Embroidery Machine?
 

I have resisted buying an embroidery machine because I doubt that I would use it enough to justify the extra expense of a dedicated machine. But yesterday I made the "mistake" of watching a show on embroidery on plain tees. It looked so neat and of course easy, according to the teacher. Now I'm thinking, maybe? Either talk me down or ideas of a not too expensive easy machine please! I'm not very good at figuring out complicated computer concepts. Thanks.

if you are not very good at figuring out complicated computer concept, I recommend you pass at this hobby. Computer interfacing is a big part of the fun of this activity.

If you use the preloaded designs, and follow the owner's manual, it's easier. One step at a time.....I'm on the learning curve too, and I've done a few quilt labels and a couple of small tote bags.

Yes a dedicated embroidery machine is great! (at first) You think of tons of things too embroider. If you get a "single needle" machine, after a while you get fed up with having to do several thread color changes. Then you want to do an embroidery but you don't have the right stabilizer, so that project either gets put on the shelf or goes without embroidery. Then you think "I will embroider my quilts" Yep, wonderful idea, but then you realize that after the embroidery is done, you don't like how the back side looks.

Please don't think I'm trying to rain on your parade. You just really need to give this A LOT of thought.

If you go with single needle machine, are you prepared for lots of thread color changes.
Do you have the extra space for everything, i.e. different stabilizers, extra thread, machine hoops, enough space for doing embroidery

My experience is When I first got my embroidery machine I was thrilled beyond control, but the novelty soon wore off. I do enjoy embroidery but now I have to be in the mood to do it.

They are very complicated. I would suggest you pass. If you get an older machine, most run only on computers that are running XP.

As mentioned above, if you use purchased designs and do not want to alter them, the computer component is minimal. However, there is a learning curve to producing a quality result. Choosing the appropriate stabilizer and design for a particular project takes a bit of skill. I would advise purchasing from a dealer who will offer classes and ongoing support.

Brother/Babylock machines are easiest to use right out of the box. I will tell you it is not a cheap hobby to invest in, you will easily add on hundreds to the cost when you buy threads, stabilizers, designs, software. It is addicting and fun and trust me you will use it. I have made so many gifts with my machine. I will also say don't go with the cheapest model because you will have hoop envy. Software and putting designs on the usb are the only computer component but it is not hard at all. You can wait awhile on the software until you know your needs for the projects you want to do. Embrilliance essentials is a good easy software to learn. I have a babylock version and love it for doing lettering and merging designs.

I do know the machine is only part of the expense. The better your supplies the better the embroidery. The new machines are easy to use. The computer curve isn't hard, too many of the new embroiders at my guild are elderly and have no problem at all with the computer part.

We spent the extra for the embroidery unit for my Viking when I first bought it, it was great fun for about 6 months then the ( novelty) wore off. Still did an occasional embroidery couple times a year for a couple more years-- I haven't used it at all in the past 6-7 years.

I am so mad with myself. I thought I had to have one and DH bought me one for Christmas three years ago. I played with it a couple of days bought a lot of thread and everything I needed to go with it put it all away and have never touched it again. I loved the way it worked when I used it and need to pull it out and start working with it.