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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: wea-tn
Date: 03-20-2006, 07:11 PM (1 of 8)
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Hi there! I am looking to buy a combo sewing/embroidery machine possibly the Baby Lock New Ellure, Has anybody here used this machine? The local dealer has a trade in (used less than a month) for $1000.00. I am told it has a retail of $1499.00. Or would you have a better suggestoin for around $1000? I want something that does sewing plus beginning embroidery that I can upgrade later if I want by buying software. Do most of these embroidery programs work on all machines??? Thanks for any advice! Christy |
User: wea-tn
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-20-2006, 07:47 PM (2 of 8)
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Each embroidery machine has it's OWN format. So if you buy or download designs from the internet you MUST buy the format for your machine or have conversion software (ie..Embird, which doesn't have the newest machines in it's software yet...and BuzzTools/BuzzXplore which does....I'm sure there are others, but I only know of these two and I use BuzzXplore.) I'm sure what you're asking about programs....each machine usually comes with it's OWN software, it cannot be switched between machines, because of the formats. So say you buy a Bernina. You have Bernina software, but it can't be used on a Babylock or anything else. Most machines cannot be upgraded by using software. Unless you buy a TOL machine, that has upgrade and will TELL you it can. Most machines under $2500 or so usually cannot be upgraded. If the machine has 4x4 hoops, thats all you can do is 4x4 embroidery. The more you spend, the more you get. So if all you have is $1000 to spend. Then you get a $1000 machine which most likey cannot be upgraded and can only use a 4x4 hoop. On top of the machine and it's software, cables, hoops..you also have to have stabilizer, (many different kinds for all different fabric) GOOD embroidery thread, needles (4 designs to a needle MAX, usually). canned air to clean your machine, scissors (for embroidery they're small, curved and pointed), most important is to have a dealer you can trust to help you and keep your machine in good order. So you aren't just buying a machine to sew with and make pretty things, you're also buying a way of life. (trust me on this....it becomes addicting, especially buying designs off the internet...there are SO many wonderful sites, designs, designers....then theres all the wonderful fabric now....Minkee...cottons galore..and all the thread...varigated, color change (in the dark/light), metallic, etc....). So test drive, look on the internet for recalls, etc....I find with embroidery machines, it's easier to downgrade, than upgrade....(but everyone has their own opinions.) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: wea-tn
Date: 03-20-2006, 08:00 PM (3 of 8)
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Thanks! By upgrade, what I meant is that I can purchase the basic and then purchase software I can use to do additional patterns and custom work the New Ellure has a 5X7 field, large enough for me. I could spend a little more, just not thousands at this point. I want to make sure I am actually going to use it, ya know what I mean? It is very hard to compare pricing on these things since prices don't show on the net! Also, since it is pretty new, I haven't seen any reviews for it from real people 
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User: wea-tn
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: soverysewey
Date: 03-20-2006, 09:12 PM (4 of 8)
| They were selling the New Ellure for $999 according to the ads in the sewing mags. |
User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-20-2006, 09:15 PM (5 of 8)
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What you mean is Digitizing...thats differrent. You can get Digitizing software that comes with OR without your machine. It's expensive....if you pay less than $1500. for digitizing software it's more than likely NOT real digitizing, just converting and adding things to designs you already have. Digitizing software is usually seperate from the machine. (unless your dealer 'bundles' a deal for you....some dealers do..some don't.) Now Digitizing software IS upgradeable....but most of the time you pay for the upgrades (not the upDATES...updates usually just 'fix' things.) Digitizing can be done for almost all formats, depending on your software. (I've had some trouble lately using a certain designers designs...while I order them in my format, I usually have to have them re-send in PES, so that I can convert, because something they are doing, isn't correct for my .jef format). Digitizing has a BIG learning curve....but then again, if you have a good dealer, they usually teach you. I'm not sure what digitizing software Babylock uses...I have Janome's machines and they have their own...(Digi Pro is new this year with Photo-stitch) I know that Generations is/was popular. (but's it's also modular, you buy some and if you want to do something else, you buy more.) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Pudge99
Date: 03-21-2006, 09:53 AM (6 of 8)
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The Singer Futura ce100 (around $500) and ce200 (around $700) are machines that are easy for beginners. They are "upgradeable" given that you can purchase more and more software. The Futura is not design exclusive. It converts almost every format into something it can read. It comes with two hoop sizes and there are more sizes made by after market companies (I am still a little confused as to how they work but they are out there). All the computer work is done on your own computer and then sent to the machine allowing you a full screen view of all your designs. I think that is why the price for these machines is so reasonable, you are not paying for the computer that is normally built into all those other machines. I have yet to use the sewing side of this machine as I got it purely for embroidery but I have read on other websites that is sews beautifully. There are two main differences in these machines. The 200 comes with more built in stiches on the sewing side and Autopunch(an auto digitizing software). I purchased the 100 and the Autopunch software separately as I did not need the extra sewing stitches. If you truly want to get into serious digitizing the Autopunch software is not the best but it works great if you work within its limitations. The number one thing to remember no matter what machine you buy is that machine embroidery is a whole new and separate thing from sewing. You need to give yourself time to learn. You probably didn't ride a bike the first time you tried nor did you learn to read, write or do arithmatic in one day. I have had my machine since December and my software since January and I still don't know what I am doing. I work a little everyday and learn at least one new thing a day. I am able to produce acceptable designs but I also know that a year from now I will look back and think... WOW! I have come a long way. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 03-21-2006, 01:01 PM (7 of 8)
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I purchased my Janome sew/embroid in June 05 and FINALLY got around to working w/the Customizer. There is definately a learning curve and you have to be patient with yourself and the software you have. I thought using Customize would be more "intuitive" but it is not. I also have to deal w/my impatience in learning it and also to read, read, and re-read those directions! Digest each paragraph and interpret how it really relates to the whole picture and process. Ask the forums too! Great source for info from those "in the know". Sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: wea-tn
Date: 03-22-2006, 11:55 AM (8 of 8)
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I keep hearing about that 'learning curve' and 'have patience'....well, patience is NOT one of my finer virtues.....oh well. I bought it! I bought the New Ellure but did not buy the Palette software yet. Thought I could break the cost down a little. They put in my file that I could purchase the software for the same as the bundle price extra cost would've been, $799. So I paid $1183 for the machine. Anyway, I have taken the manual out of the box and started flipping through it, I plan to play with the sewing part of it this weekend, I can't wait! Too bad I have to work to support my hobbies! Thanks for your advice, I am sure I will have lots of questions later!!! The last machine I used was my mom's top of the line Kenmore from about 1970's! In the 80's I made a lot of my own clothes (was in High School then, it was cool!). Things sure have changed a lot in the machines! I used to do a lot of hand embroidery and cross stich. I can't wait to learn all that this can do! Christy |
User: wea-tn
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 3 |
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