sumcoop

I love mine too. I would get one with the biggest hoop I can. I have 4 brother machines...love them all. check on craig list in your area. If you do not purchase from a dealer the warrenty is void. I bought mine from a dealer used and they continued to honor it probably through the orig. owner's name. Happy sewing!

Traditional

kbeuchert

I have a Pfaff 2144 and I am not that happy with it. It was gently used when I got it and I am 60 miles from the shop that I bought it in, so it is not too easy for me to get help. Anyways, I just think it should run smoother. And for those who don't already own an embroidery machine, just beware that you will probably want the extra programming which is quite expensive too. Make sure you ask about it because my shop really didn't say anything.

vickig626

Brother and Babylock are made by the same manufacturer so I asked my Babylock dealer why would I want to spend the extra money on a B/L. I, personally, think Brothers have great machines (although I've never owned one) but am told the B/L's are built better with more metal parts opposed to some plastic parts on Brother machines. I love my Babylock Esante (an older model) and it's only been in the shop once (this year) for service and cleaning. I broke one too many needles and cracked the bobbin case.

The embroidery section of my machine is very easy to learn and use. the Ellegante II (step down from the Ellisomo) has great editing features built right onto the color screen and uses the jump drive. Mine has to be connected via usb cable.

If you're not going to do a lot of embroidery (like me), you don't need a high-end machine. Babylock has a couple of good mid-range machines (around $1000) that also sew. You could designate this as an embroidery machine and keep it up all the time.

Sorry if I'm rambling but buying an embroidery machine needs different decisions. If I had to do it over again, I would buy an embroidery machine for stand-alone and would probably use it more often. It's a pain to keep switching it around then I can't really sew while I'm waiting for the embroidery to get done.

Hope this helps. Have fun checking out all the cool machines.

sewnsewer2

I have a Brother pe770 and a Bernina 640. The Bernina is much easier to use as the screen is so clear and I can see it better.

Do your home work 1st, (which you are on the right track) and check out what features you want and make sure it has at least a 5x7 stitch field or you will wish you did (I know from experience).

Remember stabilizers are expensive! You have to use embroidery threads too, not regular sewing thread.

psthreads

I love my Janome 11000SE. And I hear they are going to have a newer version this fall.

lovedquilts

I have owned 3 babylock embroidery machines, I started with the Ellure traded for an Esante and finally my dream machine the Ellisimo. So easy to use and has lots of bells and whistles

tdvxh

I don't know about anyone else but, If possible, get a stand alone embroidey machine. If you do alot of sewing, I think the combined unit gets too much of a work out. That was my take on it anyway. I have a Bernina 820 and a Brother 620. Hope this helps.

tupoms

You will have to have lots of extra accessories/ attachments for an embroidery machine, add lots of extra $$$, so you might want to look at what hoops, feet, ect, come with the machinne and the cost of adding these extras. Just a thought.

Good luck in your search. It's not a simple one with all the choices and considerations. I have Janome 9700.
Ava

alleyoop1

Nothing sews like a Bernina! I love my Aurora 440 QE which does embroidery and has a stitch regulator for quilting.