not purchase Design Shop with my machine and sub-contract all my digitizing. I keep hoping I'll win another Amaya with Design Shop so I can play and learn but I knew it just wasn't something I could do myself well (tough to learn with 4 kids 10 and under). I just came back from Embroidery Mart in Las Vegas and I am still convinced it was the best option for me....I'm so glad I have an Amaya. Dorothy Compton, Owner Bee Embroidered www.BeeEmbroidered.com (916) 635-7467