Happy B- Day to Moi
 

Today planned to try out some quilting/ embroidery machines- nothing else was planned for my birthday so I figured I would spend time at a sewing center. I had no intentions of buying unless a great deal. I have been looking at various models and had narrowed it down to a Janome 11000SE but also thought of a Viking Diamond if the price was right.

I arrived in the store and asked to see the Janome- nope we don't have it in stock- we can get it for you in a couple of days. Nope, this wont do as I am into instant gratification. The salesperson then informs me of the Janome Horizon 12000 as well as the Viking. How much for the Janome I ask. The answer out of my price point.....but we could sell the floor model. Well after spending 4 hours at the shop, I ended up with the Horizon!

Now comes the hard part, putting it together and playing around with it.DH happy for me and will read the instruction book as well. Who knows maybe he will get into the embroidery mode. At least he is willing to help me until my classes start up.

Although my mom and grandma( who was a seamstress) are no longer with me:( I think it was divine intervention to have this opportunity.

Anyone have any tips for a newbie embroider and this machine? What project should I start first?

Happy, happy birthday and enjoy the machine. My mother always said there isn't much you can do to destroy a sewing machine, although now that they are computerized, I think there are some ways--like spilling your ice tea in it or running a magnet across it--but for the most part, just using it won't hurt it a bit. Have fun. froggyintexas

Happy Birthday enjoy your new machine!

Go get some cheap dishtowels from walmart or whereever, preferably the low loft ones (not too terry looking)

These are great ways to practice and you can use them in your kitchen. You will need wash away stabilizer, some of the white stuff for the back stabilizer and some of the clear stuff for the top (if the material has a nap)

Another option is to grab some muslin and cut into tea towel sizes, you only need wash away stabilizer then.

Embroidery Library has project with instructions on how to load designs, what to stitch etc. http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProjects/Default.aspx

I learned loads from there on how to do different things. I am a big person for doing useful practice pieces. And dishtowels get dirty so easy.....so you always need more. Do NOT get worried if it doesnt come out right the first time, it takes time to get the hang of what stabilizer/pattern/fabric and thread works best for each project. I have had to throw a few things away when I have some accidents or when the machine eats the design :eek: so be prepared, it doesnt happen often but it does happen.

Floriani also has information on different types of stabilizers and what to use.
http://www.florianisoftware.com/pdf-...izer-guide.pdf
http://www.florianisoftware.com/work...ok-low-res.pdf

That should get you started :) feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I have an 8yr old Brother Innov-is 4000D..... but the technical details are the same

And congrats! I so want one of the newer machines, love the larger square hoop, would make doing quilt blocks easier. My biggest hoop is a 12x8 or there abouts.... so square embroidered blocks have to be under 8ins :( or I hoop twice.....*shudder*

Happy birthday to you! You'll love it! I love mine. There is a yahoo group for horizon 12000 owners and it is wonderful. You'll find out more than you ever dreamed possible. Happy sewing :)

Happy birthday. I don't have an embroidery machine so I can't give you any tips but congrats on a great gift!

Happy birthday. I hope you really enjoy your new machine.

CarolynMT, thank-you so much for this info. It's exactly what I need! I love this machine! Playing around with the decorative stitches first and move up to a simple embroidery design I did in the software that came with the machine.
I have not embroidered much except a couple of designs on a janome 8000 that I will use as a back up sewing machine.

A very happy birthday to you!! I can't think of a better birthday present than a new sewiing machine...congratulations!