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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
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From: txdoodah
Date: 10-17-2006, 09:35 AM (1 of 10)
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Hello everyone! I am in the market for a sewing/embroidery machine. I am new to sewing but with two little ones need to be able to hem a pair of pants or do minor repairs. I decided while I was buying I might as well get one that I can use to embroidery and once again...new to that as well! I know machines run from a few hundred to THOUSANDS but...I need a decent one on the lesser end since I'm just getting started. I've been comparing the Singer CE-100 and CE-200 machines and trying to decide. I've read both good and bad reviews on both but I know that's normal for any type of product. Can anyone speak from experience the Pros and Cons of each and...which one you'd suggest? Or...is there another machine all together around the $600-700 range that you think is better? I liked the accessories that the Singer machines have available like the Photostitch and Font software. Any/all info is GREATLY appreciated! I look forward to joining the sewing world REAL soon! Donna Embroidery...my soon to be new hobby! -- Donna
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User: txdoodah
Member since: 10-16-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: toadusew
Date: 10-17-2006, 09:43 AM (2 of 10)
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I don't know anything about the specific machines that you mentioned, but I'm a fan of Janome machines myself. I have a higher end machine and love it, but I believe that Janome does make some machines in the price range you mentioned. Check the Janome website and then if interested in looking into that brand a little more, see if there is a reputable dealer near you so you can test drive a machine. I know that Kath owns many Janome machines and is much more knowledgeable on this than I am so maybe she will be along soon to give you more info on the Janome brand. Buying a sewing machine is much like buying a car, you have to buy the machine that fits you--and the one you like--the best. Happy Shopping! 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 10-17-2006, 10:05 AM (3 of 10)
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They are really both the same machine. The only difference being how many decorative stitches are programmed in. The embroidery is identical. The CE-200 comes with Auto-Punch while you would have to purchase it seperately for the CE-100. Both Pfaff and Viking also have an embroidery machine in that price range. The comparable White is having problems. Whatever you do be sure to buy locally. My Singer rep just informed me that most shops are now charging $100 per training sesssion on the Futura if you bought it somewhere else. This and other services are ussually free from the selling dealer. Some will not train at all if they didn't sell it. Many dealers will not train or service on machines purchased over the internet. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 10-17-2006, 09:05 PM (4 of 10)
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Donna whatever machine you end up buying, please be aware that no matter what sales pitches you get about how easy this machine is to learn -- don't be fooled into thinking you will sit right down and start out like a whiz, especially for the embroidery machines. There are a lot of disappointed gals and guys out there in embroidery land that purchased machines that had no knowledge of a sewing/embroidery machine and quite a few that have never sewn a stitch and were talked into believing they could take a machine home, hook it up and produce instant gorgeous embroidery designs. There is a pretty good learning curve with all the embroidery machines and some are more difficult to get a handle on than others. Also keep in mind that machine embroidery tends to be a rather pricey addiction/hobby. It's not just the price of the machine, it's stabilizers, thread, designs, etc. You can get a whole bunch of money tied up in a machine and all the necessities/wants that go with it in a very short time. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 10-18-2006, 05:10 AM (5 of 10)
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I love my Janome but as far as beginner embroidery machine I'd stick with the Singer. You can transfer designs from the computer to the machine but with the Janome you need a reader box and that cost extra. I'd also buy from a dealer because of the reasons mentioned above and because right now their should be good sales on right before the Christmas season. Make sure you like the dealer also that goes a long way. Let us know what you decide.
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: Pudge99
Date: 10-18-2006, 10:15 AM (6 of 10)
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I have the CE100 and I bought the Autopunch separately. I love it!!!! Look at it this way. Most people won't use those extra stitches that come on the 200 anyway. You can use the $200 difference in the price to get some thread, stabilizer and designs or to pick which add on software you want. You are not limited to Singer's add on software either. As long as it is a stand alone product you can use it. I personally added on 3D Sketch from Pfaff/Husqvarna. Good luck in whatever you choose. 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: txdoodah
Date: 10-18-2006, 12:42 PM (7 of 10)
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I appreciate all of the information regarding the different machine models. I think I'm leaning toward the CE-200 and will definitely buy from a Singer Dealer and not online. I've read about the nightmares of online purchases so don't want to experience one of those. As far as embroidery being an expensive hobby...thanks for the warning but...what hobby isn't expensive these days? I guess that's why I decided to go with one of the "lower" end machines to start out with as opposed to buying the XL6000 so I'll have more money to play with and buy accessories! Speaking of accessories I've read about problems with certain kinds of thread...which brands/types do you recommend and which ones should I steer clear of? Thanks so much for all of your help! Embroidery...my soon to be new hobby! -- Donna
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User: txdoodah
Member since: 10-16-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 10-19-2006, 07:25 PM (8 of 10)
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Donna on the Futura you shouldn't really have thread problems. Most thread problems occur on the faster machines. The Futura is is relatively slow so it shouldn't be a problem. I prefer Maderia for price and quality but there are a lot of good threads out there. Sulky is over priced and not a very good quality.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: txdoodah
Date: 10-26-2006, 09:15 PM (9 of 10)
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I bought a Singer CE-200 and so far so good...I LOVE IT! I'm new to sewing (I know pretty sad at 42 huh?!) so I've just been doing basic sewing...I hemmed a pair of jeans and have sewn on Boy Scout and Girl Scout patches. I'm getting the hang of it and can't wait to venture into the embroidery part of the machine but I know...it will take time to learn!
Embroidery...my soon to be new hobby! -- Donna
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User: txdoodah
Member since: 10-16-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 10-27-2006, 08:19 PM (10 of 10)
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Welcome the the Futura!!!! Ha Ha! I am happy to answer any and all questions you have. Tom is great at answering questions too. Patsy is also a wealth of knowledge on this machine. We will try our best to get you through any problem you run into. Don't be afraid to jump right in and embroider. We'll help you if you get stuck.
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 |
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