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| BabyLock:New Espire BLSR (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 799 time(s) |
5 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 14 people | | Reviewed by: | malrene |  | About malrene | | BC CANADA | | Member since: 7/6/07 | | Reviews written: 10 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 2 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: Even though I've been sewing since childhood I'm learning new things daily. I did sew, hand embroider and bead my daughter's wedding gown though, so I guess you could call me an intermediate sewist. ...full profile |
| | Posted on: | 3/23/08 2:35 AM | | Approx price paid: | $2500 | | Had this machine for: | 1 month | | Recommended? | Yes | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
- Auto Threading
| | What malrene likes about this machine
First, let me start by saying I did my homework before purchasing this machine. I had some definite must-have's which included a free-arm and an automatic cutter. Nice to have was a larger harp area and the automatic adjustable pressure foot. My primary use is fashion sewing but I also sew quilts so I wanted a machine that bridged both uses.
Second, in over 30 years of sewing I have only ever owned 3 sewing machines - one of which was a 20 year old used Janome 7000. The other a Singer Touch & Sew II (I loved that machine) and a completely unmemorable Omega. This was a treat to myself, so I was going to make sure I got it right.
Third, I couldn't justify the cost of an embroidery machine so I ruled that out right away. Casting about for the available options in my price range I found the Janome 6600 (but it wasn't a free arm), the Babylock Quilter’s Choice (but didn't have the larger harp area), the new Babylock Quilter (but it didn't have the cutter), the Pfaff, Elna and Bernina also had similar issues. I narrowed down my choice to the Husqvarna Sapphire 870 Q. This review is partially a comparison of the Husqvarna machine to the New Espire BLSR and part an in depth look at the Espire.
Based on the reviews on this website I was worried about the Sapphire, but originally I had my heart set on it. There were several problems that I just couldn't overcome. One was the tension issue – I even had one sales person tell me that the tension was just perfect, even though I could pull the stitched bottom thread out with my fingers. Another issue is the method of choosing the stitch you want – and the fact that you have to press the numbers really really fast. I found it frustrating. The final and most important issue that really concerned me is that it seems Husqvarna has a policy that retailers only sell their product (and Singer). If you bought a Sapphire 870 Q and didn't like it, in my city, your only option is to trade up to a machine that is at least twice as expensive.
I then landed on the Espire BLSR. More money than I had originally intended to pay, but in my opinion well worth it. It was love at first sight for me. The touch screen is intuitive. There are several menus –broken down into primary uses, Quilting, Fashion Sewing, Buttonholes. There are also icons so that if you don't know what stitches do what, you press the icon of a skirt and blouse and it walks you through how to do a zipper, button holes, blind hem, etc.
Things I love about this machine: Blind hem is awesome! The foot sensor really does work and rides over seams without breaking stride. It comes with a walking foot for quilts. It comes with a huge extension table. Buttonholes are a dream. For every stitch (all 300 some-odd of them) there's the library button which tells you what the primary stitch function is. The feet - I'm amazed how much easier and beautiful my top-stitching has become. The factory presets can be adjusted, and you can specify start-up defaults. It's very easy to just sit-down and start sewing – you don't need a degree. Touch screen can be seen at all angles and you can adjust the light level. Threader works every time. The cutter pulls the top thread to the bottom and then cuts. You can tell it to keep the needle down, but lift the foot half-way when you lift your foot off the pedal. This allows for accurate pivoting, appliques, etc. Warns me when the bobbin is empty. I'm still learning what I love.
Things I like about this machine: the number of stitches I can play with. The fact that it has a USB port so future upgrades/expansion is possible. The extended harp area. Extra lighting. Knee lift. Sewing without a pedal. Snap on fixture which holds cone thread. It comes with several quilting specific feet.
Things I wish were better: The alphabet and most fancy stitches can only be done in large or small. I would have liked to squish my letters a bit more or have infinite control over the fancier stitches. It doesn't come with an open-toe foot, nor does it come with a rolled hem foot, but these are generic and not expensive (my Janome feet work fine on it).
All-in-all I paid more than I expected for a sewing machine, but in all honesty I can't say I regret it. The extra $600 or so was made up in the feet it came with, the extension table, and the touch screen. I recently used the machine in conjunction with a Handi-Quilter and it performed very well. I believe this sewing machine will carry me through many years of use and will allow me to expand my horizons into quilting on a quilt bed such as a Gracie or Handi-Quilter. I highly recommend this machine as it beautifully marries the computerized aspect with the hands-on fine tuning that true sewists desire.
Thank you for taking the time to read this rather lengthy review.
What malrene does not like about this machine
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| Reader Comments | | Betakin | 3/23/08 | Thank you for the nice review. The Espire seems like a great machine. Your review reflects how much you enjoy your machine and I hope you enjoy it for a long time to come. | | * * * | | johnr55 | 3/23/08 | I see you live in BC; in the US Viking is sold in exclusive dealerships and mixed. In fact, my Bernina dealer, a large one in Houston, sells Viking and Brother also. I'd hate being trapped like that. That Omega you mention is a generic like the Necchi 4595 I just reviewed. Thanks for the great review! | | * * * | | mufffet | 3/23/08 | Thanks for a great thorough review! | | * * * | | max1sam2 | 3/23/08 | Great review! and much appreciated because I'm in the market for a new machine and I'm seriously considering this machine. I'm also looking at the Babylock Quest, Janome 6600P and the Sapphire 870. Now that you've commented on that one I may erase that from my list. This Espire sounds great! I like the idea of the larger harp, the free arm and the USB connect. I quilt mainly but also do some fashion sewing. Looks like the price is getting up there though. I'm attending a Sewing show at the end of the month and intend on trialing these machines at the show. I'll also hope for a possible deal. Thanks again for the comprehensive review. Your timing was perfect. | | * * * | | nancy2001 | 3/23/08 | Thanks for your very helpful review. | | * * * | | Loiry | 3/23/08 | As a loyal Babylock owner/lover, I am pleased to read such a nice, thorough review of yet another BL model. I have the Esante and also had the Esante ESe2 prior to this one. I also own the Imagine serger and started out my machine embroidery hobby with the BL Espree stand-alone emb. machine. Thanks for the excellent review! | | * * * | | LLH | 3/24/08 | Nice review. I too really like my espire. Enjoy!! | | * * * | | cecelia | 3/24/08 | I've had my Espire for over a year now and haven't looked back. It performs beautifully. The only drawback I can find is the free arm is too large and square for smaller sleeves. Enjoy your new machine! | | * * * | | Bellatina | 3/27/08 | Wonderful review! I've had my BabyLock New Espire over a year now and am still enjoying it. I know you will enjoy it even more as you continue to use it. Have fun since it's a great machine! | | * * * | | agnesiam | 3/28/08 | Thank you for the review. I'm looking at buying a new machine soon, this is one of my top 3! I'm attending a show this weekend-- hope to make a decision soon! | | * * * | | malrene | 3/29/08 | a bit of sad news. I learned today that there is not yet a stitch controller for this machine. If you are planning on using it on a machine quilting frame as I was, then your options are to become really really good at eye hand coordintation, or buy another machine which is specifically designed for quilting with the stitch controller (cost is about $500 for the controller). Since I love this machine and can't afford another I guess I'll have to practice the hand/eye coordination techniques. I'm still find more things to love about this machine. Happy sewing! | | * * * | | Sarahsews47 | 4/3/08 | Thanks so much for your review. I, too, am shopping for a new machine; embroidery in particular and your comments and comparisons have been very helpful. | | * * * | | hansy | 4/13/08 | Very informative | | * * * | | Comfy | 4/23/08 | Very helpful. I am considering buying this machine and this review was very reassuring. | | * * * | | teddyquilter | 4/30/08 | I am looking at purchasing a machine which I would like to primarily use for machine quilting. I hope to go into the business of custom quilting. I have a leaning towards the Espire BLSR, however wonder if the Stitch Control is available as an option. What other things should I be considering? Thanks for your help. | | * * * | | malrene | 5/1/08 | Hi Teddyquilter. I have checked further into the stitch regulator for this machine and was told that there are no regulators available for any electronic sewing machine. Because of the way regulators work you need to have a mechanical machine in order to modulate the speed. Stitch regulators are not actually made by the sewing machine manufacturer, they're made (or contracted out) by the manufacturer of the quilt table. I would suggest if you're looking at starting a home based business that you look into purchasing one of the machines which are designed to fit into the quilt frame carriage. Check out the gracie quilters (www.kathyquilts.com) which has a list of machines that have stitch regulators designed for them. | | * * * |
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