Advice on Sewing/Embroidery Machines

[Disneyaholic]

I need opinions, please. I used to sew a lot -- then got involved in other things and gave it up. I even sold my sewing machine and serger at garage sales!

I suddenly have the urge to start up again.

I would really like a machine that does sewing and embroidery -- in particular, I would like to do monograms -- the ones with different sized initials -- in both block and script.

Any recommendations on machines to look at? I stopped by the sewing machine area at JoAnns yesterday, but the lady there was too high pressure, and of course, only could tell me about the brand they carry.

Thanks for your help!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

You were absolutely correct to not give in to the offerings at JoAnnes! While they have a niche, it isn't for "capital equipment"! IMHO.

I do a LOT of sewing but really haven't gotten into the embroidery side of things. I have a friend who does a great deal though in her quilting (she does the kind that hang in museums and win international awards. ). We were chatting about machines a bit over the weekend while backstage.

In a nutshell look at a LOT of machines. Make sure you can play with them. Take your OWN samples of fabric with you - some heavy, some midweight, some very light. Several different textures as well - slippery, backed, etc. Make sure the machine does what YOU want.

Brother has a really nice computerized machine that will do almost any sort of embroidery you want. I have 2 Elnas. One that goes back to the late 1950s and you insert cams to get the embroidery stiches you want. That is what I STILL use when I do some of that sort of work. My workhorse is an Elna Lotus - the tiniest little thing you'd ever want to see - but it just keeps going and going and going. Elna is one of the few brands that are metal workings.

Ask about service, availability of parts, etc. I'd suggest locating a specialty store that deals more with the machines than the materials they use! Around my area we have a couple, often theyare also vacuum cleaner distributors as well. Sort of a mystery as to why but there you have it.

Good luck and have fun!
Deb

 

[Jen117]

I have a Bernina 180. It also does Embroidery. I LOVE IT! It costs a lot more than most people want to spend on a machine, but I wouldn't get any other machine, except maybe the Bernina 200. I have 3 Bernina Machines and have always had good luck with them. Both my mom and aunt also use Berninas and love them. I haven't done much with the Embroidery yet, but my mom also has a 180 and has done a lot of Embroidery.

Go to a local Bernina dealer and do a test drive. Ask all the questions you want. Since Berninas cost more, usually you aren't hit with a high pressure sales person (at least you shouldn't). It never hurts to look around. But definately don't buy anything until you have sat down and tried it out!

 

[Disneyaholic]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to make a trip to the local sewing machine store later this afternoon. You've given me some good ideas as far as questions to ask.