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Member since 2/19/10
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Posted on: 4/30/12 1:43 AM ET
I really like my 70's era Kenmore, so much so that I acquired another one which had 30 cams do to various decorative stitches. Unfortunately I just couldn't bond with the machine and got rid of it. Nothing to do with the cams - I just didn't like the sound of the machine.

I don't really need another sewing machine - I already have two that I love - but I think I want to at least have the option of doing decorative stitches. I read all the reviews for the Janome 350E and it sounds like a good starter embroidery machine. But, how easy is it to do to a line of decorative stitches? Is it really hard to re-hoop and continue the stitch, with the stitch perfectly aligned? Or is that sort of thing better suited to a sewing machine?

I like that with an embroidery machine I would not be limited to the patterns that are built in. Do they also have patterns that emulate decorative sewing machine stitches in addition to regular embroidery designs? And do those stitches look better than what a sew machine would make?

What other considerations should I be thinking about?

Thanks in advance for all advice!




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Kenmore 158.14101
Juki MO-735
Juki TL2010Q
  
Member since 8/16/10
Posts: 245
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Posted on: 4/30/12 1:59 AM ET
That's really the huge reason I am wanting a elna, for the cams with different stitches. I don't want many though. I don't care at all for a embroidery machine though-I hand embroider and doubt I would ever really want to machine do it. BUT, that being said, Creative Feet, has these things that will work with any machine with a straight stitch and makes it where you can embroider-
http://www.creativefeet.com/embroidery
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Member since 1/12/04
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Posted on: 4/30/12 11:16 AM ET
You want both, of course. The other thing on my wish list is a machine that you can create your own stitches and also a larger embroidery field. I'm currently limited to 4X4. A quilter that I know uses both in her quilt designs and they are quite beautiful.

A line of decorative stitching would be much easier to do on a sewing machine where you don't have to rehoop IMHO. You can also use combinations of stitches to get special effects. There are tutorials and classes on this. The Bernina website has free tutorials.
-- Edited on 4/30/12 11:17 AM --
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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
Member since 5/27/09
Posts: 1175
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Posted on: 4/30/12 11:49 AM ET
The new Pfaff coming out allows you to make your own stitch.
And Brother has that too I think.

One thing about embroidery only machines, it's embroidery...not decorative stitches. That's why mastdenman said you need both machines.
  
Member since 12/15/02
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Posted on: 4/30/12 1:32 PM ET
Some of the higher end machines alot you to combine dec stitches with embroidery to the hoop limits.
  
Member since 10/14/03
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Posted on: 4/30/12 1:39 PM ET
I am a stitch hoarder, I love decorative stitches on sewing machines. It's always fun to come up with something. I sew a lot on ribbons for fabric gift bags, always nice to put on a motif that interests the receiver. I know you can do it in the hoop, but so much faster to sit down and go with a sewing machine.
  
Member since 2/14/11
Posts: 752
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Posted on: 4/30/12 5:55 PM ET
In reply to bellsew
Quote: bellsew
I am a stitch hoarder, I love decorative stitches on sewing machines. It's always fun to come up with something. I sew a lot on ribbons for fabric gift bags, always nice to put on a motif that interests the receiver. I know you can do it in the hoop, but so much faster to sit down and go with a sewing machine.

Count me in as a decorative stitch hoarder!!! I love them and all that you can do with them! Embroidering large designs is something I am not at all interested in.

I think there are some people who get caught up in the hype of embroidery machines. I am betting there are many embroidery machines that don't get used much. Kind of like the exercise machines many of us buy. We have good intentions on using them but then don't.

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Thank you Lord for my mother who taught me the joy of sewing, for my father and husband who encouraged my sewing, for the talent You gave me to sew, and for all the special people in my life to sew for.
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 4/30/12 6:00 PM ET
Embroidery machines have an outline feature that will show you where the stitching will begin, how wide it will be and where it will end.

There also are tutorials for continuing the stitching when the area will be larger than the hoop that comes with the machine.

You can find manuals for most brands of embroidery machines where you can download and view and not necessarily print out.
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Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 4/30/12 6:11 PM ET
It is easier to do on a sewing machine. However, my spastic self still has problems, especially with a 9mm machine, keeping some of those stitches straight. The machine is directionally stitching all over the place, and it's very easy to get it crooked!
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When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
  
Member since 2/19/10
Posts: 144
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Posted on: 4/30/12 7:46 PM ET
In reply to mastdenman
Quote: mastdenman
You want both, of course.

That is what I was afraid of
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Kenmore 158.14101
Juki MO-735
Juki TL2010Q
  
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