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New Machine Dilemma
I have the last payout from mom's estate (about 8,000 after depositing some in both my kids' savings accounts and our main account.
So today I went and looked at the Bernina 770 QE and the optional embroidery module. I love it and the price I was quoted would leave a little money to play with. I've never done machine embroidery and am wrestling with the decision of with or without the embroidery module. I don't have to get it now - I could add it later, though I think if I don't get it now I probably won't. I'm looking for input - if you bought a fancy machine w/embroidery do you love it/regret it. If you chose not to buy the embroidery part do you now wish you had? Looking forward to hearing what you all think Thanks, Chris |
When I bought my BL crescendo 2 years ago, I did not want an embroidery machine. I still don't want one.
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I was never interested in embroidery but I got a good deal on a used bernina 830 in a shop. I've had it just over a year and I'm trying to get enthused about embroidery. I just bought some very expensive software used last of my savings to get it and I'm determined not to waste my money. The upshot of it is if I hadn't of got the machine I wouldn't of missed the embroidery but because it came with it I feel I cent waste it! !! Still not sure what to do with the embroidery side it's a hard learning curve.
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I 'now' enjoy the embroidery feature. I was intimidated with it at first. Here's a list of things to be aware of:
Big learning curve (was for me anyway). It's a completely new hobby, I don't look at it as sewing. It's all computer driven. There is a cost on all software; you will need something in order to view your designs. There is some free designs available but mostly I have bought mine. There is cost in stabilizers. I did not understand what I was getting into and thought it would be easier than I found it to be, however, after a few of years of having an embroidery machine I am now happy with it and find satisfaction in the work I have done with it. If you decide to get it, make up your mind to use it and don't be afraid of learning something new. You might find you'd rather do the embroidery than sewing! |
Thinking back I am not really sure why I felt it was reasonable to spend so much on a toy and I certainly wouldn't say that it has paid for itself in any way. My husband often jokes that the machine was the cheap part. But I have really enjoyed my embroidery machine and the software that I got with it.
If it met some disaster tomorrow, I would be back out shopping for another one without hesitation. I have a second machine that I keep beside it and I often sew while an embroidery is running. Some stitch outs can take an entire afternoon to finish. Maybe if I was doing it again I would buy a separate embroidery machine as it would have cost less than my 2 machines. |
I am still quilting on my Bernina 1530. I too have no interest in getting an embroidery machine. They are expensive toys with all these supplies you need:
Embroidery supplies you need.... Backing - Allstitch, Hollingsworth & Vose (Stitch Backers) Bobbins - NEB, Coats, Magna-Glide, Clear-Glide, ESC Economy Bobbins & Bobbin Cases Cap Frames - EMS HoopTech Clamping Systems - EMS HoopTech Hoops - EMS HoopTech, Quick Change, Allied Gridlock, Durkee, Fast Frames Hooping Equipment - HoopMaster Needles - Organ, Groz-Beckert, Schmetz Scissors - Gingher Software - T-Quoter, E-Z Estimator, Great Notions Supplies - Peggy's Stitch Eraser, The Embroiderer's Buddy and more Thread - Madeira |
I was very very lucky and got a super deal on a used Bernina sewing/embroidery machine and I'd get another machine if this one bites the dust. Yes, for me, it is a luxury and I'm not very talented but I sure do have fun!!!
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I am unsure how to copy just the link on my IPad so here is what I wrote on here a year ago. Originally, I only wanted the embroidery for doing monograms. Do I use it. Yes, but not as much as I should. There are so many aspects to quilting, that I don't have enough time to do it all. Right now, I am into FMQ. What the others have said is true. The stabilizers and other supplies are expensive. If I had it to do over again, I would not have gotten the embroidery module. As for Bernina machines, I have a love hate relationship with them.
[h=2]Bernina 830 fixed!!![/h] In the end of March, beginning of April, I posted about all the trouble I have had with my Bernina 830 and the embroidery module since purchasing it almost 5 years ago. I had it in for servicing 8-9 times in the first year or so. Thread breakage was such a problem. Well, after getting all new thread and eventually they changed the hook, it was a lot better but not perfect. At least I could sew. I was resolved that the embroidery part of it was a several thousand dollar mistake. I purchased it about an hours drive away so I was not happy with all my car trips to the dealer! Well, I retired Dec 31st and have been enjoying it and tried once again to embroider, only to have it keep coming up with a sensor, which I thought was thread breakage but the dealer said is bobbin empty. It would come up 100+ times in a 3x3 embroidery piece! Seeing that part of the warranty (5year) was up in May, I asked for suggestions on this board on if I should send it back to bernina for servicing or go back to my dealer as I decided I really should be able to embroider on this expensive machine. Well, I took it in for servicing with a list and told them if they couldn't fix it, I wanted it sent back to Bernina. They worked on it, said it was fixed, I brought it home and it wasn't. So the short of this situation AND A FIX FOR ANYONE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR MACHINE, is to be persistent and insistent. I went back to the dealer prepared with a quilting sample, embroidery hoops already sandwiched with the stabilizer, my walking foot, fabric for sewing and my thread. I set up in their classroom area (no classes going on) and they worked with me on and off for 4 1/2 hours. Initially, I worked with the salesman and showed him the problem with the embroidery sensor. Eventually, the technician got involved and they even called Bernina. There are apparently 8 sensors. Also the tension for the embroidery module is different than regular sewing. They also calibrated the embroidery hoops. With all the servicing they did, then the walking foot wasn't working right. So they fixed that. EVERYTHING IS WORKING GREAT NOW! I am adjusting the top tension as needed. I always do a test sample and that is ok with me. You don't know how happy I am after so much frustration. |
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Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2
(Post 7169478)
I am still quilting on my Bernina 1530. I too have no interest in getting an embroidery machine. They are expensive toys with all these supplies you need:
Embroidery supplies you need.... Backing - Allstitch, Hollingsworth & Vose (Stitch Backers) Bobbins - NEB, Coats, Magna-Glide, Clear-Glide, ESC Economy Bobbins & Bobbin Cases Cap Frames - EMS HoopTech Clamping Systems - EMS HoopTech Hoops - EMS HoopTech, Quick Change, Allied Gridlock, Durkee, Fast Frames Hooping Equipment - HoopMaster Needles - Organ, Groz-Beckert, Schmetz Scissors - Gingher Software - T-Quoter, E-Z Estimator, Great Notions Supplies - Peggy's Stitch Eraser, The Embroiderer's Buddy and more Thread - Madeira |
I have 2 embroidery machines, my Viking D1 back in 2000 because it was an embroidery machine too. Now I use it strictly for piecing and use the other one for embroidery strictly. If I need to use my Viking I know I can. As one person mentioned, if you don't get it now you may never. If embroidery is something you think you might like to try out, see if you can find someone near you that will allow you to play with theirs or ask them everything you need to know about getting into embroidery. Its not a cheap hobby by any means of the word. There is thread and stablizers needed too.
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I have a diamond and would not be without it.
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Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2
(Post 7169478)
I am still quilting on my Bernina 1530. I too have no interest in getting an embroidery machine. They are expensive toys with all these supplies you need:
Embroidery supplies you need.... Backing - Allstitch, Hollingsworth & Vose (Stitch Backers) Bobbins - NEB, Coats, Magna-Glide, Clear-Glide, ESC Economy Bobbins & Bobbin Cases Cap Frames - EMS HoopTech Clamping Systems - EMS HoopTech Hoops - EMS HoopTech, Quick Change, Allied Gridlock, Durkee, Fast Frames Hooping Equipment - HoopMaster Needles - Organ, Groz-Beckert, Schmetz Scissors - Gingher Software - T-Quoter, E-Z Estimator, Great Notions Supplies - Peggy's Stitch Eraser, The Embroiderer's Buddy and more Thread - Madeira |
I have sewn for many years and could not wait to get an embroidery machine. When my DG passed away the money I received was spent on a nice machine. Took classes and I did use it a lot in the beginning but not so much any more. Mostly use the letters (for labels) and the fancy stitches for crazy quilts. Yes, it came with some designs and a hoop but all the other items are not cheap, stablizers, special thread, extra software, etc. If asked "would you buy one again", my answer would be no, I would get a machine with a wider throat, thread cutter, etc. My machine has been wonderful but I spent a lot of money for the amount of time the embroidery features have been used.
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I would look at designs online and at Nancy's Notions (for designs as well as embellished items) to see if you like the look of machine embroidery. Not everyone does.
hugs, Charlotte |
Originally Posted by Crqltr
(Post 7169732)
I have been doing embroidery since the 90's and haven't had a problem working without any of this stuff except the neb bobbins and good needles!! Sulky stabelizers are good if you learn to use it correctly. I started with a Bernina 180, then a babylock, then Viking designer 1 SE, now I have the babylock ellisimo gold. I keep two of them set up for embroidery and a sewing machine to quilt on! I love my embroidery machines! I use it for quilting, clothes, towels, labels ect! I have found that the babylock is by far the most user friendly, and the newer machines transfer designs from your computer by cable so you don't need a lot of fancy software to transfer. It's fun if you get started and don't give up on it!
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Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2
(Post 7169478)
I am still quilting on my Bernina 1530. I too have no interest in getting an embroidery machine. They are expensive toys with all these supplies you need:
Embroidery supplies you need.... Backing - Allstitch, Hollingsworth & Vose (Stitch Backers) Bobbins - NEB, Coats, Magna-Glide, Clear-Glide, ESC Economy Bobbins & Bobbin Cases Cap Frames - EMS HoopTech Clamping Systems - EMS HoopTech Hoops - EMS HoopTech, Quick Change, Allied Gridlock, Durkee, Fast Frames Hooping Equipment - HoopMaster Needles - Organ, Groz-Beckert, Schmetz Scissors - Gingher Software - T-Quoter, E-Z Estimator, Great Notions Supplies - Peggy's Stitch Eraser, The Embroiderer's Buddy and more Thread - Madeira I have been doing ME for about 10 years. I started with a Viking D1, then SE, now have the DIamond. I love it! I quilt, sew and ME. Thread, stabilizer and some temp spray is all I have purchased that wasn't part of the actual package for embroidery. Hoops come with the machines (unless you want additional sizes). I advise get the biggest hoop capability that you can afford, as too many people get a 4x4 and only want to do labels. Then find out there is a whole world out there of in the hoop designs, large jacket backs, etc. that they would love to try but can't because they only have a small hoop. I have been sewing since I was 4yrs old, did 75 square dancing dresses at one time in 1978, and didn't even know emb machines existed til I got my first one. I 71 now, and I am hooked! You might not be. Chocolate and Vanilla and Neapolitan! But if you are interested, and it isn't a financial strain, I say go for it. I have met sooo many nice folks, just standing in line at Hancocks or Joanns, that mention their machine and we get to talking and then sewing together! It is different, it isn't for everyone. The folks that bought the machines and don't use them are missing out! Just sayin' ....and it is a waste not to use what you have. Maybe you would rather have a long arm? A large throat for quilting? But there is a different, creative world out there with ME and I for one am glad I didn't pass it up! |
I'm sorry for your loss.
In part, I would base my decision on dealer support and trade policy. Will they provide ongoing lessons? What if you get the machine with and decide it's not for you - can you trade to another machine without significant loss of what you paid for the embroidery? Do you know anyone who has an embroidery machine that you could spend some time with? So that you could watch and maybe, with assistance do, some embroidery? That way you could see what actually goes into a piece being done. Luckily, I know that embroidery doesn't interest me - I don't like how it looks or how stiff it is in finished products. A friend thought she wanted it, bought a machine and after two years of frustration, including several months waiting for a part for a needed repair (that's probably not the norm, it was a Pfaff), finally sold it. My first Bernina, a Virtuosa 153QE, was purchased with money I received after my father passed away. That was almost 20 years ago and I love it as much today as I did the day it came home. Well, probably more. |
What is it they say, "Different strokes for different folks"? Good advice about test driving if you have a friend that owns an EM..or at a dealer's store. Ask around what others like about their brand. And try to buy from a local dealer so you don't have to travel for repairs, and lessons are included with the purchase. I've been at it long enough that I can ''raise the hood'' and do minor repairs myself. You learn to do that when you have a 200 mi drive. When/if a motor or motherboard goes bad, then I will gas up and go to the expert. If you decide after buying that it is not for you, then you will never recover your cost. So think long and hard about where your inheritance will benefit you most. My opinion is worth what you paid me for it!
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I have an old embroidery machine and never used it for the embroidery part of it. Only thing I used it for was labels on the back of quilts. I could pay someone to make labels for me a lot cheaper. I thought I would use the embroidery for grandchildren but didn't. So , last year I brought the top of the line of a sewing machine without the embroidery feature. I could have afford an embroidery machine so price was not a factor. If you buy a machine with the embroidery feature, you will have to learn how to use the sewing features and the embroidery feature. That is a lot of learning curve.
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Years ago, I bought a used Viking Lily after looking at a Designer #1 that had embroidery capabilities. I regretted my decision after a few years. A couple years ago I bought a brand new Viking Ruby and have not regretted my decision at all. I take the arm off when I'm piecing quilts but I really enjoy being able to embroider blocks for quilts and other items. It sounds like this is going to be a 'once in a lifetime' type purchase. I would say go ahead and get a machine with embroidery capability...you may discover you really love it!
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As a professional embroiderer, I wanted a professional machine. couldn't afford one so I bout a brother pe770. there is a learning curve. A different program on the computer and a smaller emb area. also, I was used to 15 needles on a machine compared to 1 single machine needle. when I bought it. it came with all the supplies i'd need for half a lifetime. just needed to get toppings for towels. I had to buy a memory stick also to download designs. I love it for the price. Have fun.
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I love my embroidery machine (Janome 12000 and have a Janome 350E that I want to sell because I don't use it since I have the larger one.) I don't use the embroidery machine all the time, but I LOVE embroidery! I've loved it since I was about 12 or 13 and embroidered on those blue lines printed on table linens.
However, I didn't get an embroidery machine until about 3 or 4 years ago. I wish I had discovered the world of machine embroidery earlier. Much earlier. As to all that stuff....I don't even know what all that is. You need stabilizers and thread and temp. adhesive spray, but I use the spray for basting quilts. The rest of the necessary stuff comes with the machine. I did buy a program so I could view designs on my computer (under $50) and my husband gave me Embird for Christmas one year. I don't digitize as I don't have a lot of desire to do it, except when I want to do something in Polish.... Designs from emblibrary.com are regularly on sale and are fantastic, and so are many other sites. If embroidery is your things--you won't be sorry. I really don't use my Janome 12000 for sewing, though I could. If I had to choose only one machine, however, I'd keep the 12000 as it can do it all. (I also have a Janome 8900.) |
I have an embroidery machine for 2 1/2 years now. I don't regret a single thing. I love using it in quilts
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I have a Designer SE and got a great deal on it. You can do all sorts of things on an embroidery machine, which I never thought of. Go for it!
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I have a Brother Duetta and have put 12 million stitches on it just doing embroidery... and I didn't even want it but at the time it was the biggest work area under the harp I could find and since the Quattro had just been introduced the Duetta was available with a large discount. I've embroidered towles, sheets, pillows, quilted blocks and done many in the hoop projects. I also FMQ on it and have only minimal supplies, a few rolls of stabilizers (bought in bulk and significantly cheaper), buy my thread from ThreadArt or MetroEMB (both have frequent sales under $1/spool) and use the same scissors and needles I use for pretty much everything - Organ 75/11 sharps bought in packs of 100 for a few dollars.
When it dies, it will be replaced with another. |
I debated so long and hard about getting the high end machine that could embroider as well as sew several years ago when I bought my HV Quilt Designer. I decided to bet a free standing embroidery machine instead ( janome 350E) because I figured I could sew and embroider at the same time. For me, that worked because it was soooo much less expensive to go that route because I find I am not using the embroider machine very much.
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I only received my embroidery machine a year ago. Knew I wanted a stand alone machine and like Lynnie I chose the Brother PE 770. It has been a learning experience but sure enjoy it. I read tons of articles on how much more a regular sewing machine would cost if you bought it with the embroidery. Very happy with my decision
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The Bernina dealer in my area has Bernina workshops and you don't have to bring your machine. You can use the machines in the shop. Each station has a different machine set up and you do a sewing job on each machine to finish a project. An employee is with each station to get you set up and to instruct you how to do that part of the project. After setting up the hoop, re threading the machine, etc for embroidery I knew machine embroidery wasn't for me. I don't know if all Bernina dealers do this but every machine dealer should do it. Oh and the class is FREE. She sells a lot of machines. She said it was well worth the free classes so customers could try out all the features of each machine, from low, mid and high end prices.
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I don't know how much $$ the emb. module, etc., adds to the price of the machine you want. My dealer does an embroidery sample for prospective customers, although I don't think he lets the customers use his machines; possibly your dealer can help you decide whether you like the process and the end result well enough to spend the money.
It's important that you like learning new things. There is quite a learning curve to doing good ME, to include storing and filing designs on your computer and transferring them to your machine, etc. I have an inexpensive software that I bought when I bought my Janome 11000; also Wilcom has a free basic software that does a few things that mine won't do. I have quite a bit of money invested in emb. thread and designs because I think ME blocks are a really nice alternative to an all piecework quilt top. There are many, many designs available that are not dense and they are lovely for quilt blocks, many sets made specifically for quilts. My life has become complicated and I don't get much sewing of any kind done, but am not sorry I bought a machine that does embroidery. I have many, many things that I have bought and never used, which upsets me, but it's foolish and a waste of time to regret those purchases. |
My brand of machine came with the embroidery unit and I love it. Actually I have been doing machine embroidery for over 15 years. I love to combine embroidery and quilting. Quilt labels also look wonderful when done on the embroidery machine and there's no chance that they would ever fade away, as might happen with a permanent marking pen. If you are really interested in learning machine embroidery, I don't think you would regret getting a machine with that capability.
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I just love embroidery. I wouldn't be without my unit. Good luck with your decision.
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I have several embroidery machines and love them, I have been able to use these in many ways with quilting as well as fancy embroidery on other items. You can make really great quilt labels as well. My Pfaff Creative Sensation will also allow me to use the regular and fancy stitches in the quilting mode. It just depends on what you want to do. But if you get the machine you will regret it later if you don't get the embroidery unit.
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I started out with an embroidery machine and it was a huge learning curve. I did a lot of it, have 2 machines, but now am mostly using one as a regular sewing machine and concentrating on my longarm. I may go back to embroidery at some time
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I have Viking machine and embroidery ..I wanted the embroidery so bad.thought of all I would do with it..bought all kinds of hoops ..thread..etc.I used it for maybe 6 months..I get total bored watching it.until it is time to change colors..plus there are only so many things u can use it for..I have all sorts of patients. So that isn't the problem.u can't just go do something else while it embroidery for long..there may be a problem.I haven't had it on in years now..and I do sew most every day..but only u know if this will happen to u..and if u care if it does..I keep all of my embroidery things..cause who knows..I may change my mind..plus one more thing..I have to keep an older lap top for my system..so I can put patterns on the blank card to use..after so many years..u have to buy a new program to up date the older machine..so the hundreds u spent to begin with isn't any good now..or u keep the older and use what u have ..I had put all kinds of patterns from the net .on thumb drives ..so I have all kinds to use..most of them free..it is all like every other thing with computers..they keep making more programs..so u either up date..or be happy with what u have..all that said..whatever u decide ..enjoy and follow your instincts..
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I have had an embroidery machine since the early 90's, too. I have upgraded 3 or 4 times and now have the Pfaff Creative Sensation. I love my machine, and have never regretted buying it. My first embroidery machine was a Bernina. They are very expensive. My next machine was a Brother ULT and it had many more features and cost quite a bit less. Brother machines are very user friendly. The learning curve is not steep with a Brother and Brother accessories are a lot cheaper than Bernina accessories. I traded up to a Pfaff because the Pfaff at the time had the largest hoop. It definitely had a higher learning curve but the local quilt shop offered free classes for one year so it was not hard. I have upgraded my Pfaff twice and am so happy with the Creative Sensation. Not only is it an awesome embroidery machine, it is an awesome sewing machine, too. If I couldn't afford a Pfaff, I would get a Brother.
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It is really hard to determine what you might use. Most of the Bernina shops have an embroidery club monthly I think why don't you see if they won't let you attend that and maybe you could just sit in on one of the classes for the embroidery module to see what all is involved. Also look at the samples they have using embroidery and ask yourself is that something I would like to do?
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I have a cheap Brother that only does a 4 in design. It cost $300. It is a great little machine. I do 6 in quilt blocks with it. Made a table topper with leaves on it, a baby quilt with teddy bears, have blocks of nursery rhymes to use.
Have a stack of blocks with nice red work designs on them. So far have only done red work patterns with it. Not into anything but quilting designs for blocks. Did have to buy Ped-Basic for it. It only uses a card and would much prefer USB connection. Would love to have a machine with a large hoop to quilt blocks with. Sure would save sending out to a long armer. |
My input - I bought my Viking with embroidery unit when I was about 50 - thinking back, I have used it for many quilt labels, a large craft project for my daughters Nursing Assistant class, kitchen towels, embellishments for 2 quilts, and lots of playing around with designs to get the experience. I'm now 59 - it's been fun, but looking back, I really didn't need it or feel I got a lot of value out of it for the money I spent. The software for the digitizing is no longer compatible with my current computer, but I can still download designs from the internet and load them on a stick to transfer to the machine. I really just "had" to get this back when I was "young" personally now I think I'd pass. :) Oh ya, I just bought a Silhouette Cameo to try fabric cutting. With this quilting bug it's hard to stop once you get started!
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I love my embroidery machine, but it is not a combination machine. I paid $750 for a brand new Brother PE770 that does up to 5x7" designs. I buy most of my designs from Embroidery Library, and usually on a good sale. I do not have software on my computer to look at the designs. I keep a printout of the design and the color changes with the design number in a binder. I look at the binder to decide which design I want, then I go to the computer and get that design number. I buy thread in 1400 yd cones and I shop online where the thread is no more expensive than good sewing thread. Yes, I spend more on thread because I want all the colors. The cost has not been an issue for me. I also have a high-end sewing machine that I bought on sale for less than $1500. Between the two machines I can do anything a nearly $8000 Bernina can do, and I am quite happy. I would never limit myself to 1 machine as I would be up the proverbial creek if it were in the shop. When my embroidery machine was in the shop (once in 5 years) I was still able to sew with my other machine. Besides, catastrophic failure of an $8000 machine would kill me!
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I bought a Babylock Crescendo last year. I loved it, but I traded it in for a Babylock Destiny sewing/embroidery machine a month later. I don't regret trading up.
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