Thread: New Machine Dilemma

Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2

I am still quilting on my Bernina 1530. I too have no interest in getting an embroidery machine. They are expensive toys with all these supplies you need:

Embroidery supplies you need....

Backing - Allstitch, Hollingsworth & Vose (Stitch Backers)
Bobbins - NEB, Coats, Magna-Glide, Clear-Glide, ESC Economy Bobbins & Bobbin Cases
Cap Frames - EMS HoopTech
Clamping Systems - EMS HoopTech
Hoops - EMS HoopTech, Quick Change, Allied Gridlock, Durkee, Fast Frames
Hooping Equipment - HoopMaster
Needles - Organ, Groz-Beckert, Schmetz
Scissors - Gingher
Software - T-Quoter, E-Z Estimator, Great Notions
Supplies - Peggy's Stitch Eraser, The Embroiderer's Buddy and more
Thread - Madeira

I have been doing embroidery since the 90's and haven't had a problem working without any of this stuff except the neb bobbins and good needles!! Sulky stabelizers are good if you learn to use it correctly. I started with a Bernina 180, then a babylock, then Viking designer 1 SE, now I have the babylock ellisimo gold. I keep two of them set up for embroidery and a sewing machine to quilt on! I love my embroidery machines! I use it for quilting, clothes, towels, labels ect! I have found that the babylock is by far the most user friendly, and the newer machines transfer designs from your computer by cable so you don't need a lot of fancy software to transfer. It's fun if you get started and don't give up on it!

Originally Posted by Crqltr

I have been doing embroidery since the 90's and haven't had a problem working without any of this stuff except the neb bobbins and good needles!! Sulky stabelizers are good if you learn to use it correctly. I started with a Bernina 180, then a babylock, then Viking designer 1 SE, now I have the babylock ellisimo gold. I keep two of them set up for embroidery and a sewing machine to quilt on! I love my embroidery machines! I use it for quilting, clothes, towels, labels ect! I have found that the babylock is by far the most user friendly, and the newer machines transfer designs from your computer by cable so you don't need a lot of fancy software to transfer. It's fun if you get started and don't give up on it!

I have been doing ME for about 10 years. I started with a Viking D1, then SE, now have the DIamond. I love it! I quilt, sew and ME. I don't have or need any of the thing listed above! Thread, stabilizer and some temp spray is all I have purchased that wasn't part of the actual package for embroidery. Hoops come with the machines (unless you want additional sizes). I advise get the biggest hoop capability that you can afford, as too many people get a 4x4 and only want to do labels. Then find out there is a whole world out there of in the hoop designs, large jacket backs, etc. that they would love to try but can't because they only have a small hoop. I have been sewing since I was 4yrs old, did 75 square dancing dresses at one time in 1978, and didn't even know emb machines existed til I got my first one. I am hooked! You might not be. Chocolate and Vanilla and Neapolitan! But if you are interested, and it isn't a financial strain, I say go for it. I have met sooo many nice folks, just standing in line at Hancocks or Joanns, that mention their machine and we get to talking and then sewing together! It is different, it isn't for everyone. The folks that bought the machines and don't use them are missing out! Just sayin' ....and it is a waste not to use what you have. Maybe you would rather have a long arm? A large throat for quilting? But there is a different, creative world out there with ME and I for one am glad I didn't pass it up!

Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2

I am still quilting on my Bernina 1530. I too have no interest in getting an embroidery machine. They are expensive toys with all these supplies you need:

Embroidery supplies you need....

Backing - Allstitch, Hollingsworth & Vose (Stitch Backers)
Bobbins - NEB, Coats, Magna-Glide, Clear-Glide, ESC Economy Bobbins & Bobbin Cases
Cap Frames - EMS HoopTech
Clamping Systems - EMS HoopTech
Hoops - EMS HoopTech, Quick Change, Allied Gridlock, Durkee, Fast Frames
Hooping Equipment - HoopMaster
Needles - Organ, Groz-Beckert, Schmetz
Scissors - Gingher
Software - T-Quoter, E-Z Estimator, Great Notions
Supplies - Peggy's Stitch Eraser, The Embroiderer's Buddy and more
Thread - Madeira

There are other threads besides Madeira, lots and lots of brands. Don't have any of the "supplies" listed here, and have lots of different scissors as well, Gingher isn't the only brand out there. I don't have the cap hoop (might want one later) and every one that sews has needles. There are specialty needles available, but I don't buy them. All sewing takes tools, some quilters have every ruler imaginable, I don't. Machine embroidery is different. Takes a few different supplies, like stabilizers. But it isn't a different planet!

I have been doing ME for about 10 years. I started with a Viking D1, then SE, now have the DIamond. I love it! I quilt, sew and ME. Thread, stabilizer and some temp spray is all I have purchased that wasn't part of the actual package for embroidery. Hoops come with the machines (unless you want additional sizes). I advise get the biggest hoop capability that you can afford, as too many people get a 4x4 and only want to do labels. Then find out there is a whole world out there of in the hoop designs, large jacket backs, etc. that they would love to try but can't because they only have a small hoop. I have been sewing since I was 4yrs old, did 75 square dancing dresses at one time in 1978, and didn't even know emb machines existed til I got my first one. I 71 now, and I am hooked! You might not be. Chocolate and Vanilla and Neapolitan! But if you are interested, and it isn't a financial strain, I say go for it. I have met sooo many nice folks, just standing in line at Hancocks or Joanns, that mention their machine and we get to talking and then sewing together! It is different, it isn't for everyone. The folks that bought the machines and don't use them are missing out! Just sayin' ....and it is a waste not to use what you have. Maybe you would rather have a long arm? A large throat for quilting? But there is a different, creative world out there with ME and I for one am glad I didn't pass it up!

I was very very lucky and got a super deal on a used Bernina sewing/embroidery machine and I'd get another machine if this one bites the dust. Yes, for me, it is a luxury and I'm not very talented but I sure do have fun!!!

I am unsure how to copy just the link on my IPad so here is what I wrote on here a year ago. Originally, I only wanted the embroidery for doing monograms. Do I use it. Yes, but not as much as I should. There are so many aspects to quilting, that I don't have enough time to do it all. Right now, I am into FMQ. What the others have said is true. The stabilizers and other supplies are expensive. If I had it to do over again, I would not have gotten the embroidery module. As for Bernina machines, I have a love hate relationship with them.

Bernina 830 fixed!!!

In the end of March, beginning of April, I posted about all the trouble I have had with my Bernina 830 and the embroidery module since purchasing it almost 5 years ago. I had it in for servicing 8-9 times in the first year or so. Thread breakage was such a problem. Well, after getting all new thread and eventually they changed the hook, it was a lot better but not perfect. At least I could sew. I was resolved that the embroidery part of it was a several thousand dollar mistake. I purchased it about an hours drive away so I was not happy with all my car trips to the dealer! Well, I retired Dec 31st and have been enjoying it and tried once again to embroider, only to have it keep coming up with a sensor, which I thought was thread breakage but the dealer said is bobbin empty. It would come up 100+ times in a 3x3 embroidery piece! Seeing that part of the warranty (5year) was up in May, I asked for suggestions on this board on if I should send it back to bernina for servicing or go back to my dealer as I decided I really should be able to embroider on this expensive machine. Well, I took it in for servicing with a list and told them if they couldn't fix it, I wanted it sent back to Bernina. They worked on it, said it was fixed, I brought it home and it wasn't.

So the short of this situation AND A FIX FOR ANYONE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR MACHINE, is to be persistent and insistent. I went back to the dealer prepared with a quilting sample, embroidery hoops already sandwiched with the stabilizer, my walking foot, fabric for sewing and my thread. I set up in their classroom area (no classes going on) and they worked with me on and off for 4 1/2 hours. Initially, I worked with the salesman and showed him the problem with the embroidery sensor. Eventually, the technician got involved and they even called Bernina. There are apparently 8 sensors. Also the tension for the embroidery module is different than regular sewing. They also calibrated the embroidery hoops. With all the servicing they did, then the walking foot wasn't working right. So they fixed that. EVERYTHING IS WORKING GREAT NOW! I am adjusting the top tension as needed. I always do a test sample and that is ok with me. You don't know how happy I am after so much frustration.

I have a Designer SE and got a great deal on it. You can do all sorts of things on an embroidery machine, which I never thought of. Go for it!

I bought the Bernina 710 last year. At the time, the dealer asked if I did embroidery or would want to. I didn't think I would & said the most I was interested in is making my quilt labels & deco stitches. So the 710 was the best for me. I still have a lot to learn on the 710 so I'm glad I didn't get the embroidery.

I have a diamond and would not be without it.