Just bought a Brother PE 770 embroidery machine last night!
 

Got a great deal! It was $100 less than what I thought I'd have to pay and FREE SHIPPING! It should be here next week and I can hardly wait!

Now, if someone else owns this machine (or any of the PE 700 series), I do have some questions about what I need to go with it. I know I will have to use Brother bobbin thread (90 wt), but what about the top thread? And what is "thread conversion" software? I know I'll just have to go through a learning curve on this, but any tips to make it faster and easier will sure help. I'd like to incorporate this into my quilting, as well as making other items. It comes with 136 designs on it and I can download off the internet with a USB stick. It also comes with a 5 X 7 hoop. I'm thinking I may need the smaller hoops as well. The closest dealer is in Plano, TX, about 65 miles from where I live, so I'm doing everything over the internet.

I will be watching. I am seriously thinking about this machine! Have fun with your new machine.

I have had mine for 3 years, love it. I love sulky emb. thread. I don't have the small hoop. Mine has a card and a card reader writer for downloads.
I like to print my design for the placement.
Good luck
Mary in TX

Thread conversion software will allow you to see the correct thread colors/numbers/names for your project in a variety of different thread brands. Congratulations on you new purchase. Enjoy!!

congratulations! Have fun with your new machine!!

Will be interested in this thread. Is this the Brother that can be purchased for about $1000? Am considering saving for a dedicated embroidery machine. My fave dealer will sell it to me for around $800.

Congrats,enjoy!!!!!!!!

This one online usually sells for $600 to $900, depending on who you buy it from. It would probably be closer to or over the $900 if you buy from a dealer. I was going to buy from Allbrands...they had one for $599, but I found a reconditioned one for $499 with free shipping. It has a 30 day return option and comes with the 25 yr warrenty.

Do most of you buy your thread online? I was looking on ebay at the poly threads for embroidery. If I was sure the thread would work in my machine, I would like to buy a good size set. Anyone have a suggestion there? Also thinking I will need extra bobbins. I'm going to the Dallas quilt show Friday, so I may be able to talk to a dealer there about what works and what doesn't work.

I have the PE700II and LOVE IT. My machine likes Mettler, PolyX and Metro embroidery thread. I use 60 wt and 90 wt embroidery bobbin thread and also pre-wound bobbins. I don't use a thread conversion chart software. I print out the design with the recommended colors and match to whatever brand thread I'm using. Most of the thread sites have conversion charts you can print for free (has numbers). I use different software to do lettering and alter designs. I really like Sew What Pro and Monogram Wizard Plus. You can download designs from various sites and don't need any special software to use them as is. Just download in your PES format and transfer to your machine.

I would suggest starting with the designs loaded on your machine and practice with different fabric and stabilizers. www.embrlibrary.com has some great tutorials to help you get started.

Have lots of fun with your new machine!!

I have the PE700II and LOVE IT. My machine likes Mettler, PolyX and Metro embroidery thread. I use 60 wt and 90 wt embroidery bobbin thread and also pre-wound bobbins. I don't use a thread conversion chart software. I print out the design with the recommended colors and match to whatever brand thread I'm using. Most of the thread sites have conversion charts you can print for free (has numbers). I use different software to do lettering and alter designs. I really like Sew What Pro and Monogram Wizard Plus. You can download designs from various sites and don't need any special software to use them as is. Just download in your PES format and transfer to your machine.

I would suggest starting with the designs loaded on your machine and practice with different fabric and stabilizers. www.embrlibrary.com has some great tutorials to help you get started.

Have lots of fun with your new machine!!

Edited to add: Metro thread has some great thread kits at wonderful prices. www.metroem.net