No comments from me re those machines. I have Brother ULT 2002 and 2003...BIG screen!, many editing features on board, & they are comb. machines. I LOVE LOVE LOVE! them. I would not change except for the new Quattro. No, it won't do much more than mine--the only convenience is hook-up to computer!

I love Brother machines- used to work for them many years ago when they were Jones..much simpler then lol. The Brother dealer is two hours away from us, a different store from my local guy, who is great on customer service.But thanks anyway!!

I have the singer furtura worked great on my windows computer now that I have windows 7 its doesnt work. Can anyone help me on this. I tried the website but still doesnt work. Do I have to buy the download ? Blossom

I found this site just in case u haven't yet. It takes u to the Windows 7 patch. http://www.fixya.com/support/t379543...laptop_windows. If this is not your machine--Google Singer Futura with WIN 7..and you will get some info.

I have only had Brother emb. machines so I have no
experience with any other models.

Get the largest hoop you can afford. If you don't want to do larger embroidery now you will later. I know you said that you don't need a sewing machine that will sew also as you have that capability, but I thought that embroidery only machines were much more expensive than embroidery/sewing machines. However, I personally would love to be able to get an embroidery only machine even if it were only a 6 thread machine. Embroidering seems to be like eating potato chips. Once you start, you can't stop! LOL. Do get the biggest hoop you can afford. Those little designs do not look in proporation on a lot of things and your creativity is severely limited. It's like buying a car that only drives in reverse. Hard to g et where you want to go.

OH right..well the Husqvarna has the biggest hoop included (10" x 6")and Auto Punch software.The Janome has their large hoop 6" x 10" but has a giga hoop that is around 10" I think. I love hand embroidery but my hands are not as quick these days lol would be fascinating to have an embroidery machine I think and also an obssession!!I love my quilting but I am running out of space in my sewing room. I love your analogy of the car- it makes perfect sense when you put it like that x

Dear IrishPhoenix,

I one a brother and janome and both are easy add on to as well as great workhorses but no nothing about Vikings sorry:( good Luck tho Embroidery is definately addicting :)

To irishphoenix; I have 3 Vikings and love them; two of them are embroidery machines. I agree with those saying get the largest hoops that you can afford. I've had my Ruby for a yr now and just this weekend was the first time I've ever used the 4x4 hoop that most have and I've only used the 5x7 a couple of times. This is escpecially true since you are wanting to add it to your quilting; you will need a larger hoop for this. Getting software with it is great; I've read on here from alot who have no software and it leaves them hanging not sure how to view thier designs or do anything else. I know that Viking has great classes too. I go every month and learn new things. I love the cutwork needles for the Viking too. I think Janomes are good; I only have one issue with my one is that it has an issue when it goes over seams like HST or butted up seams, I have to tug them along. Other than that its good. Having a machine that is multi function like doing sewing and embroidery is great because you always have a back up. None of my Vikings are picky on thread either and Ive never had to adjust the tension since I got my Ruby. Congratulations on having a kind husband to get you such a great gift and enjoy.

Happy Birthday!
What a wonderful B-Day gift. I have a Jamone 9700 sewing & embroidery.Like advise of having a backup sewing machine. I would check the following:
Get one with the largest loop you can afford.
Sew on each one to get the feel of each one.
Easiest to download from conputer to machine.

hi -thanks for that..yes nothing like trying them out- I wanted to get as much information about them before going in to see them this week! As I am really easily talked into thngs so wanted to get the facts straight in my head before going.Good point about connecting to the computer..for me, it has to be easy, I would rather not ahve too much of a steep learning curve to start with!

I prefer to connect to my computer by flash drive. Keeps me from having to have a seperate computer for the sewing room or to find room for a laptop close to my sewing machine. I just love flash drives!

I have a Viking and love it. But it's a matter of what works best for individual needs.

I own a Babylock Ellure Plus and don't know anything about the machines you mentioned. I do agree with Momo, what works best for your needs and the user-friendliness plus the price. I'm more than sure whatever you choose you will definitely get help with questions from some of us here on the board. Good luck and enjoy!

Ladies, I have a question for you that are following this thread, how do you use your embroidery machine? What projects do you use it for. I was asked that the other day by a lady in my quilt club....what are you going to use it for? I didn't really have an answer! lol

What DON'T I use it for, LOL!
I embroider on aprons - both ready made and homemade
On the veils that I design and sell
On pillows
On t-shirts
Love to make free standing lace Angels to send to friends who need a lift
On pillow cases
Making some free standing lace wedding favors for my son
Oh ... and it is the BEST for elaborate quilting designs.

Casi,

I use my embroidery machine for MANY things from making quilt labels,
designs on baby bibs, to FSL (free standing lace) such as book marks &
earrings/pendents, monogram items.

A couple weeks ago I spilled some iced tea on a white top I was wearing.
After getting home and pre-treating the stain, repeatedly even and washing
the top there is still a light "off" coloring. It's not a big spot but I KNOW it's
there so I am going to put an embroidery design over the spot to "hide" it.

Hardest part is deciding WHICH design I want to use. Since it is a top I
pretty much wear year round (as an "under" shirt with long sleeves in winter)
I want to do a design that can work for any time of year.

Do not worry about what "others" may think of how/what you use your embroidery
machine for. It's part of your sewing HOBBY just run with it and have fun.

The last thing I did was to help my 10 yr old GD embroider butterflies and flowers on a plain demin bookbag that her other grandmother had given her. Of course we did them in metallics! The next project is to embroider some design in white on a pair of summer white slacks that got some spots on a leg last time I wore them. White on white, and then I can keep on using them as basic white slacks in the ol' summer wardrobe. Still have placemats to finish for gifts. Got to hurry, they have Thanksgiving motifs. I use my machine mostly for gifts, but am in the process of making two quilts.

Thanks for the replies! I just knew that I wanted one but now that I have it...not sure what to do with it. I want to make quilt labels but I haven't figured out how to do it. I embroidered some designs on some onesies for a great neice to be and I think I can use it some in making purses which I like doing. I just wondered what else I could do!

Freebie Alert!!! Colorwork Art Deco Roosters and Days of the Week at http://www.juliasneedledesigns.com/ ONLY until the 16th

Oh goodness ... all over the place. I'll have to do a search. My favorite one is the Hanky Angel which I stitch over organza, but it takes a LONG time to stitch out. Here's a photo of one I tucked into a bouquet of flowers[ATTACH=CONFIG]362947[/ATTACH]

I have a Brother 4000D and a Bernina 630 and love them both.... What I don't love with Brother is they offer better designs to the USA than they do to Europe..... not Fair!

Hugs

Caroline

I'm just finishing up a two sided table runner; one side Fall the other is for Christmas.
Daughter's work t-shirts
Quilts and quilting for blocks
"Paper" dolls and clothes for them.
Scenic Picture set
Nativity Set
FSL, Christmas ornaments, baskets, bowls, etc
Coin purses w/zipper all done in the hoop
Christmas cards on cardstock
Towels
Bookmarks
Checkbook cover, organizer, eyeglass case

I have a Janome 11000. Hate the needle threader. Spend more time taking machine in to get needle threader fixed than I do using it. Usually just hand thread it anymore. Purchased Redwork Sunbonnets from a website and stitched them out. Really like designs but when design started doing the outline it was off by 1/16th to 1/8th at bottom of designs. Around bottom of dresses, bloomers, and shoes. I have a digitizer but design looks correct when look at it on digitizer screen. Don't know how to fix it. Contacted website about it but haven't heard anything back yet.
Seems like this is a frequent thing when ordering designs depending on the digitizer that was used by the designer.

I have a new BabyLock Ellageo..

QuiltNut, congratulations! I am a little envious of the large hoop and hope you love it. Many happy years of stitching to you!

Thank you Krystyna. As everything else its going to take some practice and getting used to but I'm excited about the large hoop. The owner threw in the 6x6 hoop as well as the 3 yr. gold warranty a $400 value, parts, labor and service. Its going to come in handy soon, for the holidays and some engagement & wedding favors that were asked of me (all lace). Wish me luck!

I got mine at Joannes and she told me it was XXX. I am not an expert on my machine..... I need to learn so much about it. I bought it in May and have used it to make 2 designs (came with machine) and 4 quilt labels. Those are the only things I have accomplished. Am looking forward to being able to use it more. Can't download other designs from the internet, am just experimenting a little with what came with machine. (it's just me - not my machine)

Congratulations! I have been looking at all the Baby Locks. If I am fortunate enough to get another machine, I believe it will be a baby lock!

Sophie2
I'm a big fan of Babylock, never had a problem with them and they're so user friendly.

User friendly is good :)

FYI AWESOME deal!!!
 

Hi everyone,

Just a little FYI for those of you who have do not or have not
been to Dollar Stitch they are having an AWESOME deal for
membership.

For the rest of this month (September) our yearly membership will be $15.99.

This is a fantastic deal, I have not seen ANY other embroidery sites
offer THIS good of a deal for an ANNUAL subscription.

If interested make sure you REGISTER then purchase the membership
afterwards.

Here is a link in case you want to get this deal DOLLAR STITCH.

I already have a membership that is good until next year.

Hi Louise,I moved from Littleton to Canon City in 2001,kids live in and around Denver...

[waving] HI Connie!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope to meet up with you someday when you up this way.

I have a Brother Duetta 4500D. So far I have only used it to embellish clothing - t's, shirts and jackets. Oh, and I made a bunch of volunteer badges in the hoop for our Guild members who work our local quilt show. I also have PE Design NEXT. I upgraded from 5.0. It's been 4 months now and I'm still having trouble with the program. Anyone have expertise with that program? The dealer promised me it is more user friendly than V5.0 but I'm not seeing it! I always start my designs in Corel Draw and transfer to PE Design. Just doesn't do well, heavy sigh.

Oh I envy you, I would love to have the Duetta, or the newer Quattro 2.
But both machine are WAY out of my budget.

Sorry I can't help you with the PE Design Next. I have the Floriani Suite Pro
digitizing software and I am still trying to learn how to use that myself.


Good luck with learning the software.

Depends on the model of the machine. I have the CE-150 & it's native is .FHE, but if yours came with software, then you can open many formats...I usually buy in the PES or DST format....and just save as FHE in my Futura files. The newer machines by Singer (F400, SES6000, etc. may have a different native format, but all can use the FHE or, as I mentioned before, you can open in the Futura software and save as the Native format for that machine).

Wanted to share my projects that I did at the last emb. class. These are 4 table toppers made with mylar

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364684[/ATTACH]