hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647 
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Post by hugs on Jul 29, 2014 23:51:01 GMT
I am a good little saver, so I have some money to finally FINALLY to buy an embroidery machine. I've done some research and think a Brother SE400 might be the best buy. But its tough to know for sure. Anyone here use one or knows someone who does? I'm not looking to spend more than $2000 (that sounds crazy! I used to spend less on a car  ) |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Jul 31, 2014 23:35:45 GMT
So you're gonna make me buy one all by myself?  |
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 31, 2014 23:51:00 GMT
My aunt sews and does embroidery work on a machine...she is a perfectionist and actually teaches classes. If she is home I will ask her..hang in there another day or so. I'll be in touch.
** just called and she is out teaching a class.
So I sent her a message via facebook...she will be in touch then I to you!!  |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Aug 1, 2014 11:35:11 GMT
Thanks. I went to JoAnn fabricsbut they only had a Singer Futura and nothing much to read about it and no one to answer questions. It was $1999 but I couldn't tell how the 30 stitches are translated to patterns. That's a big question. It does have nice large work areas and could be used for quilting so tats fantastic. Consumer reports says its a good machine but Brother might be better.
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Aug 1, 2014 12:37:51 GMT
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 1, 2014 14:55:49 GMT
OK...heard back from my aunt.
She sold her embroidery machine several years ago and doesn't have one now herself but has friends that do.
Her advice was Consumer Reports if new or used.
Absolutely get hands-on classes not just a guide book or you will be confused and not able to use the machine to full capabilities.
Get classes from the local store, library or clubs in your area...she said it made all the difference in her using her machine with ease. She tried without classes and struggled, once shown how it became simple and a joy to make things.
Seriously consider a used machine as what you look to spend is not going to get you many stitches she said if the top of the line brands are where you want to go.
Also today try to get the option that you can hook embroiderer to a laptop to upgrade the abilities of the machine.
She also said she found that the "language" of the machine is brand specific so you will have great difficulty getting say a Singer talking to a Brother or a Husqvarna to a Viking brand....
She told me she spent $1800 for her embroidery machine used 15 years ago. New, they are in the area of $7000 new for a really nice machine like she had with many features and options.
A larger bed for your project to lay on while the machine does its magic she also finds helpful.
She made mention that a quilting machine bed size would be fantastic on a embroidery machine but doesn't know if it is available like that anymore.
She told me of all places look at Walmart. They have some pretty decent machines to start out with and if you truly like it and get involved with more detailed work, then invest into some of those higher priced ones... I was surprised at what I found when i went looking...
www.walmart.com/search/?query=embroidery%20machine
OK... that was my message received and relayed...she said "Have Fun and Enjoy"...
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Valhallanite
Junior Member
Dutchess County, New York
Posts: 826
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Post by Valhallanite on Aug 1, 2014 21:30:40 GMT
Hi  , I have no experience with that. As far as operating the different machines, I would try youtube. I have found that so useful for so many instructional type things. Sometimes you get lucky and find a person that has step by step videos. It might help you decide which type of machine you want. Good luck! smileys-home-474322 |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Aug 7, 2014 19:37:32 GMT
I went to the store yesterday and man oh man are those machines awesome! I am going back today as I believe I've made my choice. Blew my budget all to heck but I figure since most of the money will be inheritance its a once in a lifetime opportunity, may as well make the most of it.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Aug 7, 2014 19:52:48 GMT
Good for you! Pictures when it's home please!
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Aug 8, 2014 12:03:34 GMT
I hate to say it, but I think I'll need lessons which they offer for FREE for as long as I own the machine! It was an $8000 machine but because I bought a floor model and there was a 10% off sale I got it for $4300, which is still a hunk of change, but I figure, I'll never have this much money again (savings and inheritance) so don't scrimp, I don't want to "wish" I had. Of course the first picture is of a horse  The thing is really a computer that sews, dozens of pages explaining the machine, what to do, I wish I could find the two pages of decorative stitches, like a border, I can't wait to embroider sheets and towels, I've been waiting for years because by hand, its just such a tedious thing.  There is a suitcase for the accessories; check out the size of the embroidery hoops! AWESOME!  You can combine designs, and arrange them, size them  Users manual on the machine  It cuts the bobbin and spool thread and it will remember where you were when you stopped sewing so you can choose to start from there or start something new  |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Aug 8, 2014 12:07:38 GMT
More colors than you can shake a stick at. I bought 7 spools; $6 each but they're huge  Button holes, just press a button and let it go. I'm sure other machines do that but not any I've owned, this is going to make things a LOT easier, it has a zipper-puter-oner too but who knows how that works. There are at least a half dozen presser feet, for pete' sake. And there are little tips on how to put in zippers, pin tucks and all sorts of stuff like that.  More pretty designs, I looked at the nature and flowers first of course, but there are a several categories, but I do have to go to work today LOL  |
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Aug 8, 2014 12:12:53 GMT
Wow! What a great machine. Looks complicated to me but I guess that's what the instructions are for! We expect to see pictures of your finished products.
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Post by lorddaxter on Aug 8, 2014 12:26:02 GMT
Can you load pictures in these things and use them atall?
Looks way too complicated to me, I would end up with some sort of crazy runaway machine situation!
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 8, 2014 15:09:02 GMT
Super machine.........
Classes sound like a great thing to learn all of what this very advanced machine can do and do so easily for you.
Zippers and button holes...what a blessing that will be to have a machine do all the fancy stuff around and even snip them open...
I always cut to large and cut through where you aren't supposed to!!...{sigh} 
I agree with pictures please once you get to play and discover some of what this can do..............
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Aug 8, 2014 17:09:02 GMT
You guys, I know! I am right there with you. I can't believe I own it free and clear. I've spent less on a car!
I had a dream last night that I was sewing and the tension was off and the thread got all balled up LOL. I have some sheets and dish towels to practice on at home. But until I do something. Without goofing it up too bad it just feels overwhelming and kind of like a dream.
Until I met Gerald my kids and Schoenie were the only bright spots in my life. Everything has always been work, work and more work but never getting ahead. But now I can't say that. I don't live in poverty any more and I can make choices about things I could only dream about. Its still so odd to me. Like I don't know who I am.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Aug 8, 2014 17:14:46 GMT
I know what you mean. My mom could squeeze more out a penny than anyone I knew and I must have inherited that trait as I have been a penny pincher all my life. It came in very handy while I was a single mother of a toddler and attending grad school. Now that I don't have to be so careful, it's like breaking a bad habit. I will mention something to my mom that I would like just in coversation and she tries to give me the money for it. I have to laugh and tell her I have plenty of money to buy it but I like hoarding my money. Paying for my cruise hurt like heck even though I could afford it.
Enjoy your machine. It's always good to have something to fall back on when you need some down time.
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Post by horselady on Aug 10, 2014 0:38:56 GMT
That looks like an amazing machine and what a gift to yourself. you deserve it. now you can go into business. selling custom items.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Aug 11, 2014 2:53:48 GMT
Oh please oh please I do NOT need another job  So  to that idea  I have wanted embroidered sheets for years and years. I've done hand embroidery and sold a denim skirt I made from a pair of jeans, remember those anyone? Anyway, its just so tedious, besides I was teaching myself crocheting this past year. But the opportunity arrived and I took it. If I regret the expense I'll just sew it away  So we know what gifts I'll be giving this year LOL |
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, I have no experience with that. As far as operating the different machines, I would try youtube. I have found that so useful for so many instructional type things. Sometimes you get lucky and find a person that has step by step videos. It might help you decide which type of machine you want.
So 
to that idea 
So we know what gifts I'll be giving this year LOL