Date: 11/7/09 7:23 AM

After 30 years I've decided I want to have an embroidery machine/sewing machine and am amazed at what is out there. Overwhelmed to say the least.
I've looked at Babylock's machines and am going to Phaff on Monday, but if anyone has an opinion I would love to hear it. The prices are wild, so if I am going to spend this kind of money I want to get the one that is right for me.

Date: 11/7/09 7:29 AM

Be sure to try out a Janome before you make your decision. I have the Janome 11000 upgraded to SE and really love it. It does really GREAT embroidery PLUS it is a fantastic sewing machine. I believe their prices are probably better than most TOL machines.

I'd say to sit down and sew/embroider on as many as you can before you make your decision. Having said that - make sure you have a GREAT dealer that you can work with after the sale.
-- Edited on 11/7/09 7:30 AM --

------
Sewing in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia

Sewing Room Pictures Url
http://tinyurl.com/6zvpkd

Reply to Debi52
Date: 11/7/09 10:36 AM

Debi,

Look at the hoop sizes and how the designs are transferred to the machine. USB sticks are standard on most of the newer models. Maximum hoop size is really important If you think you will want to do larger designs. Also, some machines make it easy to edit and reposition the design in the hoop. This is also a really nice feature to have.

Reply to Debi52
Date: 11/7/09 11:06 AM

Babylock - hands down. Very operator friendly. I have the Ellegante and it is super.

Best not to limit yourself the the 4 x 4 embroidery area. Go by the hoop size as the the limit of the area that can be embroidered without editing, which requires the purchase of software.

The USB connection, whether direct (PC has to be near the EM) or removable flash/stick drive (the better option) eliminates having to purchase software for creating memory cards.

Visit as many dealers as you can and go with what you like best from the dealer you like best.

Bernina makes excellent sewing machines, but I would not purchase their embroidery machine unless I was absolutely sure I could use any brand software or removable flash drive of my choice.

------
"Trying to save the world before bedtime"---PowerPuff Girls

Date: 11/7/09 8:07 PM

I vote for the Janome also. I have a 10001 and it sews and embroiders as well as the day I brought it and it will be 5 in Jan. The 11000se is a great machine. I'm saving my pennies.