The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Embroidery Machines => Topic started by: Iminei on August 29, 2017, 08:25:02 AM

Title: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on August 29, 2017, 08:25:02 AM
As you may or may not know I have been thinking (for over a year really) about whether to take the plunge and get an embroidery machine!

I like The Splurge very much and would like to stay with Janome ...
unless you can offer me cast iron advice against doing so.

I have been trying to find somewhere that would hire me the new 500E, so far to no avail, so I can have a test drive of the machine at my own pace and to see whether I could get on with it and would actually use it.

I have seen on fleabay a 350E for sale at £500

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Janome-Memory-Craft-350E-Embroidery-Machine-/222552554986?hash=item33d12a7dea:g:eaIAAOSw5cRZIZZm (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Janome-Memory-Craft-350E-Embroidery-Machine-/222552554986?hash=item33d12a7dea:g:eaIAAOSw5cRZIZZm)

and wondered whether that might be an option to see whether I want/like/need the machine

So please can someone tell me the pros and cons between the new 500E (at £1500) or a secondhand, (now discontinued I believe) 350E (at £500) ?????
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on August 29, 2017, 09:16:37 AM
I've got the 350e and love it.  However, I have never tried anything else to compare it to.  The general advice is buy one with as big a hoop as you can afford.  My biggest is 5" x 7".
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Iminei on August 29, 2017, 09:55:32 AM
Would you say the Fleabay 350E is a reasonable price ?
Is there anything missing from the listing ?

I'm not really a hearts and flowers sort of a girl so doubt that included designs will be my cup of tea ... How easy (and what do you need) is it to 'make' your own designs ?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Lowena on August 29, 2017, 10:00:47 AM
I'd love an embroidery machine but am put off by 2 things.
1. You have to download things from the net and I'm not very tecchie.
2. I wouldn't know what to embroider ( not clothes that's for sure..... sees image of EWM in head  :devil: )
I'll be following your progress avidly Iminei  :)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on August 29, 2017, 10:04:37 AM
Making your own designs, "digitizing", is not simple.  There is software out there, but I've not designed my own because there are lots of sites selling designs.  I have altered bought designs, that's not too difficult. 
I can't remember what I paid for my machine, I'll have a look at that listing in a mo, just need to get some washing hung out.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on August 29, 2017, 10:19:34 AM
EWM - or not?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Jo on August 29, 2017, 10:20:09 AM
I don't know either machine so can't be of much help with a comparison.
But here's some questions to ask yourself:
- how much do you think you would emboider?
- do you plan on selling or just as a hobby?
- what do you want to embroider - quilts, shirts, bags etc?
If budget is an issue and you only want it as a hobby, I'd get the 350E. If you find it's a hobby you'd like to pursue further, you can always upgrade :)
Digitizing is not very simple or straightforward. Very simple designs, yes. Something more complex...well, there's a learning curve. There are so many nice emrboidery designs out there that you can almost always find something you like. There's also the cost of the software to factor in if you want to digitize (which is NOT cheap). There is an auto digitize function, but unless it's a VERY simple design, it's crap!

Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on August 29, 2017, 10:26:49 AM
The ebay listing looks like it's all there, I think.  They are currently £799 at sewingmachinesales and John Lewis.
Have a look at Urban Threads for designs.  There are also stippling designs out on t'interweb for squares for quilting that may interest you.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Syrinx on August 29, 2017, 10:33:11 AM
Urban threads do quilting designs too Jo.

Depends how much you tdink you'll do. I rate Brother for embroidery machines but Janome are good as well.

Digitising is doable, I use Embird. But you do have to be fairly understanding of vectors and how that sort of software works etc. As Jo and others said loads of places that sell designs so you don't have to make your own.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Jo on August 29, 2017, 10:43:00 AM
There are a few classes on Craftsy on digitizing, maybe you could take a look to see if it is something you would do?
Also, there are a lot of people that do digitizing, depending on how many projects you'd need digitized it may end up cheaper than buying the software to do your own.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Syrinx on August 29, 2017, 10:46:37 AM
Another thing is that servicing costs more and there are fewer people that do it. You also go through needles like bilio!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on August 29, 2017, 10:59:32 AM
I have to say I haven't changed a needle yet...
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Iminei on September 05, 2017, 14:09:06 PM
Imself has just sent me this link from fleabay ....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2016-Brother-Innovis-750e-embroidery-machine-HUGE-BUNDLE-of-extras-/202043213735?hash=item2f0ab6c7a7:g:PfYAAOSwA79Zmwbi (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2016-Brother-Innovis-750e-embroidery-machine-HUGE-BUNDLE-of-extras-/202043213735?hash=item2f0ab6c7a7:g:PfYAAOSwA79Zmwbi)

The ad comes over a bit aggressive but Im willing to ignore that for the right deal

Can anyone review the machine for me ???

Look at the goods involved (does it look like someone has died or been a kitmurvy*) Are they worth it?? 

Know the cost of the software required for digitizing ?

*http://meaningofliff.free.fr/definition.php3?word=Kitmurvy&lang=en (http://meaningofliff.free.fr/definition.php3?word=Kitmurvy&lang=en)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: KayK on September 05, 2017, 22:17:44 PM
Hello!I have the slightly earlier version of this machine, also from flea bay.... was sold by chap whose wife had died.  It is super easy to use, and the stitch quality is fab.  The inbuilt designs are limited, but there are plenty of cd's etc out there to be downloaded onto machine.  That one does have a lot of stuff with it, and one of the questions I might ask is how many hours use has it had and how many stitches has it done (the display should be able to tell you this!) The one excellent thing on these machines is the needle threader - its fantastic!  better than on my older Janome and 3 year old Pfaff - one push of a lever and ping! threaded!  Bobbin winding can be a bit dodgy...The thread can go a bit free form if not watched!  The bobbins are slightly larger than normal machine ones, so not compatible.

I have used mine on 'themed' mini quilts for children - have embroidered patches with childrens names and initials, animals, princesses etc - had a lot of fun with it!  Some of the patterns can take half an hour to stitch - so not very interactive, unless you are changing colours a lot!

Agree with the rather shouty advert! - But the cost of all those reels of thread must have come to a fair amount, but in all honesty i would ask for a pic of the machine stitching status - just to see how much work it has done!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Iminei on September 06, 2017, 08:59:54 AM
Thank you Darling ... I will go ask!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 06, 2017, 09:14:46 AM
It looks like that machine will take a 5" x 12" hoop, although the ad says it has a 5 x 7.
As for bobbins, after much reading, I decided to buy ready wound ones - remarkably cheap too!  Embroideredjust4you is a great source of all things embroidery.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Iminei on September 06, 2017, 09:19:32 AM
In the first pic you can see two embroidery hoops leaning up against the machine.
Can you see from the scale which size they are B&S?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 06, 2017, 10:39:57 AM
I really wouldn't like to say, but would guess they are a 4 x 4 and a 5 x 7.  There is also another hoop on the floor which looks bigger - could be worth asking the size of that one?  A new 5 x 12 looked (on a quick google) to cost £40 or so.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Acorn on September 06, 2017, 11:47:42 AM
I would check the official specs for the machine, because if the maximum embroidery area is only 5 by 7 you are probably going to get very frustrated very quickly - unless you are confident that you are only going to want to do small areas at a time.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 06, 2017, 12:06:31 PM
My 350 is a 5 x 7 maximum, it's bigger than you think.  And of course, the bigger the hoop, the more expensive the machine is!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Stitches on September 06, 2017, 13:19:01 PM
Immine I would phone Russel at sewing machine direct and ask for some advise on the machine
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Syrinx on September 06, 2017, 15:03:15 PM
5 x 7! How do you all cope!

Definitely ask about the hoop size. Those are pricey new.

Whilst lots of threads, not sure all were embroidery thread, but still - thread!

And ask for stitch count and when last used/serviced.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: BrendaP on September 06, 2017, 16:09:41 PM


Whilst lots of threads, not sure all were embroidery thread, but still - thread!


Machine embroidery thread is often rayon, but could be cotton or metallic.  They are 2 ply which means that they spread over the surface better than the 3 ply thread you use to sew seams with, but it won't be as strong so don't be tempted to use embroidery thread for seams or regular thread for embroidery.

You might need a magnifying glass to see how many plies a thread has, but if the label includes a number with a slash, ie 30/2 or 50/3 the smaller number indicates the number of plies.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: toileandtrouble on September 06, 2017, 20:21:58 PM
While we have experts on board.... >:) 
Is it possible to embroider with a woollen thread?  I have been asked to disguise moth holes in a beloved cardigan, so no possibility of practising on spare fabric.  Any tips welcome.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Kad on September 07, 2017, 08:20:59 AM
Madeira Lana thread is woollen and can be used in your embroidery machine.

Emblibrary has specialised designs on its website and there are specific 'Lana' needles available, ( check Barnyarns website for details )  The designs are digitised at a lower density to take account of the thickness of the woollen thread.

I bought  a collection with 10 or so reels of Lana thread,  a packet of 5 specialised needles and a CD of 30 designs digitised especially for the thread off e**y several years ago now. The multi-format CD is entitled ' Furry Friends Machine Embroidery Kit - Madeira 30 designs' and it's copywrite to Dakota Collectables.

Must say that after the initial experiments I've not used it much at all.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: toileandtrouble on September 07, 2017, 22:52:18 PM
thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Brother 750E
Post by: Iminei on September 10, 2017, 08:53:00 AM
Well the 750E sold ... surprisingly for exactly the reserve price of £615 !!!  :o
It was a private listing and the bidders ids were private so we cannot see if it was between the seller bidder 1 and bidder 2 or if more were involved ... I don't know but seemed just a wee bit suspicious to me.

The Janome 350E is still available at £500 ...
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing !!
Post by: Iminei on September 12, 2017, 15:09:50 PM
I have just come back from a demonstration of the new Janome 500E at my local Emporia...

... and to give Wendy due credit, she did exactly as I requested, which was to get hands on with the machine itself
To explain; I had previously, aeons ago, been given a demo of a Janome by a younger member of staff and sat there while she ran through a very scripted dialogue, demonstrating all the features ... all of which culminated in nada learned, no excitement generated and half an hour wasted!

This demo was very different;

Wendy talked me through the various functions, options and so on but I was in the driving seat ... my fat fingers  were on the touch screen.
I loaded the hoop, choose designs, enlarged and reduced the size, flipped orientation etc.
I chose the embroidery colours, threaded the machine (the needle threader is some sort of Genie!)  stop, started and cut the tail ends.
And after the embroidery was complete we looked at the Janomes' settings options.

The only thing we didn't cover was downloading outside sourced designs etc and only because Wendy herself doesn't know this step.... but she encouraged me to come back and talk to another member of staff who was getting to grips with these features and practices on another day ... and who knows I may well do that!

The hoop size was enormous ... almost too big, certainly for the piece we were working on, but smaller hoops that fitted the machine were available ( tho' I was slightly taken aback by the £69 cost !£!£!£!)

All in all I was extremely impressed ... the machine is beautiful, sewed like a dream and rectifying a shredded thread (which I'm sure was caused by my incorrect threading of the second colour) was surprisingly easy with stitch by stitch reversal to a point where the thread had started to shred....

The only con I could find from this experience is that it is one BIG Boy! and would not be a take out and play on the dining room table machine.
I think it would have to have its own permanent position and there is a large desk available upstairs in the sewing/embroidery/art/wardrobe/spare room upstairs ( if I can clear the area)?!

I came away with the design I had stitched and a big warm glow.... this (the design, not the glow) will be left casually around the Sweat shop where it just might catch Imself's eye!

Now when looking at machines or chatting on this thread i will at least have a basic understanding of the machine, what it does and what questions to ask

Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ploshkin on September 12, 2017, 15:28:20 PM
...... and where is the picture of the design you embroidered?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 12, 2017, 16:17:13 PM
Eerrm I misspelt it  ... so am too embarrassed to show (oops blushing smilie)

PS Fran can we have an oops blushing smilie and a stern telling off smilie please?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lowena on September 12, 2017, 17:45:13 PM
And.......... just what would you embroider with it/??
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 12, 2017, 17:57:08 PM
Some nice t-shirts, a la EWM?   ;)  Or just imagine what you could do for a quilt...
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lowena on September 12, 2017, 18:22:11 PM
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on September 12, 2017, 22:15:25 PM
Quote
I think it would have to have its own permanent position and there [/size]is[/size] a large desk available upstairs in the sewing/embroidery/art/wardrobe/spare room upstairs


Absolutely.


Seriously, if you're going to get worthwhile use out of an embroidery machine, giving it a dedicated space is the way to go.  It doesn't have to be a huge space - just enough to move the largest hoop through the full range. 
If it's a single needle stand alone machine, remember you can set it up so that it's end on to you with easy access to the hoop attachment lock to your left, or even in the middle of a table rather than at the edge or arranged like a sewing machine.


A couple of really useful first things to make are a hanging hoop caddy/organiser and a hanging stabiliser caddy -
 [/size][size=78%]https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/141019032055304195/ (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/141019032055304195/)[/size]
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/95701560805667729/ (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/95701560805667729/)
organiser for embroidery stabiliser (http://thesewingplace.org.uk/organiser for embroidery stabiliser)
http://www.sulkyembclub.com/detail.aspx?id=902 (http://www.sulkyembclub.com/detail.aspx?id=902)


Clear plastic boxes are best for storing embroidery threads - keep them out of the light.

























Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 14, 2017, 07:57:48 AM
Is there such a thing as a Janome 400E ???????
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 14, 2017, 09:48:31 AM
There is indeed - I'd paste a linky, but struggling on my phone!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 14, 2017, 10:09:29 AM
No need B&S ... found it!

and SMD!

also investigating the Brother Innovis 800e

.... The designs included on the Janome were pretty ...Nyeh!

How easy is it to get other designs onto a machine?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on September 14, 2017, 10:29:38 AM
If it has a usb connection you just download them to your usb memory stick and then plug it into your machine easy peasy.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 14, 2017, 10:57:52 AM
If it has a usb connection you just download them to your usb memory stick and then plug it into your machine easy peasy.

Thats what you say!!!!!

Right the choice is between ...

Janome 500e
Janome 400e
Brother Innovis 8o0e
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Syrinx on September 14, 2017, 11:58:54 AM
I like brother for embroidery. I have the biggest single needle (second hand for a steal in case you think I'm flush!) and it's fab.

Needs a service at the moment, but easy peasy to use. Usb transfer is like so.

Plug usb into computer.
Drag and drop file onto usb.
Plug usb into machine.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Kad on September 14, 2017, 13:25:34 PM
If the machine that you're interested in is capable of both embroidery and sewing rather than just embroidery, it might be an idea to stick with the same manufacturer as your main sewing machine as many of the extras (feet etc) will almost certainly fit both machines. Also you will only have one brand of bobbins to consider.

I have a Janome 11000, purchased 2nd hand off e**y, and a 8900QCP, and although the 8900 has a max stitch width of 9 mm I purchased a second  'ankle' for the 11000 which fits both machines allowing me to use the fancy extra feet that I have on both machines - as long as I remember to restrict the max stitch width on the 8900 to 7mm  :D
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 14, 2017, 13:36:18 PM
thx Kad

I'm interested in embroidery only as the dual ones are v expensive and i'm very happy with The Splurge (my Atelier 5)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 14, 2017, 15:44:42 PM
Having only ever used my Janone 350e I can't really help you with regards to the others, apart from they always say buy the biggest hoop you can afford.  I've no complaints about my Janome though.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 16, 2017, 08:51:33 AM
Headed off to Franklins in Salisbury for a demo on the Brother 800E, and this was the result.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rgDK7cz1OpSrc9mog_EXAaOYpRySsvFGndIVyfS9p2B7RjBO--CBM58ySpQWlzSYhJccsBbRVsdNOy8e4VKIauxXFcF9hhDuKrc9xGc2ftUEyFkL2b2Ay2eiRww6h4eQwyinl05TmNQO6IL0Hu2HGtHcO0ICtxlYiisiol7pkAZNiTBMFvkpEyGWAIisVq_CzXTUfSR24Kp2FFZpJ4NY5XbsKtERkyf0TCLMKDGSQy7PyODvpUhHZoYrME7aeA3p7ktZvY6mkNYSMPGCA3zsJNgTn1GeDDocul863KJRjh_Updcm4FsH1z91zwAAnolHIjWEwnFNUey6CMUvLHK6GUG69mpy9uQiil4EgBg2wellHrF_zenStnyvOrgy4c9-3bHkJQdk3YzUlqsbHGUjmTDQ6dYQFWyN8zYCCnflnzf1b2fKIVRpqgTDLawRd3ZTOGIvSq3KzMDq7-A7LsqWCyM8sqz_HrKONWBWBg-HzKN6y46EE6tSmOV3DPj8Xm2OgB9lY98NmM-J_IkcSqykxv2-t-qhZ36UCB-MU9NE9HCpgH3QtHv4JJ_sMr44m0j-bKz-JtFic1TCtXK-4Wl4N9S4ua8UyxdvpCQzmsQEeACSWfYh3yzdu9WireD0mWQH3hbCm7uQhuKg-BMdzIhMaY2iYeuTyQ=w1045-h789-no)

Not as much a solo effort as the Janome 500E sample, but at least it is correctly spelt (Oh the shame!)
I like this machine very much, more standard designs (of a style I prefer) and much neater than the Janome, taking up less room ...

The cost of extras is also eye watering in both camps ... Hoops just under £50 for the Brother and nearer to £70 for Janome!!! Digitizing software lite in both cases retailing around £300-400 and for the full package coming closer to an eyewatering Grand!!!

The question of space is beginning to trouble me with this proposed purchase, as space chez nous is severely limited.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on September 16, 2017, 10:12:57 AM
Hoops were silly prices for all the machines I looked at, although they can often be bought secondhand on Etsy or Ebay - I got one that should have been around £110 for £26.50 and another that should have been £120 for £50.

Just a shame for the first one that I accepted what the listing said at face value and didn't discover until later that it was too big for my machine... although they did throw in another (useful) hoop free because they had it lying around!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on September 16, 2017, 12:34:16 PM
Digitizing software lite in both cases retailing around £300-400 and for the full package coming closer to an eyewatering Grand!!

What would you want to be doing with the software?   I never run any machine make software.  There is an alternative.  But of course the shops won't tell you that as they need to sell the software from the machine companies. 
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on September 16, 2017, 13:40:50 PM
Software - Depends what type of embroidery you want to do now and what you may want to do longer term.

Any machine we buy does not have to be a forever machine, likewise you don't need to buy a full blown package for digitising your own designs right at the start. You can start with what enables you to do what you need now and upgrade or change to something else further down the line.
in fact there's a lot of sense in beginning with a starter machine, learning and then deciding if you want to continue at all or get something bigger or more capable later.  Same goes for software.

For (domestic)software, for many reasons concerned with where things are moving to businesswise, it's a good idea to avoid getting locked into a software package under a machine brand name eg. Janome, Brother, Bernina, programmes etc.  They make machines and commission another company to create the software.  For all sorts of reasons, especially software support and actually turning around fixes without going through middle men, now I recommend very, very strongly to choose a package that is created and sold by the business that makes the package.

Consider either -

Hatch (by Wilcom who made the packages for sewing machine companies eg. Janome, Bernina etc.)
or
Embird

Both Hatch and Embird offer a modular combination where you can either buy the all singing and dancing full digitising package from the outset or start with a basic viewing/edit package and add on extra or more advanced modules as and when you choose.

Alternatively - at the very beginning you can manage with one of the free/open source basic viewing and minimal editing packages.  They are adequate for being able to see your purchased designs, sometimes convert the format and sometimes remove bits or combine a couple of designs into an arrangement or rotate, mirror and copy.

Hoops - depending on the type of embroidery you're going to do and the frequency, you should expect to replace hoops.
Hoops for domestic single needle machines are nowhere near as strong or stable as hoops for multi-needle machines.  Hoops for domestic machines can distort and be strained very easily and quickly (usually because of over-tightening or packing edges in order to get grip - both the wrong thing to do btw)
If used with thick or heavy fabrics (eg. quilting sandwiches, towels, or heavy fabric, etc.) then it makes sense to keep and use a new hoop for lightweight fabrics or FSL etc.  There is no point at all in risking spoiling an item that has been expensive in terms of your time and effort and sometimes fabric cost just because of some hoop slippage because you need a new hoop.    Same goes for risking a project by skimping on needles or replacing bobbins.  Also, many people buy one or more extra bobbin cases (and adjust them for different types/weights of bobbin fill and different types of embroidery).
As for cost -  well, hoops cost what they cost. If you do a lot of machine embroidery then replacing frequently used hoops should be considered or you find yourself spending more and more time and effort finding ways to try and control slippage and design distortion.
As always affordability and what we see as expensive or the going rate is relative to our own situation - £50 or £70 for a replacement hoop every 12 - 24 months of use for some people is cheaper than one night out.

Machine embroidery is not cheap, let's face it it's not a mainstream activity.
It helps to remember that at the beginning it is not necessary to get every stabiliser type or every colour thread or every hoop size or loads of designs or different types of embroidery thread and so on.  Often it's much more practical to learn the basics, ie. correct stabiliser/design/fabric/thread/needle combinations and appropriate hooping method for fabric/project, followed by multi-hoop designs.  Once the basics have been mastered, it's a good time to take a step back and decide what you want from an embroidery machine and whether you want a full on digitising package or massive hoops or a multi-needle machine or every colour of a particular thread, etc.
For many people that decision point seems to come around after using the first machine for about 2 years.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Syrinx on September 18, 2017, 07:46:33 AM
I will second not buying the janome or brother digitising software. If you decide you need to digitise, embird is really very pood and as mentioned above, you can buy it in modules.

Hoops are interesting - I hardly ever use the very small ones. Ditto the above information. I don't do quilting designs as I would want to buy a hoop just for that as mostly I do cotton or sometimes polos/jumpers etc so not very thick.

My V5 is lovely, and from chatting and researching they all act pretty similar, the V5 is just bigger, and faster than the smaller ones. I got it second hand with 2 of every hoop and some spare bobbins and other bits for about a grand. That was my budget and I was lucky I saw it pop up because I was looking at brand new 2 models down with the hoops and extra bits for my money.

Big thing to remember is needles - get the right ones! And don't skimp on the wrong type of bobbin either.

Mine needs a service as the needle housing screw is dead so can't stabilise the needle block. Found this out when it smashed a needle mid stitch out. I religiously check the tightness pre stitch out and it was sad, but it was due a service anyway and I have no idea if previous owner serviced it ever!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 29, 2017, 08:59:43 AM
How about this machine ....
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2FHusqvarna-Viking-H-Class-600E-Sewing-Embroidery-Machine-Plus-Embroidery-Unit-%2F142517483045%3Froken%3DcUgayN&h=ATMj3YZCvBK0Q5nuHSGfBWDYqDyClPTtRAIBNllO7JPIG5DeEfqjng5uj5GDdnprkS8f1Ejk96me1eK2ts6n0StkkrpP2YuVwtcp7msf5jRMTpMEgbrOObSHQUEy72OT2bd9IRg4nWc14SxV6aydT0EvEetCW-OAr2FUGdmrqvarbJ_ssQngkWrFm0vlKWRCt7Ja1Qsf8ms-sPlfvfyu0gUi-NIKnicpqAuQJRf9QyTVgQKN_71In-6a6EsKROTr33L-ChZ0bUeN6BB4edpYkzz5de-KKQ81 (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2FHusqvarna-Viking-H-Class-600E-Sewing-Embroidery-Machine-Plus-Embroidery-Unit-%2F142517483045%3Froken%3DcUgayN&h=ATMj3YZCvBK0Q5nuHSGfBWDYqDyClPTtRAIBNllO7JPIG5DeEfqjng5uj5GDdnprkS8f1Ejk96me1eK2ts6n0StkkrpP2YuVwtcp7msf5jRMTpMEgbrOObSHQUEy72OT2bd9IRg4nWc14SxV6aydT0EvEetCW-OAr2FUGdmrqvarbJ_ssQngkWrFm0vlKWRCt7Ja1Qsf8ms-sPlfvfyu0gUi-NIKnicpqAuQJRf9QyTVgQKN_71In-6a6EsKROTr33L-ChZ0bUeN6BB4edpYkzz5de-KKQ81)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on September 29, 2017, 20:24:59 PM
Personally I wouldn't touch one.  Like Bernettes aren't Bernina these aren't actually Husqvarnas. 
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 29, 2017, 20:52:27 PM
Really ?????  :o
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on September 29, 2017, 22:04:28 PM
Imi, I found out from someone who  quilts as well as from a dealer that the Brother Innov-is machines are superior machines and easy to use. They are supposed to be very well built. I haven't seen one myself, though.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 30, 2017, 09:02:50 AM
Thank you Ladies for all your continued input,

I'm going to view said Husky this aft. (It would've been rude not to after all the effort I put into finding her) and will see what I think.

I too have been told that Brother make Embroidery machines and Janome make Sewing machines ... each tip toeing into the others territory just a bit, but I have always thought if you want to eat Seafood don't go to a Steakhouse!!!

The excellent deal on the Brother 800E is ending today (£300 off) so I'm pretty certain thats not going to be on my birthday list next month, what with Imself being off on a Jolly on the High Seas for the next 12 days ...

I also have been informed of a Brother 750E coming up for sale as the owner is upgrading! I was told this by the Brother Dealer who is selling the Lucky Lady the new machine and who will be servicing her old one before sale.

So what do we think about the 750E, what questions should I ask, What extras would be advantageous with it and what sort of price do you think I should be paying...

I know, I know, I can hear you all scrabbling in that kitchen drawer everyone has for various lengths of string to hold up to the screen ... but any help, tips or advice will be gratefully received and listened to.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: BrendaP on September 30, 2017, 11:21:28 AM
There's a Brother 750E on Ebay for £675 if that helps you with the length of string.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Innovis-750E-With-PE-Design-Plus-Embroidery-Software-lots-Boxed-never-used-/322777250355?hash=item4b2705fa33:g:dA8AAOSwJwpZx47~ (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Innovis-750E-With-PE-Design-Plus-Embroidery-Software-lots-Boxed-never-used-/322777250355?hash=item4b2705fa33:g:dA8AAOSwJwpZx47~)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on September 30, 2017, 12:32:40 PM
That's an excellent price, Brenda! I have been looking at various sewing machines for weeks now and I think that's a savings of about £300 plus it has the embroidery kit with it.

I came across this one just now quite by accident so I thought I'd post it. The seller has excellent reviews and deals in sewing machines.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUTSTANDING-CONDITION-HYSQUVARNA-ORCHIDIA-1-EMBROIDERY-SEWING-MACHINE/202066931730 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUTSTANDING-CONDITION-HYSQUVARNA-ORCHIDIA-1-EMBROIDERY-SEWING-MACHINE/202066931730)

It's a used machine for £750.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 30, 2017, 14:36:15 PM
That is an excellent price as it seems to have the software too ...
Only problem is location and fact I cant message the seller since ebay consider me to be some kind of criminal and have blocked my messages.

I would ask if they would consider sending by courier or if I could have the item picked up be a courier.

Any TSPers near Colchester?????????
 
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ploshkin on September 30, 2017, 15:34:25 PM
Iminei, are you including a phone number in your messages?  E Bay block messages containing phone numbers (presumably e mail addresses as well) because they have copped on to the fact that so many people do the deal outside E Bay to avoid the fees (my DH is very peeved)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: BrendaP on September 30, 2017, 16:28:02 PM
I think that if you were to click on the Buy Now button and complete the payment with PayPal Ebay would allow you to contact the seller - after all how would the seller know where to send it to or be able to tell you where to collect it from?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Elnnina on September 30, 2017, 16:48:36 PM
Iminei, the machine referred to as a Husqvarna Orchida  that Sewbee has found up in Stoke on Trent is in fact a very old machine, by old I mean manufactured a very long time ago, so whilst it might be working at the moment, in the future if anything went wrong I doubt you would get it sorted.  Many years ago I too found an Orchida going for what I thought a sensible price, but on making contact with Husqvarna themselves they told me how long ago they had stopped making this machine, so I steered well clear.  Also any software with this machine would be way out of date, thus you would be limited to what was in that package.

I do hope you find something that you will enjoy using - good luck.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 30, 2017, 17:58:34 PM
Hi Gals

Well I have viewed two machines ... the husky ending tomorrow and the Brother 750E my friend Andrew told me about.
I know which I want ... the Brother hands down.

But which Brother 750E ????

Hubby is home for about 10 hours tomorrow evening and I'm going to hit him with the ... 'Haven't you ever wanted to visit Colchester Cathedral / Marina / Shopping centre ????

Reasons being :-

Colchester Brother ... indeed looks to be brand new, untouched (Why are they selling??) and has all the gadgets and gizmos (usually associated with a sale from SMD or the like) including, more importantly, the Software .... £675 + Petrol

Ferndown Brother (about 10 miles from me) ... lovely lady, showed me it to me in action, but has been used for 18 months (tho' she will be having it fully serviced) and comes with two extra hoops and nothing else. .... £550

What do you think Girls  ???
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on September 30, 2017, 18:00:44 PM
Really ?????  :o

No, very often they are made by other companies and 'badged' for another company.  The lower end of the Husqvarnas are definitely something I wouldn't bother with and I am a Husqvarna owner.  They are entirely different. 
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on September 30, 2017, 18:17:42 PM
Oh gosh, so difficult.  But I'm glad you have discounted the Husky.  And just for info, as Elnnina said, the Orchidea is a VERY old machine and so is that software.  They are on a completely different system now.  Whilst the Orchidea was a beautiful machine, this one is definitely overpriced regardless of having software with it.  And there is no USB port, so you have to have the card and software.

Why is the lady near you selling?   I am a bit suspicious of the other as it is supposed to be almost brand new, so why sell?   I know sometimes people buy and then don't get on with them but I am also wary of them advertising discs with 'thousands of designs' on.  Completely  illegal!   I would want to see it working and check their paperwork and serial number on it against that on the machine. 
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on September 30, 2017, 18:19:48 PM
Hi Gals

Well I have viewed two machines ... the husky ending tomorrow and the Brother 750E my friend Andrew told me about.
I know which I want ... the Brother hands down.

But which Brother 750E ????

Hubby is home for about 10 hours tomorrow evening and I'm going to hit him with the ... 'Haven't you ever wanted to visit Colchester Cathedral / Marina / Shopping centre ????

Reasons being :-

Colchester Brother ... indeed looks to be brand new, untouched (Why are they selling??) and has all the gadgets and gizmos (usually associated with a sale from SMD or the like) including, more importantly, the Software .... £675 + Petrol

Ferndown Brother (about 10 miles from me) ... lovely lady, showed me it to me in action, but has been used for 18 months (tho' she will be having it fully serviced) and comes with two extra hoops and nothing else. .... £550

What do you think Girls  ???

For a fairly small difference in price, I'd go with the new one in Colchester. :) (Love the way you plan to approach your hubby!)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on September 30, 2017, 19:38:55 PM
I would want to see it working and check their paperwork and serial number on it against that on the machine.


Not even thought of that ... What would I be looking at/for ????
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lizzy777 on September 30, 2017, 19:58:57 PM
You can buy a new Brother 750e at £699. You'll have the benefit of
the manufacturers warranty too?

Maybe add the software at a later date or buy used software?

Has the 750e been replaced by the 800? Or is the 800 a different model.











Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Didi on October 01, 2017, 06:04:14 AM
I have the Brother 750e and although to be honest I don't use it as much as I probably should it is very easy and I have never had any issues with it.

Software there are various packages available I use embriallance stitch artist - mainly because I am a MAC user and choice is very limited but it is modular so you only need to buy those modules you need, I have done very simple original designs but I have also used it to edit purchased designs

Designs there are literally thousands  of sites where you can purchase designs at very reasonable cost and quite often they will have free designs available as well. You can also buy CD's with designs on Anita Goodesign has some beautiful ones which can be made up into quilts

Hoops you can get compatible hoops at GUR which are what I use, you can "split" a design (if you have the software) which means you can do larger designs with smaller hoops all be it that it can be a bit fiddly

Threads these can work out very expensive because of course you "have" to have all the colours but again there are alternatives to the named brands out there embroidery4you sell brilliant threads

Stabiliser you will need various types for different fabrics but this is fairly easy to get hold of

The 800e is the updated version of the 750e with a colour screen I haven't  seen one in action so can't comment on it but it sounds as if the screen is better and there are more on machine editing options than with the Brother 750e
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 01, 2017, 09:26:39 AM
Simthreads are cheap and good, lots of recommendations for them, I use them with no problems, available here - https://www.embroideredjust4u.co.uk/ (https://www.embroideredjust4u.co.uk/)  I also use pre-wound bobbins, remarkably cheap and apparently they hold twice as much thread as home-wound ones.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 01, 2017, 09:31:56 AM
apparently they hold twice as much thread as home-wound ones.

I can believe that! :)

You can buy a new Brother 750e at £699. You'll have the benefit of
the manufacturers warranty too?


Where did you see that Lizzie ??? I can only find new ones for £899 ...
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lizzy777 on October 01, 2017, 09:50:26 AM
Hi Imi, I was going to post the link yesterday but the page disappeared and I didn't understand why. Think the shop must have been doing some work on the site. Anyway I have found it again today. I am going to send you a pm with the link s I wonder if they only have one in stock? Look at the price today.

lizzy

** sorry just saw it is a pre owned machine but it has a 1 years warranty. Wonder if it is a shop model?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 01, 2017, 10:08:12 AM
Thank you sooo much Lizzy ...

Yes, what a bargain, and I was on the phone like a shot; I spoke to a lovely Lady called Angela, but Im afraid it is one of the machines they take in as part exchange... a pre-owned machine ... and they don't have the packaging to send it out!

So whilst Im sure the good people of Oswaldthwistle (yes really!!!) and its environs appreciate the access they have to an incredible bargain, Im afraid its not for me!

Still for the Eagle Eyes Award, you win, hands down!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on October 01, 2017, 21:33:16 PM
I would want to see it working and check their paperwork and serial number on it against that on the machine.


Not even thought of that ... What would I be looking at/for ????

I'm very suspicious of eBay machines.   I'm sure many are fine but one lady I know sent a link to an overlocker for me to look at.  It was listed as a  Janome and had a Janome box.  When I managed to zoom in and look closely it was in fact a Jaguar machine!  :o.  Nice little machines but ........!!
And I have seen several people get ripped off on eBay after paying way over the odds for an old machine, like the Orchidea.  It is horrible having to tell someone they have been had when their machine malfunctions and is not repairable. 

I would want to see the machine working to make sure it does!  The machine's serial number should be on the back and I would check it matched their original paperwork, a bit like a car vehicle identification number.   The paperwork should satisfy you that it is their machine to sell.  (I've seen that little game too). 

The Brother 750 is no longer available unless you can find a dealer that has any left.  But it isn't likely there will be many around.  I was using the 2600 yesterday and it is the same as the 800 but with sewing as well. They are very easy and intuitive machines compared to other makes. 

As for offers, a new set of offers came into force today.  But I can,t remember what they are offhand! :[
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 02, 2017, 06:36:51 AM
Thank you OSS, Well I sat and watched (I would not say with great satisfaction, would I ???) as the Faux Husky ticked down on ebay yesterday ... and of the 14 or so watchers that the lady said she had, not one bid a penny!

Sad for the seller I know but as for someone who saw the machine, Im glad as they would've been disappointed ... the house was chaotic, they didn't know how to make it work! Maybe she will relist with a more tempting starting price.

Popeye arrived back on shore yesterday evening and I told him my tales of derring do (yes, a jaunt out to Midsomer Quilting counts as derring do in my book, especially as I used the Prat Nav for the very first time ... Only went off piste twice too ... impressive I'm sure you'll agree) and my investigations into the world of embroidery machines.

So he is now armed with all the informations and I'm going to leave it to him.
I'm ferrying him to the Marina this morning as he's starting his Coastal Skipper course today, so will be away (albeit in Poole, half an hour away from home) for the week.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lizzy777 on October 02, 2017, 08:03:02 AM
Sorry about that Imi. The first time I looked on that site it was showing as new at £699 but when I went back to get that same link it had disappeared (hence me not posting the link originally) and then finding that link for the pre owned one for £599(but didn't realise it was preowned at first). I didn't realise they were so far away either. Shame that as you do get a one years warranty on it.

Regarding the one on eBay that sounds a bit too good to be true? I would be concerned that they want cash on collection because that means you would have no protection from eBay would you? I prefer always to pay by paypal. Best to be covered as it is a lot of money to pay out. Hopefully with the new models maybe there will be more people changing their machines so more Brother 750e's about for re sale. I will keep my eyes peeled to the net though for anything else I can see.

Brother, I think, offer interest free on their new machines if bought from a dealer. That may be worth a mention too as I was looking around their site to see if they had an outlet shop (which they don't appear to have), but saw the interest free offer on there.

lizzy
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: BrendaP on October 02, 2017, 08:18:51 AM
apparently they hold twice as much thread as home-wound ones.

I can believe that! :)



Yes they do hold more because they are wound very evenly and are filled right to the edge.  Normal winding on a home machine stops before the bobbin is completely full.  Just be sure that you get the right size for the machine you will be using them on.

http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=prewound-bobbin-information (http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=prewound-bobbin-information)

https://www.gs-ukdirect.com/43-pre-wound-bobbins (https://www.gs-ukdirect.com/43-pre-wound-bobbins)

http://www.madeira.co.uk/threads/bobbin-threads/169/ (http://www.madeira.co.uk/threads/bobbin-threads/169/)

https://www.barnyarns.co.uk/prewound-bobbins-superbobs/ (https://www.barnyarns.co.uk/prewound-bobbins-superbobs/)

Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 02, 2017, 13:36:32 PM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Innovis-750E-With-PE-Design-Plus-Embroidery-Software-lots-Boxed-never-used/322777250355?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Innovis-750E-With-PE-Design-Plus-Embroidery-Software-lots-Boxed-never-used/322777250355?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649)


OOOhhhhh Look Girls ....


(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/4b/50/85/4b5085fddf0382fcd53546958d7780f6.gif)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: b15erk on October 02, 2017, 15:21:14 PM
Did you buy it Im?

Jessie
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 02, 2017, 15:30:27 PM
Nope!!!!

But I know a man who can ... could've!!!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 02, 2017, 15:57:24 PM
Oooh, that sounds exciting  0_0
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 02, 2017, 16:34:46 PM
Would you be pleased with the 750e + extras arriving on your doorstep come birthday B&S ???
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 02, 2017, 18:51:02 PM
Would you be pleased with the 750e + extras arriving on your doorstep come birthday B&S ???

Nah, I'd rather have a new bike (I already have 5 though - oops!)  :P

Not really, sounds brilliant  0_0
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 07, 2017, 08:56:16 AM
I have to tidy and clear the desk upstairs in the sewing/art/wardrobe/spare room this weekend.
If I'm lucky enough to be on the receiving end of a  machine it will need somewhere to live.

If I start about 10 am I think I'll hit desktop about 1pm ....  terrible how it all mounts up isnt it?  :o
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Jo on October 07, 2017, 09:16:39 AM
I know the feeling. Every time I tidy up really well it gets worse than before in less than a week  :D Currently I have a very narrow space from the door to the desk between all the patterns scattered on the floor.
Imi, fingers crossed you'll be at the receiving end really soon!  0_0 And hopefully you'll embroider many a thing, unlike me. I keep finding excuses and think I'm probably a little bit afraid  :D
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 07, 2017, 11:36:49 AM
Quick question ....

What number would you expect to find in the Stitch counter of a machine thats only been used twice ????

Yup we are off to Colchester (jeez louise!) on Monday to view said machine. Its going to be set up for me to see and I thought I would sneak  a look at the total on the stitch counter.

Any ideas ???

Off out now, Operation Clean and Tidy will commence 10am tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on October 07, 2017, 12:00:09 PM
Silly answer but that really depends on the design.  :P. Some designs may only be a a few hundred stitches and others can have 20,000 or even more.
There should also be a record of how many hours the machine has done. 
It,s very exciting.  Hope all goes well.   :)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Jo on October 07, 2017, 12:13:55 PM
For a machine that's only been used twice, I'd say a max of 50.000 is fair (assuming some big/dense designs, which is unlikely for someone who has used the machine twice). Any more than that and it's probably been used a bit more.
Fingers crossed all goes well!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lowena on October 07, 2017, 12:35:24 PM
I'm driving to Colchester on Monday too.... for a week of looking after my Grandkids.
I'm still intrigued to know exactly the sort of things you are going to embroider  -<
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: supergran on October 07, 2017, 15:48:24 PM
I once saw some lovely quits made by Anja Townrow using an embroidery machine. She'd done  embroidered motifs in the centre of  larger blocks , set them on point with sashing and they looked lovely. I'm sure you can do a lot more than that with them, although I probably wouldn't personally.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 07, 2017, 17:30:17 PM
I'm still intrigued to know exactly the sort of things you are going to embroider

Well I was thinking of embroidering some lovely lily of the valley on some hand towels and a poppy on some elasticated beige nylon trousers and then, just for you ... some roses along the bottom edge of a beige Green cardi ...
sound nice Low ???


Reason for editing ... Beige ?? what was I thinking???
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lowena on October 07, 2017, 18:01:54 PM
I'm being perfectly serious Iminei. I would love an embroidery machine ( I'm captivated by them in the shop ) but wouldn't be sure of what to embroider so that I got regular usage from it.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 07, 2017, 18:13:22 PM
I'm being perfectly serious Iminei. I would love an embroidery machine ( I'm captivated by them in the shop ) but wouldn't be sure of what to embroider so that I got regular usage from it.

I am still learning about embroidery machines but I read that you had to stand up and push/pull to work them. Is that right?

Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Marniesews on October 07, 2017, 18:15:59 PM
I toyed with the idea of an embroidery machine for a while thinking that I could make appliqué lace motifs for the dance dresses in the right colours...but when I looked at them and saw the complexity, the price (even for used) plus essential servicing costs  :o and considered the learning curve and number of failures to successes initially...I decided I'd do better to ask someone who already has a machine to make them for me as I needed them. I joined a couple of fb embroidery groups so there are plenty of people who I could ask.

If I had the time to play and really enjoy a machine, that would be different but I really don't so this seems much more practical. I'm still rather envious of you though.  -<
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 07, 2017, 18:20:19 PM
I toyed with the idea of an embroidery machine for a while thinking that I could make appliqué lace motifs for the dance dresses in the right colours...but when I looked at them and saw the complexity, the price (even for used) plus essential servicing costs  :o and considered the learning curve and number of failures to successes initially...I decided I'd do better to ask someone who already has a machine to make them for me as I needed them. I joined a couple of fb embroidery groups so there are plenty of people who I could ask.

If I had the time to play and really enjoy a machine, that would be different but I really don't so this seems much more practical. I'm still rather envious of you though.  -<

The learning curve on today's machines - even normal sewing machines - is something that bothers me, too, even with my brand new Bernina 570qe. When I get the urge to play I am sometimes put off by the realisation I need to learn before I can play. But I will persevere.

I imagine embroidery machines are rather complex to use but I could be wrong. I just know I was in awe of the embroidery I saw on quilts at the recent quilt festival here.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on October 07, 2017, 22:12:07 PM
Quick question ....

What number would you expect to find in the Stitch counter of a machine thats only been used twice ????


I put 41,000 stitches on my machine yesterday doing two designs.  If the previous owner was experienced with embroidery machines she might well have done larger designs, but if she was a beginner I wouldn't expect anything anywhere near this.

I am still learning about embroidery machines but I read that you had to stand up and push/pull to work them. Is that right?

No!  You may have to stand up to put the embroidery unit onto a sewing/embroidery machine, but after that's done it's just a matter of setting up the hoop and fixing it in place and then threading the machine, both of which can be done sitting down.  Then you set it going and it gets on with it by itself, only needing attention when the thread needs changing (or breaks, or the bobbin runs out).

I imagine embroidery machines are rather complex to use but I could be wrong. I just know I was in awe of the embroidery I saw on quilts at the recent quilt festival here.
I haven't found it to be so.  You can do all sorts of complicated things like applique, and making things 'in the hoop', but simply creating an embroidery design is actually very easy.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 08, 2017, 08:28:10 AM
Thanks for those numbers Girls, so anything over 50,000 may not be as unused as advertised!

I read that you had to stand up and push/pull to work them. Is that right?

Are you thinking of weaving on a loom Sewbee ????

I have been considering an embroidery machine since early last year ... but have deferred for exactly the reasons mentioned in this thread .... cost, usability, whether it would be used etc etc .... but over the course of a year and three quarters reading up and researching them, then finding one in what seems to be nearly new condition, with the hideously expensive software, at a reasonable cost coupled with a desperately guilty husband with absolutely no idea what to get his wife for her birthday, the time seems just right!  :D

Whether or not I will use it remains to be seen, but you can't tell that until you get your mitts on one and I found nowhere prepared to hire one out! (And I did try)

I think the machines are getting much more user friendly now, or at least the two I tried seemed pretty intuitive ... and there are plenty of tuts on t'internet on how to use the software.

So wish me luck Girls and if you are on our route (Salisbury, Basingstoke, M25, Chelmsford, Colchester) and see a grey BMW with a girl with a silvery bob grinning like a loon in the passenger seat speeding past your window tomorrow, give her a wave!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 08, 2017, 08:51:51 AM
Have you started looking for deigns online yet?  There are millions out there!  Urban Threads unfortunately have raised their prices and are now very expensive  :( 
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 08, 2017, 08:54:14 AM
Nope!

How do you buy them ??? One at a time or in groups ???
Which sites are best?
and good value for money
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 08, 2017, 09:02:17 AM
Embroidery Library have lots and lots and even more lots, and as I mentioned, (and others have) Urban Threads have more modern "edgy" designs.  You need to make sure you buy the correct size for your hoop (ie not too big) and the correct format for your machine.  You can buy individual ones or sets often save you a bit, but then you don't necessarily want all the designs.  I put stuff on my wish list in Embroidery Library and get emails when they come up on offer!  You can just order a single one at a few pence as they are a digital download. 
Don't make my mistake however and just bung 'em all in a folder - get organised and rename them to something descriptive as you download, and set up folders for different design types, eg, "flowers", "animals" or whatever you get.
Just search for machine embroidery designs - and be prepared to waste the rest of the day...  0_0
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 08, 2017, 09:08:21 AM
and be prepared to waste the rest of the day

Oh my day is earmarked for Operation Tidy, Im hoping to start by 10 and hit desktop around 1!!!!
Imself is off sailing for the day so Im relatively sure I can keep the actual amount of stash still secret!

Tomorrow will be a full day, driving to and from Colchester and I will get a chance to look at the machine before we hand over the dosh!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 08, 2017, 09:46:19 AM
and be prepared to waste the rest of the day

Oh my day is earmarked for Operation Tidy, Im hoping to start by 10 and hit desktop around 1!!!!
Imself is off sailing for the day so Im relatively sure I can keep the actual amount of stash still secret!

Tomorrow will be a full day, driving to and from Colchester and I will get a chance to look at the machine before we hand over the dosh!

I do hope things work out with the embroidery machine, Imi. I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see what you make with it  :D
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on October 08, 2017, 11:05:30 AM
How do you buy them ??? One at a time or in groups ???
Which sites are best?
and good value for money
You can buy individual designs or sets.  As Bodge has said, Urban Threads and Embroidery Library are the best - both the widest range and the best quality in my experience.  There are others that are cheaper.  One had all their sets reduced to $1 (or was it $0.99?) this weekend, but I can't find the email telling me who it was.  I had a good look and didn't buy anything though.

There are a fair number of free designs around, too, and some are pretty good.  These (https://embroideres.com/free-embroidery-designs/?ccm_paging_p_b9549=1) are not bad at all.

Again, as Bodge says, keep them tidy on your computer or you will waste an awful lot of time!  I rename the files as soon as I download them.  Why on earth do they not give them descriptive names rather than codes?!?   ><

[Edited to add:  Got it  it is the bizarrely named Designs by Sick (https://www.designsbysick.com) that have all their sets on offer for a dollar!]


Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Elnnina on October 08, 2017, 11:27:15 AM
Oh Imi, how exciting for you, nothing like a surprise like this to spur you on to clearing space for a lovely new machine.  Just hope that in time this will do all that you want it to do.  Also what a learning curve – have fun.

Now was it fortuitous that the package of threads that arrived this week, do you think the threads were trying to tell you something?

Whilst I know you do not have  a Bernina, I was told by a lady who ran the sewing school at Bernina a few years ago that the threads they use were Mettler, so a very high endorsement of those threads.  Also Madeira embroidery threads are excellent and if you can afford this you can buy a lovely treasure chest of these threads – look at Jaycott’s website.  Barnyarns also stock Madeira threads, and a pair of curved embroidery scissors for trimming are essential, by curved I mean the scissors are bent in such a way that the blades will cut the threads, but the rest of the scissors are bent in such a way that you can hold these up and away from the work whilst it is still in the hoop – very clever.

Have an interesting journey tomorrow, have been on the route up to Colchester so many times over the years as my parents decided to retire to Suffolk, there is an excellent facilities stop about 15-20minutes from the M25 and A12 junction, this was the only one I would use, so this is south of Chelmsford.

Look forward to hearing that the ‘teddies’ will have something to play with during the coming weeks, and most importantly you must have fun with your new toy.

For some lovely designs also go looking at Sue Box in Australia, she is often having flash sales and regularly there are designs that are free.  Sue Box does designs for all types of embroidery machines, you just have to specify what format you want to receive these in.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Lowena on October 08, 2017, 11:36:46 AM
Are no embroidery designs available from GB.? I won't buy from abroad  -<
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 08, 2017, 12:06:45 PM
Thanks for those numbers Girls, so anything over 50,000 may not be as unused as advertised!

I read that you had to stand up and push/pull to work them. Is that right?

Are you thinking of weaving on a loom Sewbee ????

I have been considering an embroidery machine since early last year ... but have deferred for exactly the reasons mentioned in this thread .... cost, usability, whether it would be used etc etc .... but over the course of a year and three quarters reading up and researching them, then finding one in what seems to be nearly new condition, with the hideously expensive software, at a reasonable cost coupled with a desperately guilty husband with absolutely no idea what to get his wife for her birthday, the time seems just right!  :D

Whether or not I will use it remains to be seen, but you can't tell that until you get your mitts on one and I found nowhere prepared to hire one out! (And I did try)

I think the machines are getting much more user friendly now, or at least the two I tried seemed pretty intuitive ... and there are plenty of tuts on t'internet on how to use the software.

So wish me luck Girls and if you are on our route (Salisbury, Basingstoke, M25, Chelmsford, Colchester) and see a grey BMW with a girl with a silvery bob grinning like a loon in the passenger seat speeding past your window tomorrow, give her a wave!

Do you know, Imi, I can't find the link where I read that. Maybe it was a senior moment!  :ninja:
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 08, 2017, 13:04:43 PM
BTW, can't remember if I've already put a linky but threads from here https://www.embroideredjust4u.co.uk/ (https://www.embroideredjust4u.co.uk/)are cheap but very good, lots of people recommend them as well as me.  Lots of other stuff on that website too.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: supergran on October 08, 2017, 13:51:01 PM
Good luck tomorrow Imi. I hope it's everything you hope for.
Kate has one and has some gorgeous  examples hanging in her shop. She also showed me some motif quilting she did on it which opens up the usage considerably.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on October 08, 2017, 22:25:38 PM

. . .  threads from here https://www.embroideredjust4u.co.uk/ (https://www.embroideredjust4u.co.uk/)are cheap but very good, . . .
Bear in mind the emb thread collections from that site all seem to be polyester
I didn't see any Rayon 40s there.


It helps to know that polyester usually needs different tension settings (higher) than rayon 40s on domestic single needle machines.


Generally it helps to start off with Rayon thread. Once you've mastered that, move on to polyester for specific projects.  Rayon and Polyester have different properties and further down the line you choose the one that's appropriate for the project. 


Some more info (https://theembroiderycoach.com/blog/2014/06/26/balanced-embroidery-thread-tension/)

Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 08, 2017, 22:47:25 PM
I've only ever used the polyester threads, I didn't know it made any difference.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 09, 2017, 18:01:16 PM
Elvis is in the building!

Specifically the newly tidied sewing/art/wardrobe/spare room.

We left at 8.45 and were home at 4.30 with a fantastically smooth, stress free journey both there and back.

The machine is pristine, higher stitch count than expected but the lady selling said she had embroidered four or five blankies (names, dates of birth etc) and an apron for her daughter.

I am more than happy and am quivering with excitement at the fact I (almost) own a Brother 750E with full Software package .... but I am very, very good at waiting, in fact I relish it, much to hubby's dismay! (he who urged me to unpack and play 40 seconds after stepping through the door!)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 09, 2017, 18:18:57 PM
Ooooohhhh, how exciting!!!  0_0 Have fun with it  0_0
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on October 09, 2017, 18:41:11 PM
Nice one!!   0_0

 (http://www.urbanthreads.com/productImages/regularSize/UT13022.jpg)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Vegegrow on October 09, 2017, 20:48:13 PM
have fun Imi  :toast:
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ellabella on October 09, 2017, 21:18:53 PM
Enjoy you new machine Imi.

Very soon you will produce something amazing :D
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: supergran on October 09, 2017, 21:40:51 PM
I'm so pleased you got it Imi. How long do you have to wait until it's officially yours?  :vintage:
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on October 09, 2017, 22:00:39 PM
Have fun with your new machine.  Soon you'll be embroidering everything in sight!   :)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 09, 2017, 22:27:04 PM
Been thinking about you all day, Imi, wondering if things worked out with your new machine. So glad you got it!  :D
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 10, 2017, 10:23:26 AM
We had a power cut this morning!
Imself took iself off to tidy the garden and make a tip run and I sneaked into the S/A/W/S room to stroke Elvis's box

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PxUNqmgfz6sBeXLGEUAHjbgkZKojAfOBywoHS4zaplPpbFXVLXMlMWgEjLAa1EFWqQ3e-k3lCbekICPG9wQ9dOcxmkE8uGqIAZeiK4g_1DxnApmRjjz0H1DNp9mhDqVhtFgbvwKvmuScpI7eEl2aKujl1dSRbJXVFAKY3COZJ5BpleoerbPp4PFMwpYysUmpCFpPcFqiHIoO6GSNk9d6C9Y80wVClzGOsxMesnNwewCvpfqW8ym4IHwVTUdI7WzoU4wBnckJNGrEW13kndI6fPZihTBz5VXOI88ZSojv4gc_JRBj76j0FvflnYd7OvEI1ElF2fyq-y1YZxNJaP4pnmRHitOh8ZtOIBWhhGI5I3AAD-Rhpvun4icu0t3DgJibj4Xx_u14Nq3x-A4XS9AFRUxhDGajfzfrgDKlH2pJrK23jvu7GbzbdLnVMrhgJWxuoPkdHJDOY1PPQv-xDUDKEanWi4dU07FUQMcmvqV7NYvW1o1-hKf0lv75-X60ZeHUfBrvCqb5_gxlpIUndYJqyYt-JRd-dIo7bBiybFLVzuCLd9-C8K2i4cYRehV35fnDPy8rP1HvF-W2Ru8Hsb_JomGlkmncz9OvwXedfJjby-7Pp0XigNp4YWt2dSX2tQcFGZ6AaNutq7WItLJSoMBTgX0BG4_xxw=w1055-h788-no)

...Shhh Dont tell!!

My birthday is still a day or so away ... I will resist!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 10, 2017, 11:00:55 AM
Beautiful! When my Bernina first arrived it sat in the packing box in the kitchen for about a week because I was prepping (completely emptying spare room) for new flooring and there was nowhere to put it. I kept admiring the box with "Bernina" written on the outside  :D.

Can't wait for you to open it and play!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Elnnina on October 10, 2017, 11:06:46 AM
Oh Imi, that is excellent news, and what a superb birthday present.  I am sure you will find some lovely designs that you will want to stitch out.

Just thought of another  source of embroidery designs and that is Martha Pullen – never used them though.
I am not surprised that you are tired from that long trek yesterday, so take it easy today, your lovely new machine will be sitting there waiting for you when you are ready.

I was recommended Gutermann Sulky Filmoplast tear away – this comes on a roll 25cm x 5m and you use this in the hoop and tear back the film which leaves a sticky surface on which to position your fabric (apparently saves hooping the actual fabric and possibly distorting the fabric in the process) however you still need something like Stitch and Tear as a stabiliser underneath, so between the hoop and the machine base.  So do go looking on line to see what is available.  I had to order my Filmoplast – look at Barnyarns or Jaycotts to see what they have, some places like Lord’s Sewing which is in Oswaldtwistle Mills in Lancashire do some stabiliser trial packs so a good way of trying them out and seeing what you like and don’t like before making a huge purchase.  I’ve also just noticed that Lord’s also do some embroidery designs, I shall go and explore this myself later.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 10, 2017, 11:16:39 AM
When I got The Splurge it lived in its box in the front room for a couple of weeks before I used it for the first time, ...
it seemed too precious to use!! It continued living in the box for another month or so until I packed it away and used its proper cover.

The box of threads that came with Elvis are Marathon 100% Viscose Rayon ... Any good??
and there are two rolls of stabiliser, one seems a pretty normal standard stuff (exactly the width of the largest hoop)
and there is a roll that reminds me of the sticky back plastic I used on my exercise books at school.
Its called Neschen ????

The Software it comes with is the Brother PE Plus, which (I understand) is the full package!!! Woo Hooo!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 10, 2017, 11:24:58 AM
I don't know how you can resist!  I'd already have that out the box and sewing something!
I'm sure the more knowledgeable peeps will be along to comment on your threads and stabilisers, I've mainly used washaway stabilisers on fleece up to now.  I believe it's a case of using the correct type ratter than the brand, but as I said, I don't know a lot, I just bodge it and ...  :P
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Stitches on October 10, 2017, 11:56:51 AM
I use Marathon 100% Viscose Rayon and find them good have lots of fun when you open your box up .
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on October 10, 2017, 12:12:16 PM




The box of threads that came with Elvis are Marathon 100% Viscose Rayon ... Any good??
and there are two rolls of stabiliser, one seems a pretty normal standard stuff (exactly the width of the largest hoop)
and there is a roll that reminds me of the sticky back plastic I used on my exercise books at school.
Its called Neschen ????


The Software it comes with is the Brother PE Plus, which (I understand) is the full package!!! Woo Hooo!


Marathon Rayon 40s threads - just fine, good to start with



About which stabiliser for which fabric - This fabric/stabiliser guide (http://www.emblibrary.com/el/elprojects/holder.aspx?page=PR1153) is a really good place to start
Emblibrary.com has lots of short video tutorials (http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProjects/videos.aspx?productid=EV0006) about how to - they're worth watching.


Neschen sticky plastic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze6jz7QjZqI) - not sure what use it has for embroidery.
I wouldn't consider using it as a sticky back stabiliser.



Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 10, 2017, 12:33:11 PM
No Morgan, its not sticky back plastic (at least I don't think it is) it just looks like the rolls we used to have...
With a grid on one side (which looks like it peels off) and the the other side feeling like fabric/stabiliser ??!!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Jo on October 10, 2017, 12:37:43 PM
IMI!!!! How can you resist? I'd be dying. But then again...I've had my machine for two months and only embroidered one design  :[
I hope you'll be happy with it :)
The stabilizer sounds like Vilene Filmoplast (which it probably is) - https://www.empressmills.co.uk/shop/vilene-range/embroidery-vilene/filmoplast/
Morgan, quick question about thread: I have poly thread and my machine has auto tensioning, and it seems to tension properly. In this case...is it worth investing in Rayon thread as well? What would the difference be?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 10, 2017, 12:43:24 PM
Quick Question from me too....

Obviously the lady that had this (young mum of 3 in her early 30's methinks) used some of the threads so they are open, and when we took them out of the car yesterday (was it only yesterday?) the lid of the box came off and some of the threads fell out and began unspooling (into a bag) and I spent a good quarter of an hour getting them all tidy and back in the box ...

How do you keep the threads tidy after they have been opened???
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 10, 2017, 12:53:58 PM
I get thread nets and cut them to she size of the spool.  Bit of a faff, but keeps them tidy, otherwise they do just unravel.  I made storage boxes from a plastic box, a hot glue gun and golf tees - works brilliantly.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on October 10, 2017, 13:01:21 PM
Wot Bodge said.  These. (https://jaycotts.co.uk/products/thread-nets#.Wdy2K9FrzIU)  I have occasionally needed to use them on the spool whilst embroidering, but not usually.  I got some free with my machine and it took me ages to figure out what they were for.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on October 10, 2017, 13:13:50 PM
Morgan, quick question about thread: I have poly thread and my machine has auto tensioning, and it seems to tension properly. In this case...is it worth investing in Rayon thread as well? What would the difference be?


I use either Rayon or Polyester depending on the project.

Rayon is softer and not as 'springy' as polyester so ideal for clothing especially children's wear.  Polyester has a harder feel, harder wearing and more colourfast than rayon but can melt if your iron is too hot.  Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DfvoZIQGwI)
I never use polyester for lace (the finish is too harsh) and use either Rayon or a fine 60s cotton
(Tip: Remember it's the eye of an embroidery needle that usually wears out before the point.  Polyester thread will wear the needle eye more and quicker than rayon.  Whilst you can use a polyester or a metallic in a needle that's been used to stitch rayon, don't use a needle that's been used to stitch polyester (or metallics) for anything else.)


The difference between the threads http://cn.madeira.de/index.php?id=1600 (http://cn.madeira.de/index.php?id=1600).
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4574/choosing-machine-embroidery-threads/page/all (http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4574/choosing-machine-embroidery-threads/page/all)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on October 10, 2017, 13:17:27 PM
No Morgan, its not sticky back plastic (at least I don't think it is) it just looks like the rolls we used to have...
With a grid on one side (which looks like it peels off) and the the other side feeling like fabric/stabiliser ??!!

Re stickyback stabiliser - plenty of info and tutorials re how to hoop and use it - cutting a window etc. 
Keep it in reserve and use only when you have to for tricky little projects like embroidering a motif on something tricky and stretchy like a babygrow.
See page 7 here (https://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/6245/bernina_justembroiderit_ebook_stabilizers.pdf)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 10, 2017, 13:21:52 PM
Thx for that Morgan.

The lady said she had embroidered on soft blankys so that's probably what she used it for!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ohsewsimple on October 10, 2017, 14:00:30 PM
Marathon are lovely threads.  I mix and match any I have no problem.
I stopped using that sticky stabiliser some years ago as it can make the needle sticky and lead to shredded thread.  Something to keep in mind. I now use Floriani one which you dampen to stick fabric to.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 12, 2017, 13:08:56 PM
Well I'm fairly Peeped off, I can tell you!

Been searching the web for any decent tutorials on how to get started!

Not how to thread it ... I'm fairly confident I can thread a machine by now, but how to go through the process of selecting designs and the permutations for chosen design.

Brother has a couple of YT vids that are just advertising the machine ...bigger hoop, start stop, needle up or down etc ... no tutorial as such and there is precious little else, that I can find, out there!

I've even tried Craftsy ... (Whats happened to Craftsy??? Seems expensive at the mo) they have some Machine embroidery online classes but is there one for the complete beginner??

I need something that takes you ...fairly quickly, through the ... here is your machine, thread, hoop, to the here is your design, these icons mean this and you can alter this, that and the other, here's how to do this, here's how to do that ... sort of thing.

Imself has just come in from the garden, surprised that I haven't knocked out a couple of Tshirts for him yet!!!

Harrumph!!!

Maybe I should just go and play .....  :devil:
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on October 12, 2017, 13:43:16 PM
Okay lets get you started -


My approach tends to be to play and discover, but it can be useful to watch some video tutorials beforehand if only to give you the confidence to try things out.


A set of video tutorial/demos for absolute beginners getting started.
Although they are made for Husqvarna, 95% of the content applies to any domestic embroidery set up.
The videos take you through everything in a very straight forward non-technical manner.
Jump to Videos 5 Hooping and 6 Embroidering to have a quick try out.

Set of absolute beginner video tutorial/demos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_uhV8DiyXI&list=PL1NsUQZM2ap3Neo4FWuvNLeFaw260Dx6m&index=1)


and for getting started with the 750E - this (silent) video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F22kpYAwK0) is a demo that takes you through step by step
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Elnnina on October 12, 2017, 16:05:51 PM
Oh have you opened the box yet Imi, looking forward to hearing all your exploits with this wonderful new machine.  I well remember on getting mine back home as soon as it was plugged in there was this high pitched whine, I wondered what on earth had I done as it was not like this before.  So switched it off and on again and it still had this dreadful noise.  The bobbin winder mechanism had been knocked into position and this was what was causing the whine – apparently it has happened before, glad the answer was so simple.  Then one day I found a strange piece of very delicate metal on the floor near my feet, I call this filigree metal as it has parts cut away and it shivers in the hand.  It was so lucky that I had not run my chair over this, but was puzzled as to where it had come from and this actually lies in the bottom of my bobbin case, so now I am always extremely careful when removing the bobbin case from my machine.  Of course there is nothing about these sorts of things in the instruction manual.

Oh how helpful Morgan has been – and yes thank you Morgan from me too, as I am still in awe of my machine, and I too will go looking at the link you have put up on getting started.  I am very aware that there is an awful lot that can go wrong with these fabulous embroidery machines, so there is no harm in just slowing down and trying to go through the instructions slowly and methodically.

You should see the trouble I get in with my buttonholes, I just loved the thought of stitching repeat buttonholes over and over again with each one identical to the first, but that did not happen to me, instead I got all sorts of odd looking buttonholes, the first bead would stitch fine, but the second bead  would not sometimes only going halfway down, others overshooting the top altogether, I was almost pulling my hair out with frustration – then I was told by a Machine Dealer that it was possible that my sensor in the machine was a bit dusty with debris thrown up from stitching – and yes it was as simple as that.  So nowadays I still start off with a couple of trial buttonholes to make sure that I have closed the stitch length up enough to cover the cord I use  (corded buttonholes) and then I also make sure that I have dusted over the two lots of sensors – one on the side of the foot and one up in the machine near the needle (this is a Bernina combined sewing and embroidery machine).  Just simple little things but what a difference this makes.

So go and have lots of fun exploring your new toy and all its extras, will be following your adventures and shall look forward to seeing what you are embroidering.  You never know you might well inspire me to delve more into my own machine.

What got me interested in a machine that could sew and embroider was seeing an article in a back copy of Sewing World, and this was the most delicious rose buds – so delicate and looking just like a rosebud would look in real life.  Now just a few weeks ago I was notified that Sue Box embroideries from Australia was offering a fantastic discount on her  Golden Classic Collection disc, and of course on this was this gorgeous rosebud, so this was a very late birthday present (last January) from my husband. So I do urge you to go looking at her website  suebox.com  and as I mentioned the other day you can get these designs in many different formats, just make sure you specify what format your machine will take.  The actual CD came airmail  just as it was in a special airmail postpak – no paperwork at all included and NO CUSTOMS DUTY AT ALL, however Peter Cheney who is the Managing Director for Sue Box asked if I wanted the paperwork etc. sent as a PDF, and this is how it came.  So whilst I have not even tried stitching anything from this, I must say I am very impressed as to how this company works, and I certainly will look into buying more designs from them in due course.

I had for Christmas last year a book that took my fancy and is by Elizabeth Keegan called The Complete Machine Embroidery Manual published by Search Press – I bought this from Book Depository and it was under the £12.99 quoted on the back cover, so perhaps something else for you to put on your ‘Wish List’.

Have a wonderful time getting to know the ins and outs of your new machine, I am sure Mr. Imi will be delighted to help you out should you get stuck, you never know he will be the best dressed Coastal Skipper proudly wearing all those T shirts that can be embroidered for him.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 12, 2017, 16:08:54 PM
Thank you Morgan, I'll have a lookieloo...

In the meantime, Elvis is out of the box!!!!!

I have played very briefly with the software and constructed two 'designs'

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3R49FFrMyrp0koew39GdmlgiF77rCQNXQqdviPZR0K9fBlmV-i9t32TJgibDP9XZWesEi-T5QiEhJdmDG434Z70rNziqhdMYZSRHBAMUrcuedobkBB3MOgShDRLSGfq3xbBCbet_hv3o7KCLcK2MFr0FEFJMx3mKRx1iJs53H_66F0adFTypmzAuI7wIh99PJsH31T9WHSkKJSu3nNSGd3ospFz0gv-7QDeZ8MULZ9sZn325c-2-o9GhBrbAxP06v-eb7A1lm-Ykg5Dt8kv9pdTCMd7pk_xbUMynug6X3nVQ2peHq88F73A9OWdnu-_kZ2UF0pmQOGoDspgmSgY9YOSCxqyX2ln853eTBuswvvANaQJ_QInCINOsUkASbqqL1dL5ozKjoPCNXkUoyFnWk20dI6Ve3Yt49vdtgO1MwtMHjFIBIM2izWeEJfBfWhSU9Lqd2o0FHwhd_5LjSI5AHPYtr5OA0wOriQuMYx2e136gou7lFq7fgaKJbk5GH5FmBu62-_-KzoBz3p4wtNS100AJymzg3dHeK6RnCafQ7NoYPZ1V6K4wBsa2AtzpZGRqNm_oT4YK5G7YzQw6oylYlaHJZ2YUSxFnxOVjSs4As_qSYkyJNJB_q9GKCDSc9eDvNczl21ZLIs2mEa2ZCpuF79lznO9JcQ=w589-h788-no)

Hubby saw the first one and went past mumbling something along the lines of ..... maybe it would be wise to try a simple one colour design first just to get an idea of the thing' ...... so I saved it and went back to the thousand of files on the disk that came with Elvis and started another.

When I had finished this time around he was in the garden, playing with his tender (OOOH NO! Missus, that isn't an euphemism !!) so I crept upstairs, fished out some gash from my stash, hooped up, up and away.......

Lessons learned ... Don't even think of moving your hand near the embroidery card slot; it will dislodge, the machine will stop and when you re-insert the card and re-enter the design, it will assume you want to start from the beginning ..... Steep learning curve and much riffling of pages later and I have the needle back to the approximate position it stopped in ...not perfect but near enough.

There are a couple of puckers; this was either because I hadn't hooped the fabric tightly enough or because I had squished the design in a bit, and the stitching was too dense in those areas ... Who knows ?? but overall its not too bad for a first time stitch, methinks!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0RPABWuh6Qa81_3-Q7b5u576hGBvDg_UhraQct-EgtFj0KO9tfa6Dtm6SFzYxlCsfbUtbrtERzvrXGntVLFn_DiHCb9clvSBXQzp0pWyP4sffmxxhtjZlNhKHFfN3iTN8EozObxJa5vuOFhPp6S9s3gWrNZ9vw6fflVcu-pw8AMXV8TjIXTud_QHCB5TZ5zJgN0-UtXhmngR2YbNm0I6y3rBJjJ5OZXdjycpHFVPOC9uXd54QtSEM3K-qZvMFUCjGm5QO0lxTqNoxyf7T0HpD4TYLFIBu64wWtcwsd9Du7deF9ibjIdWjhfYiY8oVLNio_jKWt3OwuCWlapBON3-4ise2AL7SbksfGIQszZdAFTPP9n6NHZIYRiFCgruF-PCU-s70TkUneUr28MNZze3N9vpUA0RWmcW7RUGM1l8Hf7aeLxFzDmdd3IaJP-LLQXWQiOvBwRrg_czTyGcySbk9FUgsHMW8m4oVP-pRWA-MYuT0u_L9J7I2eGsLEp5Nju9NJMb2VtPzTqdmTeRCoSd8XxCyk_J8pCRvLX8RC-9lf-5xa3LUTWQ71V4cG1UMcw2-O_6kBUI-cYri0cc8oe3NQ0IrMqrZ3M2I8_Kr-UGZZL-O0JEvyrjc5sQt9y3lIXDQdKs7KAi0dC6iRqzt2h75f-ntpJSEQ=w1055-h788-no)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: MrIminei on October 12, 2017, 16:25:07 PM
he will be the best dressed Coastal Skipper proudly wearing all those T shirts that can be embroidered for him.

Drat, double drat & treble drat. My dastardly plan has been discovered  :devil:
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Vegegrow on October 12, 2017, 16:53:30 PM
No Pics Imi.....
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ploshkin on October 12, 2017, 17:04:38 PM
No pics here either
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 12, 2017, 18:00:24 PM
Sorted ???
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 12, 2017, 18:14:26 PM
Sorted ???

No, no pics.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ploshkin on October 12, 2017, 18:30:39 PM
I can see them now.  Impressive for a first attempt, well done, there's no stopping you now.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 12, 2017, 18:34:14 PM
Now I see them.  :D

You did those on your first day, Imi?? They are wonderful and what neat stitching!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 12, 2017, 18:58:37 PM
Excellent!!  Watch out for your underpants Mr Imi - they will get embroidered too  :S
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Morgan on October 12, 2017, 20:24:03 PM
Lift Off - yaay.

good that you noticed the puckering was probably due to poor hooping.
Hooping is so important and even more so with larger hoops.

Please, please, please do not be tempted to pack machine embroidery hoops as you might ordinary wooden hoops.  It doesn't improve the grip and in fact will make a slippage issue worse, especially with rectangular hoops. 

Please, please, please do not be tempted to tighten the hoops too tight.  They should be lightly finger tight only.  If you tighten the screw too much the sides begin to bow (even if you can't see it) and slippage starts. 

To minimise slippage issues on large hoops, rather than packing, wrapping or over tightening - try clamps.  Some hoops come with supplementary magnetic clips (eg. Janome) but if not clips like these can work
[size=78%]https://www.barnyarns.co.uk/wonderful-sewing-clips-strong-big-clips-bulk-60-blue-big-clips.html (https://www.barnyarns.co.uk/wonderful-sewing-clips-strong-big-clips-bulk-60-blue-big-clips.html)[/size]
these are the ones for Husqvarna large hoops. https://www.colessewingcentre.co.uk/mega-hoop-clips-code-4130702-03-108-p.asp (https://www.colessewingcentre.co.uk/mega-hoop-clips-code-4130702-03-108-p.asp)



On the other hand, it is well worth using Wondertape on the underneath edges of the inner hoop.  I use the Wondertape method on all my hoops.  It lasts for lots of hoopings and it's easy to clean off.
See here http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProjects/Projects.aspx?productid=pr1138 (http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProjects/Projects.aspx?productid=pr1138)

Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sakar on October 13, 2017, 07:21:29 AM
Oh my god, Imi!!!!!  0_0

At FoQ we had talked about an embroidery machine and now?? It's already at home! :D Congratulations to this thrilling gift you got!!!!!  <3 :sew: 0_0 And many thanks to your wonderful husband, with his "dastardly" and "egotistic" plans.  :devil:

Your first try with Elvis shows great results and I am quite sure that from now on we will see perfect embroidered stuff from you!! :D

Have a lot of fun with Elvis and again: Congratulations!!!  :toast:
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on October 13, 2017, 08:57:18 AM
Bravo!  Great result!!

I told Mr Acorn to put little red stickers on anything he didn't want to be embroidered... haven't seen any yet though, so I guess it's all up for grabs.   :devil:
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 13, 2017, 09:05:32 AM
May I just announce that Mr Im couldn't sleep last night and tho' I didn't actually hear Elvis whirring away (actually whirring is being kind, he's very noisy, I expect due to being stood on a wooden desk) he sure was playing away with the software and is at this very moment proudly showing me his design for next seasons (!!!) polo shirts for his boat!!!!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 13, 2017, 09:33:37 AM
Oh, Imi, you do make me laugh  :D! I think it's very sweet that Mr. Im takes such an interest in your hobby and is clearly enjoying himself!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sakar on October 13, 2017, 10:36:26 AM
....  he sure was playing away with the software and is at this very moment proudly showing me his design for next seasons (!!!) polo shirts for his boat!!!!

His plans were discovered...  :P
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 13, 2017, 10:59:36 AM
Right then... today I am going to make my very first machine cover.

The placcy cover Brother so generously (not) supplied for a machine that cost almost £1000 when new is hideous, cheap and doesn't even fit and Elvis deserves better!

Himself is away to his boat, taking his tender with him, you will be relieved to know ladies, so I only have myself to please...Off to look up how to make embroidery machine covers ....
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Ploshkin on October 13, 2017, 12:11:51 PM
Iminei, why Elvis?  Was it just random or is there a back story?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 13, 2017, 12:21:42 PM
Iminei, why Elvis?  Was it just random or is there a back story?
Just what I was wondering too...

Here's today's test stitch hot off my machine - I'm looking for subtle... that brown may be too light...
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 13, 2017, 13:05:04 PM
Just what I was wondering too...

Here's today's test stitch hot off my machine - I'm looking for subtle... that brown may be too light...

That's lovely!!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Vegegrow on October 13, 2017, 13:08:14 PM
Elvis is in the building!

Specifically the newly tidied sewing/art/wardrobe/spare room


Could it be  Elvis because of this
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 13, 2017, 15:54:32 PM
Bingo Vege! Seems like he named himself!

Well I looked up machine cover making, I watched the tuts, measured and marked and set off making a toile ...

How do you sew a neat over the shoulder seam? How does it all measure up so you don't get loads of fabric over at one end and none the other??How do you even press an over the shoulder seam????? AAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!!

Lets face it, I can't bloody sew! Everything I've ever attempted in the real sewing world has been an unmitigated disaster! I'm rubbish!! GAH!!!

I've packed everything away now and thrown all the fabric, sewn and unsewn, in the bin  :angry:
and I'm going to have a drink while I search for handmade embroidery machine covers on etsy uk!

If any of your girls are a whizz at making machine covers, and would like to make one for me ... for spondoolicks of course, please drop me a line.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Vegegrow on October 13, 2017, 17:04:12 PM
you pin edges and middle and even quarters  Imi and one of these is great for ironing curves
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Jo on October 15, 2017, 08:42:18 AM
Imi, first thing - make sure you match at the stitch line and not the seam allowance. Then, if one is bigger than the other you do what Vege said. I honestly don't understand how you can do amazing quilts and say you can't sew. It's really just a matter of practice :)
How about you post the parts you're having trouble with and we try to help you?
By the way, why do people use sewing machine covers? Asking because I've always loved to display mine, they're a conversation piece.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 15, 2017, 08:47:07 AM

By the way, why do people use sewing machine covers? Asking because I've always loved to display mine, they're a conversation piece.
To keep the dust off - there seems to be lots of it in my house, and not just at the moment while we're having building work done.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 15, 2017, 08:58:44 AM
I'm sorry but I was serious when I said I had binned it!!!

All of it, all the fabric, all the pieces in the proper bin too, with the  kitchen waste ... not just my thread catcher either!!!
A more sane and reasonable Imi would have saved it for embroidery practice or such, but this Im was a girl possessed :(

Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Snowgoose on October 15, 2017, 10:20:38 AM
Bingo Vege! Seems like he named himself!

Well I looked up machine cover making, I watched the tuts, measured and marked and set off making a toile ...

How do you sew a neat over the shoulder seam? How does it all measure up so you don't get loads of fabric over at one end and none the other??How do you even press an over the shoulder seam????? AAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!!

Lets face it, I can't bloody sew! Everything I've ever attempted in the real sewing world has been an unmitigated disaster! I'm rubbish!! GAH!!!

I've packed everything away now and thrown all the fabric, sewn and unsewn, in the bin  :angry:


If Lowena reads this, Imi, she'll be ticking you off!! 

You are the lady who used to sew beautiful waistcoats, WON the Japanese sewalong with a gorgeous kimono jacket and creates quilts I, for one, can only dream of making.

There is a tv ad currently running ' if at first you don't succeed, try, try again'...

Rescue your poor fabric, wash it and try again  :)  Or, donate to the charity shop, bins of offcuts and remnants are a joy for some, the only way to afford a mix of different fabrics  :)

Perfection is overrated, Elvis will love an Iminei-made cover far more than another because you made it for him  :D



Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewingsue on October 15, 2017, 10:48:44 AM
I'm sorry but I was serious when I said I had binned it!!!

All of it, all the fabric, all the pieces in the proper bin too, with the  kitchen waste ... not just my thread catcher either!!!
A more sane and reasonable Imi would have saved it for embroidery practice or such, but this Im was a girl possessed :(
Well I guess the next one of us who announces that she has binned some blocks that went wrong (yes, FPP blocks I'm talking about you) will get a free pass now  ;)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Elnnina on October 15, 2017, 12:53:37 PM
Hi Imi,  not having ever seen your Brother embroidery machine, I can only assume it is similar to other embroidery machines that have an add on embroidery unit, but yours is made all in one.

I have a suggestion for you.  You say that it came with a plastic cover which is rubbish, now was this cover one that covered all of the machine including the embroidery unit?  If so you have absolutely nothing to lose by copying this, you could cut it up very carefully to flatten this, stick labels on so you know which part is which, add a good seam allowance to the various pieces, but before doing this take a few photos of the plastic cover so you can compare when sewing your lovely new one together.  If you do  this why not make it up to start with in  calico or curtain lining fabric, see how it goes and then make a proper cover, possibly interface this with some interlining or wadding, and then use the first calico or lining as the lining – one neat and useful cover.  You could always make lots of squares that will fit the overall shape and embroider them, piece them together and then assemble as if you were making a quilt.  Have fun.

Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 16, 2017, 10:13:56 AM
Its a Plan Dan, but a non starter I'm afraid ...
When I say it doesn't fit I mean its like someone has included a marquee to put over Elvis ... It has no 'fit' what so ever !

Im loathe to cut it up as I might need it if I sell it!

Yes I am mightily peed off with the whole experience ... What was I thinking???

That I could embroider??? Tsk! GAH!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on October 16, 2017, 10:39:32 AM
Yes you can.

What's the problem (apart from Elvis needing a rather snugger jumpsuit)?
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Elnnina on October 16, 2017, 16:52:56 PM
Hi Imi,  Oh I am so sorry that you are having some problems with Elvis, as I know you were so looking forward to playing with this new machine.  Please don’t go giving up, I am sure there is someone else on TSP that has this same machine that will come along soon and be able to help you/talk you through.  (Remember I said I am in awe of my own Bernina Artista).

Now I have just got out my cover for the machine plus the embroidery accessory cover, and as my machine is not a purpose built stand alone embroidery machine, my cover is in fact different from yours.  Bernina supplied a very smart sturdy red fabric but it is not fabric as we know it, more like some form of canvas but it is not canvas, and whilst mine has been folded up and put away in its trolley suitcase system, I am pretty sure without the creases from the folding that this would stand up on its own.  It has been beautifully made and edged in black, the part that goes over the machine has piping on it plus  pockets, and because I have a separate embroidery unit Bernina cleverly had a section of the machine cover that unzipped and that piece comes off and you can then zip on the embroidery cover.

I am going to keep this out and when I see Twopence on Thursday (we go to hydrotherapy together in my village) I will show this to her as I am not sure if she has the same with her new Bernina or not, and perhaps between us we can make a pattern  for you to be able to follow.  If this works, whilst it may not be the same size for your particular machine perhaps it would be easier to adjust.

I know in amongst my huge collection of sewing related books there are a few with instructions on making a basic machine cover, and I believe Twopence has actually made one, she is not at home at the moment so I cannot ask her.

However to give you a boost, following your exploits with Elvis, you are making me want to get my machine up on the cabinet and have a play, so that is very good. But I do know exactly how you must be feeling, it is so daunting seeing these elaborate machines, trying to follow exactly what you have to do, press the right buttons, it is almost as though we need someone to be sitting alongside us telling us what to do, and of course that can rarely happen.

When I first got my machine I combed the internet looking for Bernina  books  - apparently Bernina USA have produced quite a few that are not available over here, so I indulged and had a selection sent over from the USA.  Now I wonder whether Brother have done the same sort of thing, have they produced any embroidery books taking you step by step through the process that might help you.

Like yours my machine was not brand new, it had been taken in part exchange for the new whopping big Bernina 830 machine,  however the dealer had not sold this machine on to anyone and then decided to retire selling off a lot of the contents of his shop.  His mechanic however was going to keep the shop’s name but found he had to move to different premises and a different part of the town that was cheaper, and he only deals in servicing machines and selling machines/overlockers.  So I was really lucky in getting my Artista at a sensible price, and I did have several hours tuition by a lady that worked in the existing shop and she certainly knew her way around the machine.  At a push I could always make contact with her and go back for more lessons, but as I am not driving these days due partly to my balance problem I don’t think my husband would be too delighted having to occupy himself in a different area whilst I am playing machines, and it is really too far to take me and come back home and then come back to collect me.  So I must really get down to getting to grips with this machine for myself.

Having indulged in a CD of Sue Box’s rose designs, it is my intention to embroider some collars and cuffs with tiny rosebuds on some blouses I intend to make, and I also like the idea of perhaps embroidering something delicate down the front of the blouse between the buttonholes.  As  you know Imi, I am still trying to decide whether to indulge in yet another of Sue Box’s designs as she has a special half price offer on at the moment and  this time it is a CD of Christmas designs.  Oh decisions, decisions.  There are some lovely borders to be found on the Christmas CD.

Give yourself a little break from Elvis, and perhaps in a day or so you will be ready to go back and have a little play on the machine perhaps embroider something following the instruction book with a built in design rather than one from another source.  Your first attempt of the sailing boat with the wording of Isabella looked lovely, so don’t go giving up.

Twopence has just rung me and yes will came back to have lunch with me on Thursday and we will try and construct a pattern from my cover – will be a fun thing to try and do, so watch this space.  I will also charge my camera up and take some photos of the cover with the embroidery cover zipped in place, and will then ask Twopence if she can show me how to download the photos onto my laptop and then attach to TSP - I will be on a learning curve!!!!!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Elnnina on October 16, 2017, 20:16:54 PM
Hi Imi, can you possibly give me some measurements of your Elvis Machine, so length, width and height of the machine part and the  length, width and height  of the embroidery part.

In the photo you put up of Elvis on the desk, it looks like a big machine, so if Twopence and I are going to try and make a pattern from my cover, we might just as well make the pattern to your machine’s measurements.

Oh I do like a challenge.  Years ago Twopence and I were prolific machine knitters, and when others said something could not be done knitting wise, we liked proving them wrong!  Okay I have the advantage of having this lovely Bernina cover sitting here on my cabinet so I have a head start over Twopence as her machine does not have this cover, and I think we can come up with a pattern for you tailored to your machine’s personal measurements.

You never know once Twopence has seen my cover, I am sure she will want one for her new machine and embroidery unit.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 20, 2017, 16:13:16 PM
Woo Hoo ... Craftsy are having a sale and two classes have dropped into my cart ...

20 things every machine embroiderer should know  by Lindee Goodall
and
Digitizing machine embroidery designs by Cookie Gaynor

I will crack this !!! Elvis will sing again!

I hope they're good .. Does anybody know???
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: sewmuchmore on October 20, 2017, 18:34:12 PM

How do you keep the threads tidy after they have been opened???

Firstly apologies i am a bit late to this party so you may now have sorted out all your problems. With regards keeping thread tidy i have these on my wall and the threads are kept tidy because i use Brother threads and they have a little clip in the top of the spool that you can anchor your thread in.
spoolstand (https://www.amazon.co.uk/ULTNICE-Thread-Holder-Organizer-Foldable/dp/B0755CTQRX/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1508520318&sr=8-8&keywords=sewing+machine+thread+spool+stand)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Acorn on October 20, 2017, 22:52:04 PM
Yes - I have a couple of those on my wall, and they are brilliant.  They look good, too - rainbows of colour!

They do currently have lots and lots of threads hanging down from my initial batch of simthreads - which are not bad, better than a lot - but I am changing to Gutermann now - which are really lovely - and Gutermann reels have grooves to hold the thread.  I think they might be worth it just for that, never mind the fact that they seldom shred or break, have a much nicer texture and come in a much subtler range of colours.

Oh - and they don't require the tension on my machine to be turned down to 0.2!
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 21, 2017, 08:22:35 AM
Imself made me one of those funky stands for Christmas 2013 ... from scratch!!

It was such a wonderful surprise as I had only just discovered they existed a week or so before the big day and they seemed to exist only in America (at that time) so even allowing for sudden flash of inspiration on Imselfs part, I knew I wouldn't be getting one of those due to shipping times ... but I did and made to measure at that!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lmgDaupNYFh-9PKrMCQA69UNnHLdIrCpX7gj3Qxlu1cXo21m0RuZA_J-uocX01jG4g__vppxj1EamA57aGw-iCbm4YMGLU4ZZePgmdhgKN8WkpEikOJBhcH2BKQpbmvitEyZY_tKdHQalRevEWJQMlAgpEa7a3SeTeJANhPa4-eVa1QGli2I_ij3wakfKzWWmhR8pRtgFFcCTaVVq_2BcvccwTTXxKXdyCXQCoqayAEB4qagjunS8U2BSIu4Q6ONeJxK1Mobtb5gyUq7_iBBrd83CzHbaWej5kLQz4PWeg_3W3nrQnOvjH0yrvl4pan1Ho3bmmH1S-bjIT-BLU4zSyeblyWystDkbg17jn8Z186ecXkc42we0-Udita08uB1n4dHYZwH_TfuRIbvSG4mxVPpqOB3r4EtIrUw7NaEVj_i124EmA7EIpWNmGd3WR-EuiGKoK9UPDgCnRYN_Wq07F3yLqM3kp-XX_gi63f0yJVORXb0GlsXChYeJIgP9y--xJG_trBPSrurCXwtkpFWLI9LR6mdvB_5xeEqiwO1Im-BODFolIg8H78PuGanZRJU05QdorhW3cUo2gVEh3E0SVR4hKEMCEyVm78=w1075-h788-no)
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: b15erk on October 21, 2017, 11:23:41 AM
I bought a huge box of embroidery thread from the charity shop last year (or the year before  :S), and most had strips of sellotape anchoring the loose ends.  If you value your machine, don't do this! It leaves a sticky residue, which needs to be unwound before using, or it will gum up your needle.

I found that loom bands (those tiny, coloured elastics children play with), are perfect for keeping things tidy.

Jessie
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Kad on October 21, 2017, 11:38:29 AM
Iminei, I don't wish to upset you in any way, but when I got my Janome 300e several years ago now, it came with 50/60 Robison Anton rayon embroidery threads and a storage rack thing much like the one  made by Imself as a wonderful surprise for you. I arranged my lovely threads  prettily and kept it on a shelf in full sight....

Please don't store your embroidery threads long term on this rack, it's fine for organising them for immediate use in an embroidery but they are sensitive to light and moisture and are better stored long term in something like a  clear plastic clip-top box  - ask me how I discovered this for myself!

Enjoy Elvis and remember that you will learn something new from every unsatisfactory result.  <3
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 21, 2017, 12:49:13 PM
Imself made me one of those funky stands for Christmas 2013 ... from scratch!!

It was such a wonderful surprise as I had only just discovered they existed a week or so before the big day and they seemed to exist only in America (at that time) so even allowing for sudden flash of inspiration on Imselfs part, I knew I wouldn't be getting one of those due to shipping times ... but I did and made to measure at that!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lmgDaupNYFh-9PKrMCQA69UNnHLdIrCpX7gj3Qxlu1cXo21m0RuZA_J-uocX01jG4g__vppxj1EamA57aGw-iCbm4YMGLU4ZZePgmdhgKN8WkpEikOJBhcH2BKQpbmvitEyZY_tKdHQalRevEWJQMlAgpEa7a3SeTeJANhPa4-eVa1QGli2I_ij3wakfKzWWmhR8pRtgFFcCTaVVq_2BcvccwTTXxKXdyCXQCoqayAEB4qagjunS8U2BSIu4Q6ONeJxK1Mobtb5gyUq7_iBBrd83CzHbaWej5kLQz4PWeg_3W3nrQnOvjH0yrvl4pan1Ho3bmmH1S-bjIT-BLU4zSyeblyWystDkbg17jn8Z186ecXkc42we0-Udita08uB1n4dHYZwH_TfuRIbvSG4mxVPpqOB3r4EtIrUw7NaEVj_i124EmA7EIpWNmGd3WR-EuiGKoK9UPDgCnRYN_Wq07F3yLqM3kp-XX_gi63f0yJVORXb0GlsXChYeJIgP9y--xJG_trBPSrurCXwtkpFWLI9LR6mdvB_5xeEqiwO1Im-BODFolIg8H78PuGanZRJU05QdorhW3cUo2gVEh3E0SVR4hKEMCEyVm78=w1075-h788-no)

How lovely!!! Both kitty and the sewing thread stand! What a lovely hubby to be so sewing-considerate  :D
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on October 21, 2017, 13:48:09 PM
What I don't understand is how you've got empty spaces on that rack, Imi??
And I'd echo Kad in saying that embroidery threads should be kept out of the light.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewbee on October 21, 2017, 13:57:40 PM
What I don't understand is how you've got empty spaces on that rack, Imi??
And I'd echo Kad in saying that embroidery threads should be kept out of the light.

Yes. Definitely keep them out of the light. I brought all my threads from America where they were kept in a covered plastic box and some must be over 10 years old or more. They are still strong and of good colour.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Gernella on October 23, 2017, 15:27:11 PM
I'm a bit late to this party but it reminded me of this:

 http://goodbyevalentino.com

She's managed to get herself a job as a Pfaff ambassador and so far I think she had her mits on two big embroidery machines for test driving and using designs on her clothes.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Sewingsue on October 23, 2017, 17:55:20 PM
I'm a bit late to this party but it reminded me of this:

 http://goodbyevalentino.com

She's managed to get herself a job as a Pfaff ambassador and so far I think she had her mits on two big embroidery machines for test driving and using designs on her clothes.
I have never had any desire to get involved with embroidery machines, but I love that scrollwork on the trousers.
Title: Re: Pros and cons please ... Embroidery machine in the offing!!
Post by: Iminei on October 24, 2017, 08:55:40 AM
Hahaha the pic was taken about an hour after unwrapping on Christmas Day!

I’ve since bought the lucky dip bag of threads from eBay and have scarcely had to buy regular sewing threads since. My threads live in a large round wicker basket (regular threads), a smaller round wicker basket ( metallics) and of course a really useful storage box (variegated and quilting threads)