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From: esrun3
Date: 08-28-2006, 07:09 PM (1 of 23)
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Ok, I've decided to bite the bullet and break down and get an embroidery machine which I've been wanting for ages. However, I'm very confused by what is out there. I know I will use it for personal use (mostly children's clothing)-not running a business. I also know that I want to take some of the clip art I've collected over the years and use it as the embroidery so there must be some way to do that (digitize?). I figure I'll break down and get a laptop to go with the machine so I have a computer just for the machine. I don't want to spend a fortune but am not adverse to something between $5,000-10,000 (altho prefer the $5,000 range) if it's going to be a workhorse and be upgradable, easy to use, etc. I've tried reading the various posts and I'm just more confused. I will buy from a dealer but would like feedback on what you like about your machine and what I should look for in one. That way I can at least narrow it down to a few to check out. I've tried searching on line but no one really has prices and I don't want to fall in love with one I can't afford just by reading the dealer sites. Please help, I'm confused!! Thanks.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-28-2006, 09:10 PM (2 of 23)
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Well, I absolutely LOVE the Bernina 730 or the upgraded 200E if you plan to be sewing and embroidering on this machine. The Artista V5 that is just hitting the market is one of the best out there even if you don't go for a Bernina machine. It home version of a $16,000 professional version software (great stuff). If you plan to just buy an embroidery only machine then you might want to look at the Happy that will be sold by Bernina. It will be a 12 thread professional/home crossover machine that looks very interesting (as they used to say...) The information I have found on the Happy in the past seem to indicate that it is made by Toyota but it is being marketed to BerninaUSA through a company called TexMac. The new Babylock and Brother versions of the EMP6 6-thread machines are well documented to be great 6 thread embroidery only machines too. Also Great Notions makes a pretty good looking professional cross over machine too! 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: chris b
Date: 08-28-2006, 09:51 PM (3 of 23)
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My advice is to find a good dealer that is reasonably close so if you have a question or want to take a class it is there for you. Go to the different websites and use their dealer locator's to find out how far the nearest is to you. Visit all of them and go play with the machines! if they won't let you touch the machine, find another dealer. Ask lots of questions, take some of the fabrics you'd like to sew with ans test them out. Then decide on which machine you want. I have a Pfaff 2170 that I just love. I need to go and have it upgraded this week since Pfaff just released the newest upgrade for it and it has alot of nice new stuff. Pfaff is the only one that I know of that if offering free updates. YOu can either wait until it is online for the customer to download to the machine or do like I"m going to do and let the dealer do it. I highly recommend testing out the Pfaff. I paid $6500 tax and all for the machine, endless border hoop, grand hoop, 3 pieces of the software program; 3-D digitizing, 3-D Embroidery Artist, and 3-D fabric decorator(this one allows you to make you own embroidered fabric!) plus the wireless StitchLink design transfer system. I am very happy with what I bought and am stlll learning what this beauty will do. Pfaff 2170,Pfaff 7570,Elna 945
Singer 301A,Singer Redeye,Singer 15 HC Simplicity 2/3/4 Pfaff Creative 3-D digitizing,3-D Fabric Decorator Pfaff PCDMac2.2 StitchBunnyPro,FlutterWhumper Embird,Studio,cross stitch, EQ5....and adding all the time! |
User: chris b
Member since: 01-10-2001 Total posts: 109 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-29-2006, 12:50 AM (4 of 23)
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You will get as many answers as there are machines. You need to get out, look and test for yourself. I will say though...the heavier the machine, the more rugged it is and the longer it will last. (metal versus plastic) You want a TOL machine. Be prepared to spend LOTS of money...on the machine and the digitizing programs. (a digitizing program that is TOL will run you about $2000.) For the newer machines...make sure your new computer runs XP and is fast and has LOTS of memory. USB, Flashcard capabilities. If you're going to digitize you'll also need a scanner most digitizers DO NOT like the 'all in ones' (scanner/printer/fax). All the 'brand' name machine makers are comming out with or already have multi needle (pro) machines. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. (depending on the brand). Going THAT route you will pay about $10,000 or more for the machine. (for the 6-12 needle) Kath (the TOL Janome freak) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: esrun3
Date: 08-29-2006, 09:50 AM (5 of 23)
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Thanks for the input gals. I do plan on checking machines out at a dealers-I was just hoping to get an idea of which machines to check out and what was in my price range-I don't want to end up being sold on something and then finding out it's not what I'm willing to pay. Also plan on doing some research on-line. Thankfully it's not something I have to have at this time-just something I'd like and will probably do a sewing/embroidery machine combo-can't have too many machines, can you?
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: my2girlies
Date: 08-29-2006, 10:47 AM (6 of 23)
| Esrun - even though your budget is way larger than mine was for your machine - don't forget to add in the start up costs of machine embroidery - embroidery thread, bobbin thread, stabilizer,etc. I bought an inexpensive combo machine that I really love and hope that you will love your machine, too! My only advice is research and don't rush your decision. Happy hunting! |
User: my2girlies
Member since: 03-25-2005 Total posts: 154 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-29-2006, 01:27 PM (7 of 23)
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The machine that fits you will sell itself. I do encourage you NOT to buy the machine when you first see it....try at least two or three brands and WALK OUT of every one of the dealers' show rooms. The reason? The dealers are like car salesmen! A good could sell a dead horse to a cowboy! Each machine has its unique good points...some will tell you something that they consider major on their machine that is just "nothing" to another brand too...so take some time, sew on the machine, have them demo it...look at the way the stitches lock front and back. Look at the embroidery front and back. I've seen some machines that I think embroidery "rough" that I didn't like...other people thought that was what made them pretty...so take you time and decide what you want. Take a look at the attachments, ask about the classes, be comfortable with the shop and their knowledge of the machine...a large part of your investment is in the dealer, if they are just selling machines and don't know their machine, you are loosing a part of your investment. That is a big investment and you want to be happy with your machine for a long time. If you are not, as the next line of machines comes out and yours gets older, you'll regret your 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: esrun3
Date: 08-29-2006, 04:43 PM (8 of 23)
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I think you are right Pam, I like the idea of walking out of the dealer and I know enough about machines in general to know I'm really buying the dealer almost more than the machine and I definitely want classes with it. My2girlies-I'm definitely hoping my budget will cover all the extras along with the machine-I know it's expensive to play but I dont' want to buy a machine I won't be happy with either when the next one comes out. aren't a lot of dealers in town that are close but I guess I'll start looking-at least I sort of know what's out there. I half thought about the singer that sews/embroiders but while I love my singer 9940 I did not like the dealer who gave me a lot of hassle in the beginning when my machine wasn't working right and ended up having to be replaced. I don't want to have to play hardball to get the service I need and deserve. So, unless one of the other dealers sells it I won't even consider it. I did like the Viking dealer in my Joann's and may start there but I've sort of been leaning toward the Berninas so I guess I'll just have to shop. No plans to rush altho it would be nice to have before my daughter's baby shows up in November but if not, then so be it. I know there will be a huge learning curve too so am anticipating that as well. Thanks for all the comments and help! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 08-29-2006, 10:43 PM (9 of 23)
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I have an older Bernina Deco that was given to me and as I have been using it, I find there are things that I want or must have in an embroidery machine, things that would be nice, and so on. Do you want just an embroidery machine, or a sewing/embroidery machine? I really liked the Husquvarna Designer SE when I tested it, but the one thing that I have against it, is that the embroidery program that I have now, would be totally useless with this machine. I agree with you that there are so many different machines out there and so many choices. If you can wait a bit, I'd also suggest going to a sewing show where they have all the different types and just start at one end and work your way around. I know my sister has the Bernina Artista 180 and she adores it, she'd only go Bernina. But my friend has a Pfaff of some sort and she wouldn't ever part with it. I think I'd start going out to stores and test driving and asking questions and compare lots. I did download an embroidery machine comparison chart that I could scan in and email to you if you'd like. It's 3 1/2 pages and does all makes and models of machines. Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-29-2006, 11:06 PM (10 of 23)
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I don't know how much information is available on all the machine websites but www.berninaUSA.com has very good information on their machines, both sewing and embroidery along with fantastic information about all their feet. It might save you some time if you check the individual web sites. Understand, though that information can be rather one dimensional. The fantastic chart that was published last year (Creative Embroidery I think?) was very good as far as it went but I noticed that there were things about the 200 that I took issue with...easy example is that the bernina had one storage memory. Yes, it does, but it is a windows machine so you put in folders for your work...so although it has one memory, you can subdivide many different ways, unlike some machines that said they had multiple memory slots but did not have any versitility...so I strongly recommend that eventhough the information doesn't look as interesting on one machine as another, it is worth the trip to find out.
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: esrun3
Date: 08-30-2006, 04:33 PM (11 of 23)
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thanks for the further info. I'm thinking sewing/embroidery-probably. Not that I necessarily need another sewing machine but..... The sewing show is a good idea-we have one that comes every January that I go to-hadn't thought about that. The local quilt shop is a distributor for several brands so may stop there this weekend and just see what they have. I know everyone has their preferences and I appreciate the feedback on what you like, don't like and little things like one memory-well, yeah, put it in a folder and you can put a lot of stuff in folders! but, those who aren't real computer literate wouldn't look at that way so really to advertise it as only 1 memory isn't a good thing-you'd think they'd say that in another way. Laura, I would love the comparison sheet if you wouldn't mind emailing it. my email is <email address removed for privacy>. Thanks. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 08-30-2006, 10:28 PM (12 of 23)
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Well, I work for Viking, so I'm prejudiced, lol. But I had my D1's long before I started working there. Viking updates frequently, and the new TOL hooks up to your computer so you can just go to the website and download the latest updates. BTW, you CAN'T get viruses on your sewing machine - I was worried about that, I admit! You can also send your designs that you create right to the sewing machine, or browse your computer files from your sewing machine. I love my D1's so much, I can't recommend another machine - except the latest, the DSE - and I love the software. For every dealer you go to, get pamphlets on the different machines, with price quotes written on the back. Then take them home, lay them all out on the table, and compare. Pick out the features that you like and will be important to you. Remember that every dealer will be friendly to you, of course, they want to sell you something! See how many of them have class schedules already set up. If they don't have some kind of support for you right away, I wouldn't buy from them. I'd also check out the warranties. Also, when you pick one out, search the yahoo groups for a group that has your machine. You will get tons of support from a group online. Now - what I like about the TOL Viking - and no, it isn't a plug, as I don't think the odds are good you'd be coming into my store, lol - I like the computer connection. I like that I can sew with the embroidery unit on. I like being able to wind a bobbin while embroidering [seperate motor]. I love love love the Sensor System. I love the computer screen on board, and being able to customize [change thread colors, re-size, change hoops, combine designs, add text, etc] from the sewing machine. I love the onboard index - no scrambling for my book. I love that the software lets me turn any True Type font into stitches. I could go on and on but this is long enough. BTW, til the end of August [yikes, almost over] you get the software free [$2000 value]. Depending on whether the dealership you go to is a regular Viking store or independently owned, you may get different deals - and Viking has a 90day return policy, where not all indies do. So ask about that. Good luck, and enjoy! Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: esrun3
Date: 08-31-2006, 10:58 PM (13 of 23)
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Thanks Allie-no, not likely I'll be walking into your store-a little far, LOL but I do like my Husky serger which I bought from a Viking dealer in Joann's and did enjoy the classes that went with it so Viking is definitely on my list of what to look at. I appreciate your outlining what you like about the machine and how it interfaces with the computer. Thanks much!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 09-07-2006, 01:09 AM (14 of 23)
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Lyn, sorry I'm so slow, working full time is the pits!! But I have the stuff ready to email you tonight. Let me know if you get it.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: mamadus
Date: 09-18-2006, 02:42 PM (15 of 23)
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another thing to consider is if the machine uses a format that requires special software... different embroidery machines use different "formats" for their embroidery designs... some formats can only be written by that company's software...that,in effect, holds you hostage to that company's software, which means that if you ever change machine manufacturer, you may also have to change software... an added expense... if you;re not that interested in the sewing portion (if you already have a sewing machine) you may want to look at an embroidery only machine,,, in your price range you have lots of options... janome makes an embroidery only machine the 300E, Brother and Babylock have the pr-600 and BMP-6 (same machine, different built in designs) which are 6 needle machines... I"m sure there are others out there... but do look around,, check as many different dealers as you can, and don't be afraid to walk out of a dealer... and once you think you've made a decision on a machine... if you have friends in other areas, ask them to check with their local dealers on price... oftentimes your local dealer will match a better price you got somewhere else if they know you're willing to drive a couple hours to save yourself a couple thousand.... (Ask me how I know...LOL) good luck.. MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: esrun3
Date: 09-18-2006, 08:46 PM (16 of 23)
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Laura, got your email-hopefully you got mine thanking you-I've been off the boards for a few days. MO-good point, I hadn't thought that far yet. I'm still trying to find time to do some research...I've been so busy with baby shower invitations, game prizes and sewing for this baby my dd is to have in November that I haven't had much time for myself these days. They are relatively strapped for money so have been making sheets for the crib-need to get some done for the bassinette-which she'll use first of course, blankets, etc plus we made all her invitations, wrapped candy bars, made some of the game prizes and she'd like a signature quilt for the baby and I'm thinking she's going to be lucky to have the top made in time for the shower-might be easier to write on it that way -at least that's the excuse I'll use. LOL thanks everyone for the input on the machines-I'm hoping for a lull soon to be able to concentrate on "me" for a little bit. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Dee Marie
Date: 09-21-2006, 08:18 AM (17 of 23)
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To Allie-Oops I am in the market for a new sewing/embroidery combo. Does the Viking recalculate or resize or both? Can I use Artista V4 software with the newest Viking? Is it a front loading bobbin or rotary? I've never had a Viking. Does anyone have experience with the TOL Brother/Babylock sewing/embroidery combo? The Babylock one is named, 'Ellegante'. I plan to attend the Novi Sewing Expo and try all the machines out. It's such a difficult decision. This will be my 4th embroidery/sewing combo. I'm not completely happy with the current one, but don't wish to name it online. Thanks for any help! (Go Red Wings!) |
User: Dee Marie
Member since: 08-10-2004 Total posts: 16 |
From: MartySews
Date: 09-21-2006, 07:21 PM (18 of 23)
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At the ASG convention this year, one of my guild members bought the Brother 2500D for $3000.00. She is absolutely delighted with it. It has a 6x10 hoop as well as the smaller 4x4, lots of decorative stitches, Disney designs and a color touch screen. The machine came with some extras that really sweetened the deal. However, she is partial to Brother products. Another guild member bought the Babylock Ellegante and loves it too. I'm partial to Pfaff products. You just need to visit the dealers and see what is available and what package they will offer. I know that November is a great time to do this. Hope this helps. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: Dee Marie
Date: 09-22-2006, 04:18 PM (19 of 23)
 Thank you, Marty Sews. This helps!
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User: Dee Marie
Member since: 08-10-2004 Total posts: 16 |
From: mamadus
Date: 09-24-2006, 09:30 PM (20 of 23)
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the tol Brother and Babylock machines are pretty much the same.. just different built in designs.... personally, I think the Brother/Babylock machines are among the most user friendly... whether or not they ahve the very best quality sewing stitches is a question that will bring varying answers, but for ease of use, the brother/babylocks are pretty hard to beat... just my 2 cents... MO btw.. I'm also thinking of heading to Novi this weekend... I've never been, but hear its a great show.. life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 09-25-2006, 12:48 AM (21 of 23)
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I have the Singer XL6000 and everyone that has been here and took a test drive wanted to buy this machine. It has the continuous bobbin, which you put the spool of 1500mm of bobbin thread in the little place it goes and it stops and rewinds the bobbin when you run out. You don't have to take the bobbin out and replace it, it winds it without you having to do anything. Also it has a feature that lets you stage the next color while the first color is sewing out and it unwinds the last color and rethreads the next color that is staged. Test drive the Singer and take some classes if you decide to get it I love mine. They sell for 2999.00 and they also can sew out a large design with several hoopings up to a 18 X 13 inches. It has a built in feature that acts like a GPS where if you tell it where the cross lines are in the designs it will put the design back together exactly when it's split. It also has a continuous hoop that will sew out a line of designs over and over where you can't tell where the last design started and the first one ends. Definately look at this machine and all it's features. If the dealer shows you all the features and takes time with you to explain how they all work you will be impressed with this machine. I wish I could show this machine to people they would love it. But you have to learn how to use it first or will be get discouraged because the book isn't clear with the instructions. The software that digitizes for this one is around 900.00 but I would get some that are easier to use I have the software and still can't digitize with it and I've tried.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
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From: esrun3
Date: 09-25-2006, 07:52 PM (22 of 23)
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Thanks for all the input. I'm definitely going to look at machines that are user friendly. If I could just find the time to go to a dealer I'd be happy-seems there is just always something that needs to be done or finished or whatever. I think I've put way too much on myself lately and I'm thinking it's coming to a halt soon (at least I hope so!)
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Dee Marie
Date: 09-26-2006, 09:50 PM (23 of 23)
| Thank you, ladies. mamadus, you will love the Novi show. I'm going Sat. and Sun. and signed up for classes both days. Bring lots of money! You will want to buy everything! Mother In Law, thanks for the tip on the Singers. I hope to preview all the machines and make a decision very soon. |
User: Dee Marie
Member since: 08-10-2004 Total posts: 16 |
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