The convenience of a home embroidery machine has made the ease of home embroidery very popular. Although some argue that hand embroidered items are better quality, no one can argue with the ease and speed of a machine. With commercial embroidery machines, a needlework project that could potentially take days to finish if you do it by hand will be done in just a matter of a few hours.The time you will save will allow you to do more projects.
Many new machine owners struggle with the time it takes to learn the machine. My first suggestion is to take classes from the store that sold the machine. Most owners are very well prepared to teach beginning lessons. Next, try to find tutorials on the web. Just google your machine brand and the word "tutorial". (brother+tutorial)
The next suggestion is to begin with quality materials. Proper backing, good thread, easy fabric to embroider, (denim is a good first choice) and simple patterns.
Most of all, have fun, enjoy your projects and check back here for advise and suggestions from fellow embroiderers.