Thread: New Machine Dilemma

When I bought my BL crescendo 2 years ago, I did not want an embroidery machine. I still don't want one.

Congrats craftyone!! I'm sure you will love your new machine. I'm enjoying my 710.

I was never interested in embroidery but I got a good deal on a used bernina 830 in a shop. I've had it just over a year and I'm trying to get enthused about embroidery. I just bought some very expensive software used last of my savings to get it and I'm determined not to waste my money. The upshot of it is if I hadn't of got the machine I wouldn't of missed the embroidery but because it came with it I feel I cent waste it! !! Still not sure what to do with the embroidery side it's a hard learning curve.

I started out with an embroidery machine and it was a huge learning curve. I did a lot of it, have 2 machines, but now am mostly using one as a regular sewing machine and concentrating on my longarm. I may go back to embroidery at some time

Thinking back I am not really sure why I felt it was reasonable to spend so much on a toy and I certainly wouldn't say that it has paid for itself in any way. My husband often jokes that the machine was the cheap part. But I have really enjoyed my embroidery machine and the software that I got with it.
If it met some disaster tomorrow, I would be back out shopping for another one without hesitation.
I have a second machine that I keep beside it and I often sew while an embroidery is running. Some stitch outs can take an entire afternoon to finish. Maybe if I was doing it again I would buy a separate embroidery machine as it would have cost less than my 2 machines.

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've had emb machines since early '90's..presently have 3, 2 of which are the Brother Pacesetter ULT's (they sew & embroider). They all came with hoops except the cap frame-which I have no need for. P E Design software came with one of my machines, but you can D/L free software for almost anything you need to do, including digitizing your own designs. I've no need for the hoops/equipment mentioned above--already owned scissors and needles, no clamp system??, no expensive stitch eraser. The only expense I've had is a viewing program for my computer so that I can see images of my designs, and that only cost $39, stabilizer and thread. Oh, and a ''merging" software that cost me $5 introductory price. I like to try out any new program. I thoroughly enjoy my machines--making quilt labels, decorating gifts, making in the hoop projects--it soothes my soul to be creative. I've monogrammed everything from hankies to towels--put hot rod design & co. name on a denim jacket...just now making a shopping bag for my widowed neighbor and having such fun decorating it with something other than "walmart" on plastic. Go for it if you have the money and want to broaden your crafting. I still sew garments, quilt, create designs and have a ball. Would not be without my machines! Here's my bag that I've begun to decorate... And BTW, this design was free.