Jan 2010 I bought a Babylock Crafters Choice which I really enjoy. My local Babylock dealer has the one time within a year trade up. So I was looking at the Ellure as I really like the larger embroidery field than I currently have on the low Brother machines I have. My thought...tell Mom, kids, man in my life ..anyone...just contribute $$ at Christmas to help me pay the difference to trade in the Crafters Choice and purchase the Ellure. First question...does anyone think that is tacky to ask for $$? 2nd...anyone have thoughts on the Ellure?

My teenaged grandkids prefer money or gift cards at xmas.. my
husband tells me to just go buy what I want of couse he hates to shop...lol

Tacky depends on what kind of family you have, for me and my family no one would think twice about a request like that. If you can afford the new machine and really want it now is the time to do it, especially if the dollar amount is good. Good luck making your decision, I know it's not an easy one to make.

If someone told me they'd rather have $$$$$, I'd be relieved. Sure saves a lot of stressing about "I wonder what she would like for Christmas...." :-)

I have an older Ellure and I love it. I bought it second hand so it didn't cost too much. I do like the 5x7 embroidery area and it stitches nice. Also my Ellure changes to a regular sewing machine with lots of fancy stitches (that I don't use).

I asked my family last year for $$ to help pay for my retreat. In fact, the retreat was after my birthday so the same deal went for that as well. I even told them to wait until middle of January so I wouldn't spend it on something else! Worked great for me AND my family!

RETREAT! Oh my gosh. There is a retreat that I have wanted to go to for at least the last ten years and it's never going to happen. I am delighted for anyone that can gather up what they can and actually go. In speaking of machine, I finally got my serger sold and took part of the money and purchased a Jenome 2010. Was able to get new for an amazing price. I really had been wanting to get a light weight machine for being to take to my friend's house I have been about to,. it's so much more enjoyable to be able to have the two of working on a project together. I double checked this machine out and it is computerized, and has an amazing number of stitches, etc. but half the weight of my 630. I had looked at the Baby Locks several times, but I figured why? My 630 does everything and more and with the exception of the stitch width there is no problem. Granted the new machines are coming out now with deeper throats and wider stitch widths but that doesn't seem worth the cost of getting a new machine over what I already have, Now I am
waiting for my 430 to move. I watched on E-bay the indendical 430 as I have, and I have added the quarther inch foot with edge and the walking foot.. sold for $2001.00. I also saw the complete Module, software, etc. to use with the 430 and it flew out for $1,000. 8 bidders on the 430 and 6 on the embroidery package. So I am hoping as I have mine priced a good bit lower then that. I'm hoping.

Maybe these reviews will help. I have the Espire which is not an embroidery machine and love her. But then you are a Babylock user already and know how they handle in general.

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/topsearch.pl

As for "tacky" - I think that depends on how the subject is stated. (I heleped a gal at work once to do up her wedding invitations. She wanted them to say: "We do not want any gifts but there will be a money tree at the reception." Now THAT was tacky - and I refused.)

This request would be welcomed in my family LOL
It is not always easy to shop and find something for some people who seem to have everything.
Being given the opportunity to help purchase something that someone really wants, would be the perfect solution :D:D:D

I love it when people ask for money instead of a gift. So much easier.

I have a BabyLock Ellure that I bought about seven years ago. I love it. I, also, love for people to tell me that they would like to have money instead of a gift. I hate to think of something to buy for someone. Money is good.

I have the ellure also. I would like to trade up but I am limited in what I an do. Better stay with what I have.

That is what everyone on my list gets anyway. That was I don't have to save receipts so they can exchange. And they can get what they want.

I'm thinking about buying one.The one i've seen is 15 hundred dollars.But i don't know if it's the Ellure or the Ellure Plus.I have to call and find out.Connie in CO

I have the Ellure, DD has Ellure Plus. Ellure needs a card reader which i dont' like. Plus has a lot of installed stitches. I bought mine a long time ago, if I had to do it over again, I would get the Plus. Some dealers won't carry the Ellure anymore because of the card issue. I think it is stupid design they should of discontinued myself. As far as embroidery, both machines are great. I live in wi. Nancys Notions runs a sale in January and one can pick up the Ellure Plus for around $950.00 which is a good price, trade in is for any machine, working or not, any brand. Hope this helps.