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From: pretnichols
Date: 04-07-2006, 02:40 PM (1 of 7)
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I am looking at possible purchasing the Singer CE200 but it is only sold online or at Joanne's. However, my local Joanne's (both) did not sell these and I would have to travel about an hour to find one. In your honest opinion, could I learn this on my own? I want to buy from a dealer, but the only ones that are close by are for Viking or perhaps Brother. I am looking strictly for an embroidery machine. I have been monitoring all the posts for machine purchases since December. I am fully aware that this can be an expensive hobby. Since I already have a regular sewing machine, I see no point, at this time, in buying a dual-purpose one. I plan on using the new one strictly for embroidery. I am also considering the Janome 300E, based on all of the posts. The only problem is that any reseller is over a 1 hour drive from my house.  I truly want dealer support as I recognize the advantage of having support available at any time. I had thought about purchasing a Disney machine, but backed off since I want to be able to get support. Another issue is that there is absolutely no way my PC and sewing machine can cohabitate in the same room. The office is only 7 x 6 and the sewing machine & 'stuff' reside in my living/dining room combo. Thanks in advance for your thoughts & comments. 
Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-07-2006, 03:29 PM (2 of 7)
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I'm not the greatest fan of low-end Singer machines. That being said, I'm sure that there are many here who are. The Janome 300 has a wonderful reputation, but you've alread stated that is not a real possibility. One of the best things about the 300 is the way that it accepts its designs. I think that machines that take cards and boxes are going the way of the dinosaur. The other thing is that Brother is said to be coming out with their own embroidery only machine. I don't know when it is due. Brother machines have a long-standing pretty good reputation. The major advantage of the Brother is that the format is readily available and is used by both Brother and Baby Lock (a Brother cousin). If I were truly interested in an embroidery machine, I would give the Brother dealer a call to see if they know when the machine is coming out. I'd be interested in how large the sttich area will be, price and how it takes its designs. I think the plan to buy an embroidery only machine is a very sound plan. This is a much less expensive way to go and allows you to update the embroidery portion (later) without effecting your sewing. Many people who have purchased combo machines also have purchased sewing machines to use along side because they find they can sew and embroider at the same time. 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: wghmch
Date: 04-07-2006, 03:43 PM (3 of 7)
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Readily admitting to being prejudiced on this one, my son has a site where he offers ideas on how to use these and sells them on another one. http://www.futurafun.com/ http://www.sewamazed.com/ Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 04-08-2006, 08:44 AM (4 of 7)
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I got my Ce100 at Walmart. If you don't plan on using it for sewing then I suggest you get the 100. They are the same machine minus a few extra sewing stitches and the Autopunch software. Many people find the Autopunch software not worth the money and prefer to buy an actual digitizing software. I myself like Autopunch but it is a lot of work to get a good looking design. You can not do as they say and just scan an image, punch it and stitch it. There is a lot of work involved in getting a clean image that the software will like. Also there is the mater of it "Auto" doing everything. That can be a real pain sometimes as you may not want it to stitch in the order that it chooses. I can spend the better part of a day working on one design. As for the Futuras being low-end I dissagree with that assumption. The reason they cost less is that you are not buying a fancy computer built into your sewing machine. Everything is done on your own computer and then sent over to the Futura. One of the reasons I chose this machine is because I didn't feel the need to purchase yet another computer (we have three in our house already). As for where to get them might I suggest going to a Singer dealer and ask them if they will get you one? I don't deal with dealers very much so I don't know if this is even possible but it can't hurt to try. I just went back and read your post a little better. The Futura must be attached to your computer to do anytyhing so if you go with that one you will need to move things around a bit or maybe get a laptop just for your Futura. 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: Tom Land
Date: 04-08-2006, 09:37 PM (5 of 7)
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You most likely would be able to handle the 200 without help. However, should you need help or the machine has a problem you will be in for a headache and expense if it was purchased on line. Also if you are interested in it only as an embroidery machine why are you not looking at the 100 instead? It is the same machine with fewer stitches. Even if you purchase it and the Auto-punch you will have saved $100. We have had a much higher rate of problems with the 200 than 100. If you aren't in too big a hurry the Pfaff 300 will be available towards the end of May. It puts the others to shame at a comparable price but again you will need to find a dealer.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: pretnichols
Date: 04-09-2006, 09:00 AM (6 of 7)
Thanks Tom, I may just wait for the Pfaff. The dealer is about 3 miles from me and I love their machines. I just could not afford the higher end ones and wanted an "embroidery" only machine. I also thought the 100 was the one with problems which was why I was avoiding it. Guess I should not be donig research at midnight anymore since I wasn't paying close attention to models. Since the Pfaff dealer is also the Brother dealer, I'll ask him about the rumor as well. At least I will have dealer support for those machines. I won't make any decision though Until I can do hands on!  Thanks for everyone's responses! Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 04-09-2006, 05:34 PM (7 of 7)
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Peggy, although I am probably not supposed to tell this... The Pfaff 300 was introduced to the dealers in late Jan. It had at that time passed all quality control proceedure at VSM (Pfaff's worldwide parent company) but Pfaff USA always does their own Quality testing before releasing a product. They found a flaw and won't release it until it is corrected. This means that thousands of machines must be opened and corrected before they will begin shipment to the dealers. Sounds like a small deal but it is done by 4 people. They hope to have them ready by the 3rd week of next month. But we did get to use the machine. It is far superior to anything else I've seen. So much so that I will not be selling the Singer 100 or 200 after I sell out of them. My biggest concern is that we will have trouble selling the 2124 and 2134 after it comes out. You might want to contact your dealer and ask them to contact you when it is available. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
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