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From: crazy4quilting
Date: 07-30-2006, 05:00 AM (1 of 32)
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Hi All, I'm cotemplating getting another stand-alone embroidery machine. Problem is - Budget. Finding a nice machine for a decent price is difficult to say the least. At the beginning of this year, I had purchased the White 4400 sewing machine from JoAnn's. Biggo Mistakeo!  This had to be the worst machine I had ever purchased. I still have my Brother PE-150, and it hasn't let me down yet, but I would like a machine that connects directly to my laptop.I did some looking around, and apparently Viking is getting ready to release the Huskystar EM10, which looks similar to the White Machine I purchased/returned. Does anyone have information on this machine or when it will be released. I heard the release price to be around $700, with the ability to connect to the PC, etc. Then I've also thought about the Janome MC models. Granted, I can't get the Janome MC 11000, which by the way looks like an awesome machine, but I was thinking more on the lines of the Janome MC 9700. It seems relatively new to the Market as well. Does anyone have the pros/cons on these machines? Your assitance is greatly appreciated! 
A Girl Can Never Have Too Much Fabric!
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User: crazy4quilting
Member since: 03-14-2002 Total posts: 51 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-30-2006, 09:10 PM (2 of 32)
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Neither the Janome 11000 or the 9700 are stand alone embroidery machines. They embroider and sew. The 9700 isn't really 'new'...it's an updated version of the 9500. (with Janome's new software and embroidery system). Janome's stand alone embroidery machine is the 300E. Which has also been updated for this yr. It runs about $1500 or so. (depends on the dealer and what it's packaged with. Janome/dealers often package their machines with software, thread, embroidery designs, hoops, etc.) I'm not sure how much the 9700 is...I don't own one. But I do know the 11000 is about $7000. ( I DO have one of those). I also own the 10000/10001, 300E, 6500 Quilt Pro, and the Compulock(serger), and DigiPro Digitizer. (for all my embroidery machines.) You need to test drive all the machines you're looking at and choose one for yourself. Just remember...the less you spend the less 'hoop size' you get. (cheaper machines only will do 4x4.) If you get a stand alone embroidery machine you also need software, a means to get the designs to the machine, (flashcards, USB, etc) If you own ALL different machines you run the risk of buying LOTS of different software and means of getting the patterns to the machines. (Janome 10001/11000 use .jef format while the 9700 uses .sew so even among Janomes you can't use the same patterns without software that will CONVERT the formats for you). (ie BuzzTools/Xplore, Embird, Wilcom, etc) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 07-31-2006, 01:08 AM (3 of 32)
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We are expecting the Pfaff 300 (same as the Huskystar EM10 in anyday now. We got training on this machine several months ago and loved it. VSM had tested the machine in Europe and sent them to the US (this machine is made for VSM). Pfaff USA then tested it here and found some flaws that surfaced after hundreds of hours of use (the Germans are more picky than the Swedes). It has taken several months for Pfaff and Viking to go through all the machines and correct these flaws but they now have them ready to ship. The White 4400 has had problems since it came out. No, it is nothing like the Husky EM10 or Pfaff 300. White is VSMs mass market line comparable to Brother, Simplicity, todays Singers, and other machines available over the internet or Wal-Mart. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: catfrog
Date: 07-31-2006, 08:42 AM (4 of 32)
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Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I have the Janome 300e and truly love it. I must of gotten it at the right time cause the update is out and I can use the c,a,b,hoops plus now the gigahoop. I've had my machine for a year now with no problems whatsoever. As my software, I have buzz tools version 4 which converts the format and I have customizer that takes it to the card that fits into the embroidery machine. So easy. I have to be honest, the only drawback is that my 300e is in black & white and I just wish it had color that you can see. But hey, then again, I didn't have to pay thousands of dollars for it either and it does an excellent job. Good luck with your decision. Connie |
User: catfrog
Member since: 07-20-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: crazy4quilting
Date: 07-31-2006, 09:38 AM (5 of 32)
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[QUOTE=Tom Land]We are expecting the Pfaff 300 (same as the Huskystar EM10 in anyday now. Tom - Do you all have on online website to purchase the Pfaff 300 once it is ready for distribution? What ballpark range will these machines be selling to the consumers for? Your help is always appreciated. I just want to make sure I don't get stuck w/ another machine like the White 4400. Yuckie.  Thanks, Libby A Girl Can Never Have Too Much Fabric!
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User: crazy4quilting
Member since: 03-14-2002 Total posts: 51
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From: Tom Land
Date: 08-03-2006, 11:19 PM (6 of 32)
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Libby, the 300 came in today. I do have a website but Pfaff, like all the better companies will not permit their machines to be sold online, mail order or even telephone order.. This is to protect the consumer. These companies want to make sure that the people buying their machines will have local suport. Viking and Bernina are the same way. They also do not permit us to post prices on the net (this is because dealers in places like California can't afford to match prices in places like Arkansas where the cost of doing business is much lower). I will P.M. the price to you.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: ohiodeb
Date: 02-23-2007, 05:49 AM (7 of 32)
| I just joined this forum and did a search to see what anyone had to say about the EM10. I've had two demos and it looks very easy to use. Also since it is a stand alone that hooks to a computer you can download designs from the internet but also comes with 200 designs. Has anyone purchased this machine. I noticed that Tom Land seems to know a great deal about everything sewing and so would appreciate your input. I want to buy from Viking dealers, I have the 330, #1plus and 936 serger. I just had to have the #1 plus serviced for transformer and board burn out. $500. This machine has been a workhorse over the 12 years I've owned it - nothing more than usual cleaning done. Thanks for any advice. I know nothing about any other brands. |
User: ohiodeb
Member since: 01-07-2007 Total posts: 9 |
From: temom
Date: 02-23-2007, 07:36 AM (8 of 32)
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I was watching for the Huskystar. I asked at the local Viking shop, as the machine was very delayed coming out - they said due to machine issues. The other day I asked again, and they said they got a few of them and sold them, but would not get any more because of the quality of the machine. I asked where the machine was made, and it was made in China. Also, the field is very small. From what I've been reading, most people become quickly frustrated with a small embroidery field, and are looking to upgrade. Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 02-23-2007, 10:24 AM (9 of 32)
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We've been selling the EM10 (Pfaff 300) for around a year now. Of approximately 25 sold I have only had one with a problem. It was easy to correct and it hasn't acted up again. Most dealers have not been quite as lucky as I but I haven't heard of anyone having a lot of problems. The machine is not "Pfaff" or even "Viking" quality but is pretty good for the price. I actually like the machine and didn't think I would. Bear in mind that after Husqvarna/Viking approved and accepted the machine it took another year to get it up to the standards that Pfaff would accept it. This left me kind of leary.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: temom
Date: 02-23-2007, 10:34 AM (10 of 32)
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Tom, I appreciate your input. I'm kind of leary of the local sewing shop (there is only 1 in about a 50 mile area), and don't trust them to always be candid. So Pfaff sells the machine under their lable, huh? My dealership said the machines hadn't even been released until several weeks ago. Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: plrlegal
Date: 02-23-2007, 12:30 PM (11 of 32)
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Tom I looked at the Pfaff 300 and was impressed with it's stitch quality and the price was right but didn't like the fact that it only has a 4 x 4 field and the sales woman told me as far as she knew, there were no plans to upgrade it to a 5 x 7. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Bobbins
Date: 02-23-2007, 02:39 PM (12 of 32)
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Hi: I have used the Janome 300E and the 10000 and the 100001. I know use a Janome 11000 for embroidery and I also have a Janome 4900 for regular sewing and a Janome 744D Serger. These machines embroider really well and all, except the 300E, offer so much more. The way I look at if one machine is tied up embroidering I can use my other machine for regular sewing and vice versa. Just a thought. I know of a used Janome 10001 for sale. Excellent condition and an excellent deal.  I cannot give any details in this forum but e-mail me personally if anyone would like more info.  Happy sewing everyone. Bobbins 
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User: Bobbins
Member since: 10-22-2002 Total posts: 24 
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From: esrun3
Date: 02-23-2007, 03:49 PM (13 of 32)
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I recently purchased the Janome 350e which is a stand alone embroidery machine-they tell me it's a step up from the 300e. It's still in lay-a-way though so can't give any input on how it runs. Cost was around $1200.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Bobbins
Date: 02-23-2007, 04:15 PM (14 of 32)
Hi again:  Yes the Janome 300 series is an excellent standalone embroidery machine for a reasonable price. However, if a person needs a machine that can handle larger files, and embroidery stitches, etc., along with many other extras, finding a good used 10000/10001 would be the better deal. Bobbins 
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User: Bobbins
Member since: 10-22-2002 Total posts: 24
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From: ohiodeb
Date: 02-23-2007, 04:48 PM (15 of 32)
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Bobbins, I don't know how to email you from this forum. I would like more info on the machines you talked about. Tom is the Pfaff machine the same price as the EM10 and is it basically the same machine? Thanks |
User: ohiodeb
Member since: 01-07-2007 Total posts: 9 |
From: Bobbins
Date: 02-23-2007, 06:18 PM (16 of 32)
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Hi ohiodeb: If you need to send a private message to a member just log in, and then click on the member underlined name on a post. This will allow you to contact privately. Hope this helps.  Bobbins |
User: Bobbins
Member since: 10-22-2002 Total posts: 24
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From: sewmuchfun
Date: 02-24-2007, 11:50 AM (17 of 32)
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I have the 300e and you can use large files with it.. I love this machine.. I have 4 hoops. cap hoop which I never use, 4x4, 5x7, then the gigahoop.. I was told that the 300e is the embroidery part of the 10000. This was by my janome dealer. I sew so much that I had to have 2 separate machines.. I didn't want to give up the time from sewing to embroider.. 300e also uses compact flash cards so that was another plus that I didn't need a magic box which is an expensive little gadget.. Hope this helps MM Marilyn
Sewforme Stashaway |
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005 Total posts: 67 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 02-25-2007, 11:53 AM (18 of 32)
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Deb, the em10 and Pfaff 300 are the same machine. Suggested list on them is the same however actual selling price is up to the dealer. These machines are good entry level machines but are not in the same class as the Janome 300 which is a more versatile machine.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: pinkroses
Date: 02-25-2007, 08:39 PM (19 of 32)
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I have the Janome 9500 . It is farily new. it embroiders and is a reguarl sewing machine. i love mine. It is so easy to use and set up for the embroidery. I love the stitches. It has a simple drop in bobbin. You can use the pedal foot. or push a button and sew without the foot. You might want to go and check this one out. I also have a computer machine that just sews. It is an Elna i love it too. Their embroidery /sewing machine are expesnive however. pinkroses I know I have a guradian angel watching over me. I am very gratefull. PINKROSES
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User: pinkroses
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 64 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 02-26-2007, 11:30 AM (20 of 32)
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Tom, I appreciate your input. I'm kind of leary of the local sewing shop (there is only 1 in about a 50 mile area), and don't trust them to always be candid. So Pfaff sells the machine under their lable, huh? My dealership said the machines hadn't even been released until several weeks ago. I am not sure what Viking's policy is since I no longer carry Viking, but when a new machine comes out Pfaff generally won't let a dealer have it until they go to training on it. This sometimes means a dealer won't get the machine before other dealers have had it for several months. Then some dealers, like myself hold off on carrying a new model that is considerably different until it has been out long enough to get some feedback from the field. One of these reasons may be why your dealer has just gotten them. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 02-26-2007, 11:41 AM (21 of 32)
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Tom I looked at the Pfaff 300 and was impressed with it's stitch quality and the price was right but didn't like the fact that it only has a 4 x 4 field and the sales woman told me as far as she knew, there were no plans to upgrade it to a 5 x 7. Patsy Pfaff has been very clear that they have no intentions of ever upgrading this machine. I would expect that someone like "Hoop-it-all" will come out with hoops that will allow for larger designs by moving the hoop but the sewing field will not be enlarged. I really like the 300 but quality wise it is not a Pfaff. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-26-2007, 10:03 PM (22 of 32)
| My Pfaff/Viking dealer has both the Viking EM10 and Pfaff Smart 300e machines on sale and they are priced the same. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: temom
Date: 02-27-2007, 10:26 AM (23 of 32)
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OK, this shows how much I don't understand about these machines. I have the 300e and you can use large files with it.. I love this machine.. I have 4 hoops. cap hoop which I never use, 4x4, 5x7, then the gigahoop.. So, if the machine has a 4X4 embroidery field, and you have an image that is 5X7, how does that work? Also, where do you get the hoops: Can you interchange hoops designed for different machines, or do they need to be in the same "family"? And while I'm at it, what do you call the clear stabilizer that goes on top of the fabric (I want it for decorative stitches), and where is an inexpensive place to buy it? Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: Bobbins
Date: 02-27-2007, 11:38 AM (24 of 32)
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Hello: Just a quick reply regarding hoops. Each company has its own design of hoops and how they have their own design of how these hoops attach to their machine. You cannot use Pfaff hoops on a Janome, or Brother hoops on a Pfaff etc. On the Janome 300e, 10000, 10001 and 11000 you can select the size of hoop you will need for your design. If your design is too large the machine will give you an error message...then it is simply a matter of choosing another hoop. (Of course there is a maximum size but Janome has one of the largest hoops currently available on the 11000.) Janome has a fantastic embroidery system where you do not require attaching an embroidery bed. A most wonderful attribute to their system. As for the embroidery itself all of the major companies, Pfaff, Brother, Janome, Singer etc. have high end machines that embroidery beautifully. I hope this helps a little bit. Bobbins
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User: Bobbins
Member since: 10-22-2002 Total posts: 24
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From: Marmar
Date: 03-10-2007, 07:27 PM (25 of 32)
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Hi, I did a search for the EM10 and came across all your discussions. I just bought the EM10 and I am looking for bobbins that will fit it. I can't seem to find that information in the book. Do they have prewond bobbins that fit this machine. I have never used an embroidery machine before and one of the Viking shops inside Joann fabric store was being closed. The price was right because I am not sure how much I will use it. I quilt on my Bernina and I always wanted to try embroidering but did not want to spend a great deal of money. Now I am worried I made a mistake after reading some of your responses. Well before I panic, I would like to try using it and I only have one bobbin. If you have any info on bobbins I would appreciate it. |
User: Marmar
Member since: 03-10-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: Bobbins
Date: 03-10-2007, 07:50 PM (26 of 32)
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Hi Mama: I am not familiar with Viking as I own Janome's. You should be able to find out what type of bobbin you need at this site: http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/index.html Just copy the address and paste it in you browser search bar. If you can't find what you are looking for email them for the information you need. Happy embroidering! Bobbins 
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User: Bobbins
Member since: 10-22-2002 Total posts: 24
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From: Tom Land
Date: 03-11-2007, 01:36 PM (27 of 32)
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The em10 takes the same prewounds as the Brother embroidery machines. You should be able to get them at most sewing machine dealerships. The only mistake you may have made is that if the dealership was closing you may have trouble finding help. I would stongly advise locating the nearest Viking or Pfaff dealer and making sure they undertand that eventhough you didn't buy the machine from them you intend to be a loyal customer. Without help you will waste a lot of time figuring things out and a lot of fabric and thread making mistakes.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Marmar
Date: 03-14-2007, 06:25 PM (28 of 32)
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Hi Tom, Thanks for the info on the bobbins. Is there a special size of the Brother prewound bobbins. As for the Viking shop there are still two open but just a little further away from home. I contacted them and they were able to call the parts department and find out the size so they do have some in stock. However, they were not sure about the prewound bobbins. I have another question, can you download other designs from the internet to add to the machine? If so do you know where I can find out how to do that? Before the store closes completely they will spend some time. Thanks for any suggestions. |
User: Marmar
Member since: 03-10-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: pookie
Date: 06-04-2007, 09:19 PM (29 of 32)
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Hi Tom, Thanks for the info on the bobbins. Is there a special size of the Brother prewound bobbins. As for the Viking shop there are still two open but just a little further away from home. I contacted them and they were able to call the parts department and find out the size so they do have some in stock. However, they were not sure about the prewound bobbins. I have another question, can you download other designs from the internet to add to the machine? If so do you know where I can find out how to do that? Before the store closes completely they will spend some time. Thanks for any suggestions. I would like to know the same thing as I was in the store today and he said he would sell it to me for $399.00 is this a good deal for the EM-10? please let me know as I too would love to enter the world of embridery with out spending my arm and leg...tks pookie |
User: pookie
Member since: 05-07-2007 Total posts: 41 |
From: Nanciii
Date: 06-28-2007, 06:43 PM (30 of 32)
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I bought the EM10 for a Christmas present to myself its a piece of crap. The first one kept breaking needles and the stitches were awful. Dealer thought it was the timing so we sent it back. That took 3 months to get it back. In the mean time the 2nd one the first time we plugged it in the plug fell inside. I took the bottom off and plug it in and used it till I got my original one back. Got original one back and the first time went to use it had a terrible grinding noise and pushed the stop start button and the whole thing fell apart. Washers and screws everywhere. So but this time I am miffed to say the least. I cant tell you have many needles these machines have broken. So I go in and they give me another one new in the box. I get it home and try to mongram an initial on a piece of ribbon and the needle breaks. I have been so frustrated. I still have the machine but have not had time to play anymore. I bought this machine because I thought I might like monogram some quilt stuff and did not want to spend too much if I ended up not using it. I paid 699.00. I can see why that dealer would like to sell it for 399.00. When I get back from vacation I intend to go get my money back. And go somewhere else. Nanci 
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User: Nanciii
Member since: 05-05-2007 Total posts: 1 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 06-29-2007, 07:31 AM (31 of 32)
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I have the Janome 9700 sew/embroidery and I love it! I can't afford to jump to 11000 but that is ok by me. I rarely embroider anything beyond the B hoop, which is the next hoop up from the 4 x 4 . The reality is I pretty much stick to stitchouts that have less than 20,000 stitches. I get bored waiting for something to stitch out that takes more than an hour...I have the Customizer 2000, Monogram Wizard Plus and the free Wilcom conversion program to convert designs to .jef (yes, .jef) if I need to. I am just a happy camper with my Janome 9700. I am not lusting for another machine. I do use my Decor sew-only machine while embroidering. My 2 cents. sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 06-29-2007, 09:15 AM (32 of 32)
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Nanci your post really concerns me. I have sold dozens of the Pfaff equivilent of the EM10 and have only had one with a problem and it wasn't very serious. When this machine first came out it passed Viking quality control but failed Pfaff's. This held up distribution on the machine for about a year. I thought shipping of all of them was held up until then but possibly Viking had already shipped some out before Pfaff finshed their testing snd your dealer just happens to be one of the lucky dealers that got them early... I don't know. It also concerns me that he had to send it in. If he does not stay current on servicing machines I agree you should go elsewhere. Please keep us posted. 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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