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From: crisco13
Date: 12-12-2005, 11:05 PM (1 of 20)
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Hello all! I am a fairly new sewer and am looking at getting into embroidery as well. I was wondering if anyone can give me a reccommendation about machines to look at? I know that I will be doing mostly monogramming on hooded childrens towels that I sell(I pay someone right now and want to stop doing that!). I want something that I can grow into and do more complex designs. I think that I want something that can connect to the computer or at least won't need a separate box to write to cards with. I would prefer to stay under or right around $1000. I have been looking at the Babylock Ellure but am afraid I would outgrow it too quickly. I am also tempted by the great prices of all the brother machines, but wary of them because my brother cs8060 broke fairly quickly (right after the warranty ran out of course!) Anyone have a suggestion? I think I want to buy new or at least from a dealer so that I can get some really good support. Thanks for all of your help, I have already learned a lot from reading the forums. Chris |
User: crisco13
Member since: 11-20-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-12-2005, 11:24 PM (2 of 20)
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Kenmore (Janome), Janome, Bernina, Viking, Pfaff... If you think you 'might' outgrow a cheaper machine, then maybe you should think about something 'bigger', more expensive. It's always easier to trade DOWN, if you don't like something, than it is to trade UP. Janome makes an embroidery ONLY machine for about $1500....of course then you NEED all the 'stuff' that goes with the/an embroidery machine. Stabilizer, hoops, (you oughta know the hoop size on a cheaper machine is only going to be 4X4...never bigger than that). Thread, needles, etc.... test drive and go to as many dealers as you can find...theres something for everyone. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: crisco13
Date: 12-13-2005, 10:56 PM (3 of 20)
| As I said before, I want to get into embroidery but I don't know much yet. It seems that the low end Brother machines (PE's) offer a good basic starting place for a good price. The one drawback seems to be the limitations of the 4x4 hoop. Now this might be a dumb question but can't you just get a bigger hoop? What (besides the actual hoop) limits the size of embroidery a machine can do? Like I said, I am new to this and trying to learn as much as I can so that I don't get burned on my first machine. Thanks! |
User: crisco13
Member since: 11-20-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-13-2005, 11:15 PM (4 of 20)
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Nope if the cheap machine says 4x4, there are NO other hoops that can be used. Generally only the high end machines come with (or you can purchase afterwards) 5-7 hoops in various sizes...a high end machine will come with at least 2 hoops, 4x4, 5x7...others MAY be, 2x2, 8x8, 8x10, 8x11. I'm not sure what size the Bernina hoops run... www.janome.com www.berninausa.com plus theres HOOP-IT-ALL. They make BIGGER hoops for almost every machine made. (pricey too) www.hoopitall.com The machine itself LIMITS what it can do. The cheaper the machine, the smaller the motor's, the smaller the spaces used for the arms, the less details used in the designs. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: paroper
Date: 12-14-2005, 06:28 AM (5 of 20)
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There are memory limitations in these machines. When compared to a computer, these machines "aren't the brightest kids on the block". I don't know why they haven't taken a clue and started hiring computer techs help with the designing of the machines. It is like reinventing the wheel. So far, only my 200E and the new 730E have a Windows operating system. They are only 64K. I don't know if there is more memory in any of the other machines or not but that is pathetic.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: soverysewey
Date: 12-14-2005, 12:56 PM (6 of 20)
| The PC6500 is one of the Pacesetter line of machines and is a very good upper end machine..not a cheapie Walmart machine. It can take four hoops,although it only comes with the 5x7. The field size is 5x7 and the largest hoop is a multi-position hoop that is 6x10,smallest is a 2x2 [I think].It has 99 sewing stitches and is a very nice sewing machine as well as doing the embroidery.You would not outgrow it very fast unless you require a lot more stitches built in or a huge embroidery field. Most people rarely use the largest hoops.It does have a smaller LCD screen but that has never been a problem for me. |
User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-14-2005, 12:59 PM (7 of 20)
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Personally, if I had to choose between larger screen on the machine or more and larger hoops, I'd take the hoops. It probably depends on where you get your designs and if you mix designs, digitize, whatever, but I use my large hoops a whole lot.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-14-2005, 09:40 PM (8 of 20)
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I guess I'm one of the rare people...I have 3 embroidery machines and use the largest of my hoops ALL the time. The small ones aren't used much. Maybe thats because I do a lot of t-shirts and quilts. Makes for using larger hoops more.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 12-14-2005, 10:08 PM (9 of 20)
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I have also been looking at embroidery machines in about the same price range. I have decided on the Singer Quantum Futura CE 200. This machine comes with 2 hoops, 4x4 and I think 5x7 or 6x6, The Futura software that will allow you to import any .jpg or .bmp graphic and convert it into an embroidery design, and can double as a back-up sewing machine. It does have to be connected to a computer to do any of the embroidery work as it doesn't have its own on-board memory for the designs you create. Singer has it on sale for $799 on their website. It's also compatible with the Goodstitch line of embroidery software. I hope you find something that will work for you as well as I think the Futura will for me. Welcome to SWN, and good luck in your search! Cookie 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: Laura22
Date: 12-15-2005, 06:41 PM (10 of 20)
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Actually there is a solution to needing a slightly bigger stitch field later after buying a 4x4. For one thing, if you use basic Embird software, you can split a design and then buy a multi-position hoop for like 30$ on a Brother machine and thus still do a larger stitch area of like 4x8 or so without having to spend a ton of money on a pricey machine. Just a nice option if you can't afford a high end machine
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User: Laura22
Member since: 11-18-2005 Total posts: 6 |
From: Ann Made
Date: 12-19-2005, 01:57 PM (11 of 20)
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Hi everyone, I too am looking for an embroidery machine but am looking at a high end one. So far I have looked at the Husqavarna, Janome, Berina, and Pfaff. The Pfaff is out but the other three are still in the running. I really like the Husky SE model but the Berina has the capability of resizing the number of stitches when enlarging or making smaller. The Janome has the largest hoop size. I keep looking, and looking, and looking. What are your opinions. Ann Learning is a journey, not a race.
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User: Ann Made
Member since: 04-07-2001 Total posts: 67 
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From: paroper
Date: 12-19-2005, 04:42 PM (12 of 20)
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I LOVE my Bernina 200. I purchased mine a little over 2 years ago. It has been wonderful EXCEPT it has had some memory "glitches". You know how when you buy a car that is a first of its kind? Well, those are the glitches. They have since ironed out the problems in the newer machinews. If you purchase a 200, there is a number beside the serial number that is 8000 or 8001. You want the 8001 number. The model is the same but it indicates that the machine has twice the memory. This will make all the difference in the world. The 200's are being closed out for the 730 and I understand that to go ahead and clearance them, they are giving the 730 upgrade to the 200 for FREE (at least that is the rumor...it adds a Bernina Stitch Regulator, a flash drive and more memory if you don't have the larger memory already). That will be well worth it! If you want a machine for embroidery and sewing but are not terribly in to quilting, it or the 730 machine is the best Bernina can offer. If you want a machine for quilting and sewing and some embroidery, take a look at the new 630. It is the top of the Bernina line in 5.5 mm rotary stitch, which makes a WONDERFUL straight stitch and gives great control. Either way you go, Bernina makes a great machine! Bernina will take care of their machine 100 percent for the first two years, my dealer even did all cleaning for free during that time.. The next five they will cover the boards but not the labor. Most of the dealers will offer trade-in trade up options for the first year if they happen to introduce a machine in the upper part of their line that you prefer. They also offer training on their machine (totally about 5-6 classes on the upper lines), more if you buy the software too. Many of the Bernina shops have "clubs" where they introduce you to their newest products. Because the machine (200 and 730) are windows based they has some computer advantages. Routine updates are pretty simple. There is an on-line portal where you can go and get some free downloads that are slowly rotated out. There is also an online magazine you can dial up from your sewing machine. The 200 and I think the 730 (they are basically the same machine) have help buttons on the machine you can push if you need immediate instruction. Bernina machines are well supported in terms of parts availability. They have been known to carry parts for their machines in stock for at least 20 years. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Ann Made
Date: 12-20-2005, 01:40 PM (13 of 20)
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I am not sure what Bernia I looked at but the replacement will be able to use external hard drives. I do know it comes with a CD Rom. I will be looking at it again when the new one comes out and do my comparisons. I will have to keep looking but now am narrowed down to the Bernia and the Husky SE.
Learning is a journey, not a race.
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User: Ann Made
Member since: 04-07-2001 Total posts: 67
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From: threadingerin47
Date: 12-20-2005, 03:01 PM (14 of 20)
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I have a Babylock ellageo3, who also makes Brother. I love it. I had a babylock esante2 and loved that. It is so user friendly and comes with the large screen, large hoops too, and you can add hoops, like the continuous embroidery hoops etc. I love that is tells me on screen what to do; auto threader, auto cutter, bobbin winder is separate so you do not have to stop the embroidery to wind a bobbin, and on and on I could go. It also sews wonderfully. Best of Luck,
Erin from NH who says GODoodlesNQuilt!!!
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User: threadingerin47
Member since: 12-18-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-20-2005, 03:07 PM (15 of 20)
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That was the 200. The 730 is out. It is the replacement. You can update the 200 to the full 730 for a pretty decent price savings (at least that is what I've been told) if you are buying the 200 new. The difference in the 730 and the updated 200 would be that the 200 should come with the CD player (you have to purchase it as optional equipment for the 730 which will come with a memory stick instead), the outside of the machine is different in looks and there is a metal spindle on the 730. I've really enjoyed the 200 that I have. Mine was recently updated with the 64K because I was having memory problems. Once it was updated, the problems vanished. That seems to be the true in all cases. The later 200s (made in the last year or so) are being made with the 64K memory. If you are offered the update you will be assured of having the memory. The dealer can tell you for sure about yours. The 730 will have the larger memory (of course). I'm not a quilter so I'm not interested in the BSR foot (at least at this time). I am very interested in the memory stick. One of the magazines had an article comparing several of the more popular machines (Creative Embroidery I think). When it came to the 200 it stated that the 200 only had one memory where many of the machines have several. The reason is that the 200 allows you to use and divide the memory into folders like a Windows operated computer. There is one large memory, just like your computer which is used by all functions and then it is subdivided. I felt that the article was misleading in this fact. I've done some pretty remarkable embroidery on my machine with no trouble at all. I've made lace that had 98,000 plus stitches. Bernina is a family owned business still. They take a lot of pride in their machines. They have always been conservative in their approach. In 1992 when I purchased my first Bernina, the matriarch of the family was still living. She felt that embroidery was a "flash in the pan" and that sewing would always be the primary use of the sewing machine. When she died, Berina thrust themselves into the embroidery/sewing market. Coming into the market late, the New Home or Janome and the Pfaff were already heavily into the embroidery "thing", they made up a lot of time fast by joining hands with some commercial embroidery companies. That helped a lot. At the same time, by keeping the focus on sewing so much longer, they have a very nice sewing product! There are some sewing things that my 200 will do easily that my friend's TOL Husky machine has to do through the software, but her Husky is a nice machine. I think you'll really love this machine if this is the one you purchase. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-20-2005, 03:12 PM (16 of 20)
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One of the little things that I take for granted with the Bernina is that I can wind a bobbin while embroidering. When I need it, I can just open the door and replace the bobbin without removing the hoops. I didn't know this was a plus until about a year after I purchased it. I don't know how many and which other brands of machines allow this, but I was watching a demo on a machine and discovered this (I was surprised.) It has an alarm when your bobbin is getting low and you can advance or reverse the stitches in your design wherever you want. You can also see the stitching play out on screen so that you can tell where you "should" be in your design if for some reason you need to continue your design. It clips the thread at the end of the color but doesn't clip at jump stitches, although it does have a manual thread cutter. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Ann Made
Date: 12-23-2005, 01:22 PM (17 of 20)
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I won't be getting a Babylock as the best sewing machine center doesn't carry them though she does carry the sergers. I am getting one of them though as I really like how they work. It is the one that has 5 spools of thread. I am still deciding between the Bernia and Husky and will have the lady do a demo on the Bernia for me the next time I am over. Ann Learning is a journey, not a race.
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User: Ann Made
Member since: 04-07-2001 Total posts: 67
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-23-2005, 10:23 PM (18 of 20)
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all TOL Janome's....(and Janome even makes Berninas these days....) 10000, 11000 (new one out this yr), 300E (embroidery only), 6500 Quilt Pro and the Compulock. I like them for their durability, their upgrade ability, the use of Cards, USB, memory sticks, their hoop fields, their ease of use. ( up until 3 yrs ago I used a 30 yr old Singer, now a door stop because of a repair person in MT).(I've been sewing for 46 yrs). I also have a great dealer. (she sells Bernina and Janome and fabric...and teaches...and etc...) Yes I did shop...yes I did ask questions and I went online to look up recalls on sewing/embroidery machines. ( I LOVE google) So I picked what I wanted, because I knew if I had a TOL, I wouldn't be wanting to upgrade in 5 mins. It's all a matter of choice...YOURS !!! Kath Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: chris_b
Date: 12-28-2005, 08:09 PM (19 of 20)
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I just got my Pfaff 2170 last week and am in love! I moved up from having the Pfaff 7570 since 1998 so knew exactly what I wanted. I love that it has the border hoop and the precise positioning. There is nothing any size that I can not do now with the PP! I can upgrade it on my own at home which is a big plus to me. I was able to get the bonus box (avaliable until Dec.31) that gave me wireless, and the grand hoop for free. You go out and find the exact machine that makes you happy. IMHO machines are like shoes, one size does not fit all. Have fun shopping! |
User: chris_b
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: wentzel2
Date: 12-29-2005, 08:04 PM (20 of 20)
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I have had my machine now for the last 6 months and it is WONDERFUL!! I just love it. I bought 2 other machines before I got this one and fiinally got the one I want. It has an 'Endless Bobbin" feature (I think it is the only machine with this feature) and it alone has made the purchase worth while. You put a regular sized spool of thread into a compartment and when the bobbin runs out it uses that spool to rewind the bobbin with. It also takes 3 spools of thread and automatically changes out the colors. I purchased it for $1,500 when the XL6000 came out (it was $5,400). I transfer designs directly from my laptop (or you can use cards) and I can get very creative. Hope this helps you with your choice! good luck |
User: wentzel2
Member since: 12-29-2005 Total posts: 2 |
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