Thank you. I had already bookmarked all brands, but I'm curious to see what they will have as well. I've never embroidered anything in my life. The dealer went back and forth between "this is a great machine for a beginner" and "you really need to buy the Amazing Box" and her's was 449.

YIKES! I told her first things first...hoops. I'm glad that the machine has a few built in designs. I'm going to post a wanted ad for the design cards once I figure out which kind they are and what design codes they have like PES or whatever. I couldn't get the dealer to answer my question about the size of cards or anything. But, she's just doing her job, dealers don't want you to buy something cheaper, especially somewhere else.

M

yikes! the magic box is only $199 at allbrands (with free shipping).

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp02932-0534.html

another option if your machine takes the brother cards is the PED-basic.
i got the PED-basic, but kinda wish i would have gotten the magic box (it can convert files, PED-basic can't).

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp01060.html

did she tell you what kind of hoop you need?

http://embroiderydesigns.com has a free conversion program, so you just load up the file you want to convert and it coverts it to almost any format you could want (but not those new vp3's)

I was going to get the Ped-Basic too. It is on sale for $119.00 but it wasn't what I really wanted. The amazing box will let you do more things & I got a cd for free with 3700 designs. There is a lot of nice things on it to embroidery. I can't remember what the reason was I think that the Ped-basic won't do that much so I for sprang for the Amazing box max. Been gone all afternoon running errands so I just got back home so I'm fixing to down load the software for it. I'll let you guys know what happens.Deb

Yes, she says that hoops are not interchangeable and I have to use a BabyLock on my machine, brother on a brother etc. There is a 4" sewing space, so there's a 4 in hoop and a larger 6 x 7 hoop that is multi-positional. I asked what magna hoops were and if I could use any other type of hoop and she was a bit evasive, but again, she's a dealer so she gets paid to have pro-Baby Lock opinions. The 4" is 71 and the bigger one is 77.

She said that Babylock cards were best, and didn't say if others were an option. I'm hoping to have a chance to either talk to a friend in this area, or see a post about whether or not my machine can take PES files or cards. Looks like cards, even at all brands, are rather expensive. My machine did come with a few built in designs, so I'm hoping to have a chance to experiment soon.

M

I think all Babylock take PES cards. I haven't priced cards yet. Are they more expensive than the CDS. My machine will hook up to my computer and you are suppose to be able to download & save to it but so far I haven't figured it out yet. I have been trying to down load Max for last 2 hours & am having problems. I guess I'm going to have to uninstall & start over. The computer expert (dh) (I'm going to strangle him) started it & as usual didn't read the instructions so I can't get it to work right. I'm going to try and redo it. I sure hope this thing works or I'm out $200.00.

Just my two cents regarding design cards...they are VERY expensive and most of the time there's only a few designs on each card you will actually use.

The Amazing Box or Vikant Ultimate Box are a much better investment as they allow you to buy designs from the large number of internet sites and ebay sellers that are now selling designs or download the many free designs available online. The designs sold online are usually much less expensive than the cards, and the variety is endless.

Through the box you write the designs to the blank card that comes with it, and then put that card in the slot on the side of your machine. The card can be erased and rewritten over and over whenever you want to change the designs.

Allbrands is likely to be less expensive than your dealer, I'd definitely look online for the hoops and a box. Check ebay as well, there's a lot of embroidery supplies available there.

Here's links to the hoops you want at a great price.

http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/BL-EF14.php

http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/BL-EF15.php

Holy Cats!!

That's amazing. Thank you so much. I'm gonna get those suckers!

I just wanted to say a quick thanks for the site. My hubby looked at them and talked to my FIL. I got a package in the mail today. I thought that my MIL's 4 x 4 frame was found....I received a brand spanking new hoop from sewingmachineplus from my FIL. He felt really bad that I couldnt' do anything with the machine and a cord.

So, I have a TON of samples of different stabilizers now. I feel like I have a Secret Santa except I know who she is and it's February. I have to get appropriate bobbin thread, bobbins and a needle now. Still can't play yet, but hope too soon.





Fabricluvr....I received your package and thank you. Also, tried it and can't get it to work on my puter. I'll try it on a regular player I hve with the tv when I figure out how to use it. I am stubborn as a mule so says the hubby, so I'll get it figured out!!!

not surprised it won't work on the computer. i recorded it on our DVD player (hooked to the tv). hopefully i finalized it correctly. let me know if it won't work with your other DVD player. i tested it on one of our other DVD players and it seemed fine.

glad you got a hoop! the President's Day Sale at Jo-anns has thread 50% off. they have the Coats and Clark bobbin thread. that would make it really reasonable! i think the notions wall is 50% off, too (needles and stabilizers).

I have 50.00 worth of gift cards to Joann's. One from Christmas, one from my birthday (last spring). I made sure to ask if they would expire. I'm waiting, rather impatiently, for the Presidents Day sale as I have quilting stuff to get too. I'm also going to use the 10%off total purchase coupon as well.

My NotSecret Santa gave me a thread case with 104 spools or partials spools of Silky (I think) embroidery thread of every color on the planet. I also have quite an assortment of stabilizers thanks to her as well. I can't believe all the stuff she put aside for me.

I know I should get some kind of needle, because the machine didn't come with one, and I know I have to get the bobbin out to buy more and I have to get some bobbin thread too.

This machine hasn't been used in about 2 years or so. Does it need to be cleaned, oiled, maintenanced once a year like a sewing machine does? Do you think I should have that done first before I start playing??

Melissa

I have been at the embroidery work for almost 15 years, I started with a Janome and now have a fondness for Brother. I have 2 brothers, an older one and the PR620. I am mostly self taught, what works for some doesn't work for all, so mostly it is a matter of finding out what works for you. I mostly practice on teatowels, especially if I am playing with colors, and they make good gifts if they work out.

Last time I posted on this I was trying to get Amazing Max to work. I finally did. I love it. It is amazing. You can buy bobbins at Walmart for Brother machines & they work for Babylock as well. You need to use neddles made for embroidery. Babylock uses Schmertz. You need to use the 90 jeans needle. It works best. You will have to get at Hancocks or Joanns cause Wally World doesn't have them. Don't use the 110 needle they are too big. Been learning alot about stablizing at class. Questions, just ask maybe I can help.

Oh my goodness a huge thank-you to all of you that posted in this thread...I have learned through all of you...but I was sorry there weren't more pages to the conversation...I have a white 4400 that I have yet to learn how to use...yep scared to death I will break it...Melissa are you still a member , if so hows it going w/ your new toy...thank-you for posting all the questions that you did-I have learned so much from all the answers.
thanks again :)

I have the PED basic and it works very well....bought it on ebay for about $100. comes with one card and I have a place on my computer I download designs and transfer them to the card. BTW....allbrands.com/sewforum has a ton of designs you can download for free....forum like this one...you'd never run out :roll:

There are several people here that do embroidery, like I said, I have brothers, but a lot of things translates over to other machines like hooping etc, if you are needed help in a certain area, just ask, I am sure that someone should be able to come up with an answer, sometimes it is easier in person but we seem to muddle through some how.

I have the PE Design 7, it is great, I can do all sorts of things with it. but it was definitely more then $100. :D

I have a 440QEE it has been a great machine.I added the V.5 software,But we just had our quilt show here in Lake Havasu City a few days ago, My husband went to the dealer during the show that we bought my machine from to see his display, seems like HE fell in love with the new 830, My dealer made us such a great deal I am now going back to Flagstaff to get the new 830 and to trade in my other one in a few days, All of my software and feet will fit as well as the hoops,, But my husband says I will have to give up our honeymoon trip to the islands, Oh well I'll take a new sewing machine any day B.E.G.

I forgot to tell you that I won second place in the peoples choice at the show, The quilt was all hand appliqued and hand quilted , :roll: double bed size called the tree of life, The kit was about 30 years or more old , Do you really think I even need a sewing machine at all???

Still a member??? Of course, I still have so much to learn; but sometimes I can even post tips now!

I used my embroidery machine all of one time. Still can't figure it out or get the owner's manual. At some point when things calm down at work, I'm going to have to find the time for a one day class at the local dealer. I did purchase a hoop made for the machine, and it has a few built in stitches. I dont' want to buy a ped basic or anything like that until I figure out if it's really a hobby for me or not. At some point, it's possible I can get an upgrade. If I really fall in love with embroidery, I probably will.

I just wish I had the time to learn it now instead of it sitting in the box in my sewing room.....another someday project. :(

Contact Babylock to see about getting a manual. They are very helpful. I own 5 Babylock machines and they are the best!
Consumer Help Line:
1-800-313-4110
http://www.babylock.com

My local repair shop has an embroidery machine for 250 and the box for 200. The machine comes with 2 hoops.
I know they have new machines for 700.
Which is the best way to go?
Also there are a couple of sites for manuals, I dont remember them but it wasnt hard to find them, they want 10 dollars for copies.

Is the new one the same as the one for 250? what kind of warenty does the shop give on used machines? It also depends on how much in your budget, don't forget to add in the cost of thread (you will need a variety of colors) and stabalizer, do you have matching bobbins already at home? or are you going to need to buy a few more? (the stores are more likely to throw in a few things if you buy new, of course you are already spending more)

No the used one dosnt look like the newer ones but it has a nice size screen. It looks out of date so I am leary. The sales lady did say they give lessons free on how to use it.
I really would like to get one with the big hoops but they cost so much that it is impossible for me to buy one.
I wish I had looked at the brand name on it. They had several used ones but more expensive than this one.
This is a large shop that has a repair area and a large longarm sales area and a huge fabric and new machine area.
I dont know about a warranty but great idea, I will ask.
I know how expensive embroidery can get from looking at all the stuff you need to have.
My bobbins are for my large machine and will not fit others.
Thanks for the info I never thought of all those questions.

I was wondering if anyone has used the Magna hoop. I am going to buy the Brother Duetta 4500D [great deal coming up next week for Black Friday] and thought I would like to get the Magna Hoop for doing quilts. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Since we 1st started this post last year I have now traded my Babylock Ellure Plus in & got the Babylock Elleago. Oh my gosh is this a Lexus or what. I love it. Can now plug in flashdrive or memory card or down load from computer. It is so neat & I love the regular sewing as well. I asked too about the Magna Hoop & lady at dealer said she didn't really like them & you had to be real careful not to hit the metal plates & break needle. I'm not sure what her problem is as I think the consept is great. See if you can try out one before you buy & ask on board if anybody has one. I found out about Accicut fabric cutter from another member. That would be your best bet. I got the deal of the century on my new machine. They gave me a great trade in price & this is the time of year Babylock has there big sale. Christmas & birthday came early for me.

I went on a sewing cruise in September to the Mexican Riviera, Did a lot of embroidery and sewing on that same machine you just bought, what an easy machine to use , There was 35 of us doing several projects at the same time , the embroidery is easy and beautiful,most of us had never used a machine like that before, ,the screen is so easy to read, I loved every part of that machine , Congrats !!! I already had the Bernina 440 and felt I could not spend that much more money on another machine, But as it happened when we had the quilt show here last week my dealer in Flagstaff offered me the new 830 at a good price and was willing to give me back every dime I paid for the 440 so next Tuesday I will go to Flagstaff and pick up my new machine, can hardly wait to get it

Just reread your post, we used the mega hoop for doing embroidery on Backpacks and large hand bags, it was so easy,and if you have to stop to put more thread in the bobbin, and have to take your embroidery off to do so, no worry ,the embroidery picks up right where you left off, did some beautiful cut work lace on the machine too, we did an outline then cut out the center and made a huge lace rose in the center, it turned out beautiful, we put it on one of those pashmere shawls that you find in the airports for about $15.00, used the sticky paper to hold it down because you would not want to strech the pashmere because it would leave strech marks

You will enjoy the embroidery machine! My machine of over 30 years died on me (a couple of years ago). So, I had to go machine shopping. Well, after a lot of research and questions later. I bought a Singer Futura, it was the best that I could afford at the time.
I wasn't sure that I would like it or not (I've done enbroidery by hand since I was very young). WELL - I just LOVE it!! It took a little while of trial and error to get the hang of it - but, I just love it!!! And, Nancy's book is a great one for reference. Also, if your public TV station has any sewing shows on -- WATCH them and learn. I have learned a lot from them. I have a lot of them on tape to watch frequently when I have the time.
ENJOY your new toy! I use mine a lot for just plain sewing too, but, the bad part is that I can not sew when I am using it for embroidery! So, I just recently bought a Brother to use while I am embroidering with the Singer.
The emblibrary.com is a great site! They have free ones each month too, plus some for 17 cents. Also, embroidery.com is another good one - they will put the designs that you order onto a CD (for a fee of course) But, that is what I did when I first got started.

I too am very happy for you. Chances are there is some software coming with the machine, but if not there are several good software packages available.

I have the Husqvarna Viking Designer SE and the 4D Embroidery software.

My suggestion to you is to read the manual that comes with the machine, get that Nancy Zieman book, and then ask any and all questions you may have to this group. We are here to help in any way possible.

Most embroiderers use a 40wt embroidery thread, and bobbin thread which is a finer thread in the bobbin. Also, there are different stabilizers that you will need.

Trust me when I tell you that you are going to have so much fun with your new machine. It will open creative possiblilities galore. There are so many embroidery sites that have free designs available that we will tell you about to get you started.

I previously owned the Husqvarna Viking #1+ which used a reader/card writer box so I may be of some help in that area.

Let us all know what machine you receive so we can celebrate with you.

I am enjoying my machine very much, I just finished 2 shopping bags , simple sewing and added a few crystals to spiff them up and put an embroidered rose on a piece to make a bag out of , Putting 20 panels together this afternoon to make a maple leaf appliqued quilt for a family reunion( hand appliqued and blanket stitched, it will be machine quilted and some simple decorative stitches in the sashing

Question? I have a white 4400 and want to use it for a trade in on a better machine...it has been used maybe 20 hrs...am I thinking reasonable or not?
thanks so much.
dee

Just don't expect a "new" price on the trade in....some places will give you a "blue book" value over the phone. I'd try to find out how much it's worth before I went shopping. :D :D

Probably depends on the dealer and the price of the new machine, my dealer gave me back full price on my 440, I used it very little and was less than a year old, the new 830 cost $9,000.00 because of the special price at the quilt show,usually about $11,000.00, Because of our economy right now who knows, Talk to the dealer :-P

Thanks for the feed back, very much appreciated, all great advise.

You mean a Vette for a new sewing machine ????, Oh my, I just got my 2004 Vette on my mothers birthday March 24, 2009, She has been gone a long time but I haven't forgotten her birthday, My husband had just received the last of his inheritance , and I had just received my yearly allotment so we took my PT Cruiser and the money and bought our Vette, I love it, But I love my new machine too,I love being able to put something on a stick and using it on the sewing machine, When I had the 440 I had to have it hooked up to a computer beside the machine if I wanted to use other patterns not programmed into the machine, the lights on this machine are wonderful, at my age I need all the light I can get, getting ready to quilt my first quilt on it , there are many built in quilting patterns , so may try some of them, I used to live in Woodscross about 10 years ago.

Lol.....actually I was teasing trading the Vett for a sewing machine...seriously though I really dislike the 4400 machine..oh well live n learn huh?

is that the brother pe designs i have been looking at them have no idea on how to use it all i know it is a pe design digitizer software and that is all i can't find the designs on the internet and at the store they are very expensive does anyone have any advice thanks dorothy from tenn

The designs can be found for the pedesign all over the place. There are some free designs on the brother site. And then inexpensive ones can be found at www.emblibrary.com. They have sales all the time as well.

Of course there are other sites that offer free and inexpensive.

How exciting!! As to stabilizers, many of the companies will send you a sample pack to try. Yes, it is important to use the right stablizer for the right fabric. And it's called trial and error based on how your machine reacts. You have some good sources for help already posted so I won't go back thru them. Trial and error is the rule on the embroidery thread, too. Be sure to use bobbin thread (60wt or 90wt) in the bobbin and embroidery thread (usually 40wt) on top. I keep samples of my stitchouts (another important thing to do...test stitch) and marked them as to stabilizer used, thread used, etc. I keep them in a binder in those plastic sheet protectors.

The most important thing to remember is take your time. That way you won't get frustrated (maybe) when you have bad test stitchouts (and you will, it's a given)!!

Just relax and have fun with it.

Oh, also there are great Yahoo embroidery groups you can join where you get wonderful help wth most any problem.