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My first embroidery machine
sbrooks0387 Member since 9/4/12 Posts: 1	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/4/12 8:44 PM I am an intermediate sewer, and enjoy making baby accessory items (crib sheets, changing pad covers, nursing covers, etc.) for my kids. But now that my oldest is turning 3 I find myself wanting a embroidery machine for some projects for him. I have been looking a lot on line but find I am no closer to finding something I like or that meets what I want and am willing to spend. I am planning on going to a dealer but since there is only 1 less than an hour away I want to know something about prices, and what machine I am sorta looking at. My wish list is: -comes with a big hoop (5X7 or larger) not just the 4X4 -is priced either right around $1000 or under -the software is either slightly advanced that it comes with or can be upgraded for $300 or under -I have a sewing machine I love so it does not have to sew (with 2 toddlers a machine worth as much as an embroidery machine would only come out to embroidery to help reduce toddler exposure) -and of course has good reviews
1975Jumby Intermediate CA USA Member since 8/19/08 Posts: 515	Login to reply to this post In reply to sbrooks0387 << Like this post Date: 9/4/12 10:59 PM My immediate thought for your budget and the fact it does not need to sew is the Brother PE-770 that you can get on Amazon for about $630. You can view it here. I actually had this before I decided I want a bigger, more advanced model. But for the beginner that doesn't want to spend a lot and have the embroidery fields you mentioned, this is a great machine. The reviews are really good as well. For the price, I don't think you could do better. The other option, if you want dealer support, is to find a good used model in your price range. I know Brother dealers sell the Disney equivalent to the PE-770 and I think it is the PE-780D. Same model, same everything except it is priced higher and comes with Disney characters. If your children are into Disney, this may be the route to go. ------ Babylock Ellisimo Gold Babylock Enlighten Kenmore 1914 Kenmore 1814
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4991	Login to reply to this post In reply to sbrooks0387 << Like this post Date: 9/5/12 11:57 AM Quote: sbrooks0387 I am an intermediate sewer, and enjoy making baby accessory items (crib sheets, changing pad covers, nursing covers, etc.) for my kids. But now that my oldest is turning 3 I find myself wanting a embroidery machine for some projects for him. I have been looking a lot on line but find I am no closer to finding something I like or that meets what I want and am willing to spend. I am planning on going to a dealer but since there is only 1 less than an hour away I want to know something about prices, and what machine I am sorta looking at. My wish list is: -comes with a big hoop (5X7 or larger) not just the 4X4 -is priced either right around $1000 or under -the software is either slightly advanced that it comes with or can be upgraded for $300 or under -I have a sewing machine I love so it does not have to sew (with 2 toddlers a machine worth as much as an embroidery machine would only come out to embroidery to help reduce toddler exposure) -and of course has good reviews If that dealer does not sell Brother or BabyLock, look for one that does. Do stick with a dealer for the purchase of the machine. You may need assistance, have questions or want lessons. And, the dealer will be more willing to make service adjustments and routine service for a machine that he sold. As for software, all you need is a program that has a catalog feature so you can actually see the design (Internet downloads or CDs), minor editing and possibly format conversion. This is the basics for all brands of software and is less expensive that a package that includes digitizing. The dealer may include a software package with the machine. Although, this may be less expensive online. Be sure of what you are buying as software cannot be returned. The majority of machine embroidery software is Windows based and some (Essentials) can be purchased for either Windows or Mac. Get a sitter and plan on spending some time with the sewing machine dealer.
Screaming Mimi Advanced CA USA Member since 3/13/10 Posts: 69	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 9/6/12 2:11 PM I agree with 1975jumby about the Brother machine...I had the opportunity to see one in action when a student of mine brought hers to a training class. As for software, take your time on that decision...no need to purchase it with the machine, you can wait until you have a better idea of what you really need and want. I have an article on buying embroidery software on my blog...go here if you'd like to view it: Embroidery Software Buying Guide
JenSews2   Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 2/21/04 Posts: 1314	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/9/12 1:53 AM I have a Janome 350e that I bought for just under $1000 (used) and then have purchased the Embird software and Iconizer. I really like it! Of course, I've probably spent a gabillion $$ beyond that just getting thread and stabilizers and extra hoops, etc. :) ------ *Jen* If I stitch fast enough, does it count as aerobic exercise?
AdaH   Intermediate IA USA Member since 11/21/09 Posts: 2139	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/9/12 11:29 AM Another cost to embroidery is the thread and stablizer. You go through a lot of thread and stablizer. ------ Ada
speattle Member since 2/10/11 Posts: 129	Login to reply to this post In reply to sbrooks0387 << Like this post Date: 9/11/12 2:47 AM I really suggest you look into a Brother "D" model. Perhaps the 1250D or the 780D. The 1250 is a sewing/embroidery combo and the other is an embroidery only. Depending on how your sewing machine works, you may really appreciate the sewing features on the 1250D. I have one and while I stil use my Elna Lotus a lot, I really love the 1250D sewing features, such as the buttonholes and the decorative stitching. Get the D for sure if you have little kids. It comes preloaded with quite a few Disney designs and you can download more of them. Only Brother D machines come preloaded with Disney. -- Edited on 9/30/12 0:18 AM --
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4991	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 9/11/12 10:48 AM Forgot to add to my original post, and it has already been mentioned stabilizer and thread. However, I want to emphasize that polyester machine embroidery thread is best for items that will receive a lot of use and/or will be subjected to chlorine bleach.
sdaniel Member since 10/8/12 Posts: 1	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 10:21 AM I need advise....I currently have a Pfaff 7560 Embroidery/Sewing Machine and I really like it. But there are things that I can't do so I'm looking for a Embroidery Machine that I can connect directly to my computer without having to buy additional embroidery software. I want to be able to edit designs as well. I would also like to keep it under $1000.00. My daughter bought the Singer Futura Quartet and it worked well until a lighting storm killed it. I downloaded the comparison chart but it appears it hasn't been updated in a while since there are many new machines that are not listed. I started creating my own comparison chart so I can filter out those machines to meet my needs but in my researching the many machines, I became overwhelmed. I can't figure out which machines are new and those that have been out a while and therefore can't be updated. Wish list: USB cable connection (prefered) Memory stick (ok) Software included Move Stitch by stitch Design Rotation Updateable online Endless Hoop Takes L size prewound bobbins Can anyone point me in the right direction towards the machine that would meet my needs?
allycovey   Intermediate AR USA Member since 11/16/07 Posts: 1427	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/10/12 5:33 PM I have the Brother 780D and I like it. Does a great job, once I figured it out. There is much more than I ever thought to learn- Placement, which kinds of stabilizer to use where, do I need a topper. I recomend buying from a dealer for this kind of information.

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