There are so many talented quilters here who also machine embroider. Can I get your input on what type of thread (polyester, etc.) and brand (Sulky, etc) you prefer? And- where's the best deal to purchase?

Being a newbie- what colors should I start with? Is there one color you use more than another that it would be economically feasible to buy in larger spools?

There are so many things I want to do- what did you start with to get familiar with your machine?

Going to try my Singer CE-200 this week end. Read the manual and another book 2 times so now it's time to turn it on and see what I can do.

Thanks in advance!
Barb

Isacord is what my shop recommended for my Bernina so that's what I use.
I use white on the bottom and various colors on top. I also have a gray to use in the bobbin but so far, most of my ME has been on white/light colors.

HTH

I have the same machine! I just use the Coats&Clark 40 wt. polyester on top with their bobbin thread on the bobbin. I've only used their white bobbin thread, but that's because I've only done embroidery on light backgrounds. I've been really pleased with the results, as I am not willing to spend a small fortune on thread.
I'm really impressed with the ease of digitizing from clip art, and the results I've gotten doing that. I know lots of people don't like Singer, but I hae been really happy with mine. (I've had it for almost 17 months, and have made a bunch of projects on it.)
As for color choice -- your favorite color is going to be the one used most! I keep the "staple" colors on hand -- primary and secondary colors, along with pink, peach, black, brown, gray, and white. I've found that if I need to get something done in a hurry, I have most of the colors I want for a small project that way. If I need shades or tones of a color, I buy those then.
Anyway, hope this helps!

You are likely to get lots of opinions on this. Here is my 2 cents worth.

As for Type, I use Polyester Thread - and as far as brand goes when I go out to purchase it now, I purchase Robison Anton thread or Sulky (I have not had good luck with Coats and Clark). When I first started I purchased a lot of 80 spools from Ebay. That thread is OK but some times I have had problems with it breaking and to tell you the truth - the finished project always looks better with the Robison Anton.

Colors are really up to you and what you plan on embroidering. If you are going to do baby stuff then an ample supply of pinks, blues and yellows might be a good place to start. Or perhaps you are going to do a mess of flowers - then choose the colors accordingly. I have not yet run out of any thread color that I purchased except for brown ( I did two stitch intensive "Moose" pillows for a gift).

I do purchase in bulk, as much as I can, bobbin thread. When you run out of it going to the local JoAnns can be expensive ( $7 - $8 a spool). I keep black and white on hand. I do not however use prewound bobbins (lots of folks swear by them but I have had problems with them).

Good luck - and before you buy in bulk make sure that you like working with it. :D

I use Hemmingworth Rayon thread, 40 wt with 60 wt bobbin thread. My machine manual explicitly states not to use prewound bobbins. As for colors, there are so many it's hard to choose, I started with the basics and add more as I need them.

I have the Janome MC9700 & I use Madeira's 100% polyester embroidery thread & Coats cotton bobbin thread. I load up on bobbin thread when Hancocks is having their 50% off thread sale. These are the Thread Polyneon #40 1100 Yard Spools
that I got NEW on Ebay for $100.00 for 48 spools
There are only 5 I haven't used yet. They are still in the wrapper.

:) :) :) :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I can't really answer this as to the thread colors to choose...
I started by doing alot of things that called for mostly blues and greens...
I have added to that and now have close to 200 different colors.
Most of the thread I use is Madiera and Sulky, just because it is easy to come by and cheap with the Joanns sales...
I also purchase bobbin thread, black and white in large spools and have found to purchase black, white top thread in large spools.
I do not use prewound bobbins..
Just my 2 stitches...
Kirsten

I also use Isacord thread. I bought a whole lot (220) small spools on e-bay for about $140 I have several larger spools but wanted a variety of colors without spending and arm and a leg

I live within 30 minutes of Long Creek Mills and go by there fairly often. Charlie is just the nicest man!! So are the others who work there. I usually pick through the basket of not quite full spools that are $1.25 each first. Then I get totally undecided when I start down the aisles and aisles of choices of colors. His prices are incomparable. I have never had a problem with any of the threads that came from there. I highly recommend Long Creek Mills.

http://www.longcreekmills.com

MawMawMargaret

p.s. It is finally snowing here......an inch an hour.

I use sulky because that's what they recommended for my Viking. My DH got me the case with all the colors when he got the machine for me. I know, he is definately a 'keeper'! They also said to use prewound bobbins. Isn't it interesting all the different things we were told? Hummmmmmmmmm!

For embroidery, I only use Isacord. I also have a Bernina. I would be very leary of rayons because they do bleed.

I get mine at my LQS becauseI haven't found a good price on it anywhere on line yet.

thank you! I bought some Isacord at a quilt shop about an hour away from home. I was working near there and thought I'd stop in to see what they had. Got a couple yards of fabric 40% off.

Probably will not go back again- I didn't care for the clerks there. I asked for help for bobbins for my Juki- she showed them to me and took them to the counter to hold for me. I didn't get to see the quantity or price. (the place where they were on the wall was empty). At checkout, again she was quick with them, when I got home, I had purchased 5 bobbins for $5.99. I know I could have purchased many more for a better value online. I did want some, my machine came with 4 and it's hard to rotate them. So, lesson learned.

Also- I bought some Isacord and tried to pick out colors I thought I would use often- the pale baby colors, primary colors for little people stuff. After she rings me up and takes my credit card. she asks- are you a member of our sewing club. I said no, this is my first time here. She said you should join, it's $25 a year and gives you 20% off any items not on sale. Then she says, oh, you could have saved almost that much today. Some salesperson- I will not be back again.

Also- they followed me around- I didn't care for that at all- how am I going to stick a bolt of fabric under my arm or my purse? Oh well, experience gained.