dc989

Thanks for your honest thoughts. I suspect I would have another expensive set of "stuff" which I rarely use. The thread changes alone would drive me nuts. Decided to not even look at these machines!

megs0863

It's ironic how things come around full circle. I've got a machine to do just about any kind of sewing project and guess what sits out and gets used the most? My vintage Singer 301. Second most used, my H Class 220 S Viking Serger (a simple to use good serger). If you think an embroidery machine is a "must have", I would suggest a good used one preferably from a dealer who can provide a little warranty. This way, if the novelty wears off, you're not out a ton of money. My embroidery machine now sits and is quickly becoming obsolete. Used it maybe a dozen times cause it seems to be a production for me to just to take it out and set it up. By the way, I've seen some pretty nice free handed embroidery done with the old Singers when you drop the feed dogs.

Linda1

I have the Brother 770D and I love it. I wanted one with Disney designs. It is easy to operate. There is a lot of expense involved but I get all mine off EBAY.

deedum

Investing in a embroidery machine takes some thought. I do enjoy it, although it does take patience. Sometimes a lot! I think it is like a serger,it has a learning curve. some people buy them and never use them, maybe even once or twice.
There certainly is alot of expense with it too! I don't think they are for everyone. Yet, I just bought my second one so yea I am addicted to this hobby.

sewnsewer2

You should be aware that although it's so much fun, rewarding, and amazing what you can do with an embroidery machine (I have 2) it is an expensive hobby. The stabilizers are not cheap, you need special threads, needles etc.

juliea9967

I have had an embroidery machine for over 20 years. I have never regretted buying the machines I have had. I started out with a 4 x 4 hoop, and now I have a machine that takes the largest hoop made for a home embroidery machine. I have loved all my machines. I have had Brothers, Berninas, Vikings and now have the Pfaff Creative Sensation which is a sewing and embroidery machine. I am currently using my embroidery machine to make stuffed animals and dolls. My grandmother started me sewing when I was 5 years old, and I have never stopped. My first embroidery machine which I bought at the age of 50 opened up a whole new world for me. I am so glad I made that decision. It was life changing for me and I have loved almost every minute of it. I have taught machine embroidery classes at some local quilt shops and have had students from 8 years old to 84 years old. My current machine will probably last me for the rest of my life, but if it doesn't I will immediately replace it. I love to machine embroider.

callen

The problem with your question is that you will get a ton of different answers. Yes, they can be expensive, yes they require lots of different coloured thread, lots of different stabilizers & I could go on & on. Just like quilting, some people like piecing only, some hate putting borders on, some hate binding quilts but everyone is different. Try, try & try several different machines BEFORE you commit to a purchase. I broke down & invested in Husqvarna's new EPIC machine & EPIC it is. Does everything but pay the bills. I'm a point in my life that, yes I can afford it & when I want to embroider it is certainly more than capable of doing a first class job. Think long & hard about what it is YOU want in a machine. Listen to all the comments & decide for yourself. Best of luck in your search.

sash

My first emb. only machine was Janome 350e. Loved that machine and had fun with it. Gave it to my daughter and now have a 15000. Wow, what a machine. I love to embroidery and can't see why anyone wouldn't love it; so many designs to do. Yes, it can get a "little" expensive with all the threads and stabilizers and designs, but still love it. The 350e would be a great machine and with the 500e coming out there should be some good buys on the trade-ins. I should have kept my 350 and I could use it too.

onemoe

I have had the Janomes for years. All you need are hoops that go on so easily. I watch for sales to get stabilizers and threads. There are a lot of free patterns and many sites to get patterns. Using goes in stages- some days I do and some days I don't. Embroidery Library has helpful videos and hints.

Michellesews

Five years ago I purchased a six needle Brother embroidery machine. Embroidery is all it does, and does it well. It did not cost any more than a TOL combo machine at the time. Usually I can make six colors work for me. I'm a longarm quilter and I offer embroidered labels as a side to my quilting but it is not complicated to use. I have never regretted this purchase. Wish I could say the same thing about the hot tub we purchased ....