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From: Jouf
Date: 07-17-2007, 03:19 PM (1 of 32)
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I'm new to embroidery. Just got the Designer I. I notice that embroidery cones are expensive at Joann's for the larger ones. And I saw on Ebay where there are sets of 60, 80, 100, 120 cones of embroidery thread for sale with racks for what appears to be very reasonable prices compared to Joann's. I did get a small "starter" set of embroidery threads, but I need MORE. Anybody ever buy these? Is the quality okay? Is it a mistake?? |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-17-2007, 05:33 PM (2 of 32)
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Hi Jouf, am not familiar with shopping on Ebay so I can't help you there. Don't forget with machine embroidery you will need special stabilizers as well as a different weight of thread. I use Madeira thread and buy packs of 20 spools at my dealer. Embroidery is an expensive hobby but so much fun. Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: Jouf
Date: 07-17-2007, 05:49 PM (3 of 32)
| Thanks, Marty. I did pick up some tear-away and some cut-away. And I think the brand of thread you mentioned is what I got as a starter kit. I still need to get the software for it too!! This machine is becoming a money drain!! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-17-2007, 06:00 PM (4 of 32)
Hi. I don't have an emb. machine but I have heard they can drain a bank account in record time. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: lendube
Date: 07-17-2007, 06:26 PM (5 of 32)
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Not to scare anyone off, I have to say that after the initial investment it's not bad at all. Once you're set up with the basics, thread, stabilizers, program, it's easy to find designs that don't cost an arm and a leg. Check the "search" option above with "embroidery designs" for references to many, many sites that we've discussed over time. It does pay to get quality supplies or you could be in for an endless amount of frustration. You do get what you pay for usually. I believe most of my stock (and boxed threads) has come from www.embroiderthis.com I've only had good experiences with this site. I bought their 48 spool Madiera PolyNeon thread a while back and have loved it. It was on sale and the shipping was free. Good luck and we've got tons of help here for you. Above all, have fun! It's a fun hobby and once you have the hang of it the possibilities are endless. Lennie 
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Jouf
Date: 07-17-2007, 08:07 PM (6 of 32)
| And not only the expense, Mary, but I'm so hooked on sewing, I don't want to work - so less money coming in!!! Lennie, thanks for the site. I'll try them. I notice all the Ebay stuff doesn't give any information on the brand of thread...think I'll try your site! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-17-2007, 10:17 PM (7 of 32)
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Careful of the Artistic Thread sold on Ebay. There are MANY people who have not been able to susccessfully use it. I get my Maderia from http://www.brothermall2.com/ Their charge for 1100 YARD polyneon Madera has been 1.65. The charge for the rayon is a bit higher. They do not have the 1100 yard 6 drawer polyneon chest but their 356 spool 1100 yard 6 drawer rayon Maderia chest is 725. Unfortunately the BROTHERMALL2 site is currently down but they are accepting phone orders. You can check their nearest competiton, www.allstitch.net for a good color chart. Allstitch is about 80 cents a spool higher, or at least they were unless Brothermall has increased their prices. However, Allstitch has the 6 drawer full 1100 yard polyneon thread chest for $675. If you can find room in your account to purchase, this is a nice buy. The chest alone retails for $125. If you order from Brothermall, be sure and ask for a thread chart. They will often include it free in your order. If you order from Allstitch, they will include a sample of their interfacings and some other neat little goodies. 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: Jouf
Date: 07-18-2007, 02:27 PM (8 of 32)
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Thanks for the advice, Pam! What's the diff with rayon and poly threads? Which for what? Does rayon thread shrink or act weird if you wash the embroidered fabric afterwards? Seems to me I'd only want to use the poly thread... |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-18-2007, 02:51 PM (9 of 32)
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Oh, you have people on both sides of the fence...me, I kind of straddle it. I use Isacord Poly mostly because I started with it but have found that it is fantastic thread. I use Polyneon Maderia thread for special effects and have had absolutely no issues with it either. Poly, of course is a man made thread and in many places it is cheaper than Rayon that is a natural fiber. Rayon in the past has been the thread that most professional companies have used because of availablity, press and because it is known for its shine. However, it is not as strong as poly and poly threads are quickly becoming used more and more in industry as the thread shine improves. Poly is less likely to fade or react to bleach or sunlight, all of which rayon thread may do. Most of the poly thread that I have used is more tightly twisted and I think it looks a little less "shaggy" when it is stitched out. However, where rayon has less colorfastness, poly melts at a temp lower than cotton which is a minus. Rayon on the other hand starts to break down, but it takes a lot of time and heat to really notice the change in the rayon where a hot iron will melt polyester before your very eyes. My experience with Maderia rayon is that it is much more subject to breakage than the poly. I have to change the tensions using rayo, making them less than the poly. I also seem to have some issues with the Maderia when the humidity is high. I do a lot of things that call for the Maderia rayon colors and I have the 6 drawer Maderia thread chest with all the standard Madera colors to go along with the full Isacord set. Many people say that they cannot get the same number of colors in Poly as Rayon. In fact, I have just a few more colors of Isacord than the Madera, HOWEVER, the colors are nothing at all alike. That is one of the major reasons I chose to order the Maderia chest. The colors are so different I was unable to get the same blending of colors using the Isacord converted colors. There is a new thread out by Isacord called Isalon. It is said to be incredible in color, sheen, texture and stregnth. I have not seen this thread. There are also some special effects threads made for embroidery...there is a Lana wool that, when brushed with velcro will fuzz like fur. Silk, embroidery cotton, and several other special threads out there. Don't forget the Metalic and Metalic mixes either...they're great. My favorite metalic hands down is Yenment because it rarely breaks. 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: Jouf
Date: 07-18-2007, 08:36 PM (10 of 32)
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There's sure a lot to know about this stuff. I really can't do much of it until I get that dang software. Went down to Joann's again today and with my 15% off coupon, it's still almost $700. Maybe Christmas? Birthday? I have just a few limited designs I can use til then - nothing I want, of course! But thanks so much for all your help!! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-18-2007, 09:31 PM (11 of 32)
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Have you considered some of the less expensive software like Embird? I don't know if it will convert designs to your format but it is something that is frequently used as a starter software. I think the base package is about $116 online and you can buy portions that will take it up through digitizing software. A lot of people use it for digitizing and sell their designs.
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: MartySews2
Date: 07-19-2007, 09:11 AM (12 of 32)
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I'll second that on Embird. Everyone I know who owns the program has been very satisfied with it. It converts to almost any embroidery program and I'm sure it will work with your Designer I. You can buy add-ons and updates as your skills progress. Check it out on www.secretsofembroidery.com. Also check out www.discountembroiderysupplies.com. They are one of the sponsors of this site and I've dealt with them before. A great company with fast and dependable shipping. Enjoy your new machine. Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293
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From: Jouf
Date: 07-19-2007, 02:26 PM (13 of 32)
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Pam, Marty - reallly? Do you both use it?? I downloaded a demo program. So far I haven't been able to do much. Don't know what I'm doing, for one. The main thing I want to see is if I can save to my dongle for the Designer I. It says I have to reformat my Viking dongle (usb stick) before it'll work with Embird. I'm a litttle scared to do this. I did copy all my files that are on the dongle to a file on my computer. I'm very experienced with computers - just not Viking machine. And it appears their usb thing is not just a normal one. Like if I stick in a different usb into my DI, I don't think it'll work. So I have 30 days to play with this Embird thing. One thing I know is that the 4D for Vikin will cut out any underlap of designs. Do I really need that??? I guess I should just format it and try. It's not like that stick has that much useful stuff on it anyway.... |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-19-2007, 02:35 PM (14 of 32)
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I don't personally use it but there are so many people that I know that use it that I know that it is very good software for the money. I believe the trial version is somewhat limited in what it will do, but enough to let you get the idea. I use Artista (now called Bernina) Designer Plus. Part of the reason use it is because of the format which my machine uses (nothing makes ART format but Bernina or OESD software). It is also excellent software but very expensive. If I had a different machine and were in the market for software, Embird is where I would shop first. 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: Jouf
Date: 07-19-2007, 11:35 PM (15 of 32)
| Well, Pam, this weekend I'll try to make an effort at it. Seems like learning a new language! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 07-20-2007, 12:35 AM (16 of 32)
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I got some thread off Ebay and I was really disappointed in the quality, it shreds like crazy, even in my new machine. Or even just using it for decorative stitches, though not as bad. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to stitch a design and having the thread break and shred and make your design look like crap. My suggestion - go with a quality thread, it will save a lot of heartache.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Jouf
Date: 07-20-2007, 09:22 AM (17 of 32)
| Thanks, Laura. You all have convinced me. And I would never have guessed that thread could make such a difference! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-20-2007, 09:34 AM (18 of 32)
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Oh, yes it can and once you get past the splitting, breaking and lint in the machine, you also have to be concerned about color fastness and longevity in the product.
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: Jouf
Date: 07-20-2007, 05:28 PM (19 of 32)
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Pam, I think there's something else I would need besides Embird. I can copy the proper type of file (shv) to my viking stick. I can see it when I open the drive on my computer. But when I stick it in my Designer I, it only sees Menu I, Menu 2, etc. which are the original files on the Viking stick. NOTHING there otherwise is recognized. Maybe I'm silly, but I think I'd better just fork out the dough and get the Viking software just for the support I can get at the local store!! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-20-2007, 05:35 PM (20 of 32)
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Try putting out a post on the free forum below in the Embroidery section and see what you find out. There are not as many Viking users (anywhere) as some of the other machine brands, but there are some here and there are many Embird users.. http://www.sewforum.com/index.php By the way, on that forum I'm Berninababe... 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: lendube
Date: 07-20-2007, 07:15 PM (21 of 32)
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Hey Jouf, I have the Viking #1+ which is the model before yours. I have the 3D Embroidery Studio. I love it. It was very expensive but I get so much out of it and there's so much I haven't even taken the time to figure out. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Jouf
Date: 07-20-2007, 07:44 PM (22 of 32)
| Well, Lennie, I will probably end up getting the 4D. I'm just dragging my feet trying to find a less expensive acceptable option. I do love this machine. Today I basically just stitched out all the decorative stitches I like just to see the sizes and what they really look like. Beautiful! Does yours do those omnigrams?? How the heck do you control it to get them in a line like you want? |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-22-2007, 08:42 PM (23 of 32)
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HI Jouf, Sorry, didn't mean to blow you off but I've been meaning to play with the omnigrams and then get back to you. Haven't yet. I got my 3D program so soon after my machine that I never really needed/experimented much with them. Do you mean like the little train? Getting the choo-choo's in the right place? It has to do with the machine's programming feature. You can make them go backwards, forwards, elongate them,etc. You can reverse any of the designs to alternate also. Do you have a manual? I'll get back to you real soon after I've had a refresher. Lennie 
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Jouf
Date: 07-23-2007, 12:56 PM (24 of 32)
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Lennie, not the trains and stuff. But there's these big flowery designs - big and the fabric moves all over the place it seems when it's doing it. So I'm never sure if it's going to start the next one exactly where it should. I don't know how much I'll use them, but they are kind of pretty. I did a sampler of some stitches. Don't waste any time on them for me! I'm going to get the software before November. I just want to be certain that I'll use it before I plunk down the dollars! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-23-2007, 01:02 PM (25 of 32)
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I hope that you've gleaned enough info to be fairly comfortable. Embroidery software is just sooooo much fun once you get it set up.
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: lendube
Date: 07-23-2007, 02:13 PM (26 of 32)
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Got it. I may not have those omnigrams. I have 4 cassettes each with about 50 items, A) many different sewing stitches, many decorative, this is the standard sewing cassette B) letters and numbers, D) pictograms, trains, little flowers, leaves, etc., L) more little pictures, sewing machine, cactus, santa, bear, birds, etc. and then there's cassette #1 which is for embroidery. The #1 cassette has large flowers, etc. but it's all meant to be hooped (it came with a 4x4 inch hoop only) and used with the emb. unit. I bought a larger hoop but I've seldom used it. It's a big, huge pain in the you know what to use. I probably don't have what you have. The above is the extent of what came with the machine originally. Have you gone for a software demo at the dealer? You'll get free classes in the use of the software after you buy it. Do you know the Printshop graphics program by any chance? I knew that and because of that the 3D was a piece of cake to navigate. It's very user friendly. Good luck, Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: rojieh
Date: 07-23-2007, 05:52 PM (27 of 32)
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Anybody ever buy these? Is the quality okay? Is it a mistake??[/QUOTE] I've purchased the Ebay thread you mentioned and it has worked out fairly well for me. I would not recommend it for bobbin thread, but I have done some fairly stitch-dense embroideries and not had too many problems. The quality is not the same as the high end thread, but having used both high end and cheap thread, I find the difference in the final product is not very noticeable. I think the main difference is the embroidery process because it can be quite a pain if your thread constantly snags, breaks, or shreds. That being said, I've had good luck with my Ebay thread. |
User: rojieh
Member since: 07-04-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-23-2007, 06:50 PM (28 of 32)
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The best bobbin thread is 60 wt anyway. It just adds a little less density to the design and makes the design a little less stiff, adds a little more space for the top thread to make stitches without hinderance.
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: jwright
Date: 07-23-2007, 07:09 PM (29 of 32)
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I don't know alot about the embrodiery threads... But I am an e-bay pro! (Me watching my bids)  With e-bay there are a few things you need to know. 1. There is a number by every seller. That is the number of item's they've sold. You want to be sure they have sold some items before and that their customers were happy with what they got. (There is a % positive feedback, if it is less than 90% DON'T BUY.) 2. They should be very clear as to what you will be getting. If not, ask them to be more specific. If they can't be it is a sign that they don't know what they have and you are taking a risk buying from them. 3. Make sure you find out the age of the item if it is not listed. People often sell old products (for example, 5 year old make-up that is not quite the same color. ) 4. If you are allergic to smoke or can not stand the smell, you should notice if the item is from a non-smoking home. If you don't see it, you may get an item that will smell like smoke because they've been blowing their nasty cigarette smoke right on it. 5. If they don't take pay-pal or are not willing to take pay-pal payments you should reconsider. (Pay-pal is something that e-bay has set-up in order to process payments. It is actually a really good service but a lot of people try to steal your log in information. NEVER visit an e-mail link unless you are expecting it from that seller. You can always visit paypal.com to pay for your purchases.) 6. Never ever bid an on the dollar amount. I can't tell you how many times I bid $XX.00 and lost by $0.01. Always add a penny or something, you will be happier in the end. I think that about sums it up. I've sold and bought a ton of things on there. It is a great auction site, you just have to get to know the ins and outs. |
User: jwright
Member since: 12-28-2006 Total posts: 96 
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From: paroper
Date: 07-23-2007, 07:38 PM (30 of 32)
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Be sure and check some of their feed back. Many of the numbers that I've seen have feed back only for purchases so I'm not sure if that is number of items sold or if it is total transactions.
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: Jouf
Date: 07-24-2007, 08:15 AM (31 of 32)
| Wow! You guys are all great. Thanks for all the info. Can't wait to start embroidering! |
User: Jouf
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 25 |
From: jwright
Date: 07-24-2007, 01:39 PM (32 of 32)
|
Be sure and check some of their feed back. Many of the numbers that I've seen have feed back only for purchases so I'm not sure if that is number of items sold or if it is total transactions. You are right. They do have feedback for purchases and sales in the same thing. There is really not a good way to distinguish without looking. |
User: jwright
Member since: 12-28-2006 Total posts: 96
|
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