As Kraftycat says, this is one well loved and addicting craft. There are lots of us hooked and loving every minute of it!
Being at this for 6 months makes you a knowledgeable person, especially if you are reading a lot. The AnnTheGran site is one of the most helpful and caring sites and you will find many people who enjoy sharing their experiences with you. ATG is the premiere site, IMHO!
The PE700II is about the most easy to learn machines on the market today. Many others, more costly especially, have lots of more features, but the PE700II is the workhorse you will love.
I have been machine embroidering (ME) for 8 years, and I learn something every time I sit down to the machine too! Most all of us do. Each project is unique for a thousand reasons. When you understand those principles, it becomes easier to try new things and spread your wings. For instance, I had been doing some linen napkins (a really WOW project) for my sales site (in my profile) and I was using water soluble stablizers (ATG has one of my favorites - it is adhesive) and after doing 6 napkins, I realized it would be less work to use a "heat-away" type stabilizer. The difference would have meant that I did not have to wash and iron the napkins. I would only have to 'press' them.
Enjoy your new hobby, ask lots of questions, and frankly, soon you will be able to answer questions too!
I saw in your profile you are a retired floral designer. You can tell us some of your hints and secrets, if that is OK! I would love to know how to arrange a nice group of flowers and/or plants.
Pat, The Avid Embroiderer