Originally Posted by Bluebonnet
I went to my LQS to look at a used Brother 5700 for $449. I had already read reviews on it, people saying they couldn't find parts-hoops and such for it. So I was skeptical about it anyway. When I went to the shop, they told me I really shouldn't get it, for all the same reasons. They started telling me about Janome 300E machine. I really like it, but am debating about spending that much on it. It's regularly $1299 and he told me he could give it to me for $999. Still that's a lot to spend on a machine I may not use every day or even every week. I don't want to buy a machine though that does the 3x5 and wish I had spent a little more and gotten one that does 5x7 area stitching. Can some of you tell me the great things your machines do and which machines you have?
TIA
Bobbi
I have a Janome 300E. I love my machine and use it on a regular basis. However if I had to do it all over again I would get the Janome 350E as it has a very more bells and whistles that I would love to have.
As for software, you do not need to have the Janome software if you do not want to spend the amount of money they are going to want for it. I have found the software Embird. It is sold only on line. I believe it sells for around $150. They let you have a free 30 day trial. If you check the various embroidery forums on the internet, a lot of the women have embird. (I am not affiliated with Embird, just a very loyal fan.)
If you want here is a list of a few embroidery forums you can join for free and ask the ladies there what they think of the machine and software:
http://www.myembroideryhaven.com/forum/index.php
http://forums.marthapullen.com/tt.asp?forumid=9
http://www.sewforum.com/index.php
Joan