Anyone have an embroidery machine?

[Kermit]

I'm thinking about getting an embroidery machine, and I don't know what one to get. I do want to be able to have Disney images, so I'm thinking about the Brothers Disney machines, but I think I can only buy those at Wal-Mart, and I really wanted to buy from a dealer who could help me out if I have questions. I'm also looking at the Singer Quantum Futura, which is that one that you have to have connected to a computer. That one doesn't come with Disney designs, but it comes with software that will convert any image I have on my computer. I like the thought of not having to buy expensive embroidery image cards. I know that I can buy software that will do that with any machine, but at least this one is included.

Can anyone give me any advice about getting an embroidery machine? I definitely want one that will also sew well, since I just don't have room for a sewing machine, serger, AND embroidery machine in my sewing room. And I'd like to spend under $1000. But I'm clueless about which one I should get.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Hi Kermit - my sister has one of the Brother Disney machines and she loves it. I know you live near me so I will give you the places that she shops. Classic Keepsakes on Congaree (288-0273) and Bernina Sewing Ctr. on Wade Hampton (235-5031). I don't know which place she bought her machine, but I know it was not Wal-Mart because like you she wanted good instruction. She has taken many sewing/embroidery classes at Classic Keepsakes and really likes them. We go in together and buy the cartridges (they are pricey), but we do MANY pieces so we feel it's worth it. Last year when 11 of our family went on our big trip we all had matching red polos with a Mickey/Minnie snow scene (we went in early December). We loved that we could do all those shirts and look so great. We buy the cheapie little girls turtlenecks at Wal-Mart (usually $3 range) and then put a different princess on each shirt. Our 3 girls have TONS of Disney shirts that we could never afford at the Disney stores. Have fun deciding and let me know if you need more info, I can have her tell much more than I know, I'm just her threader helper - LOL!
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[Kermit]

Wow! Thanks for the help, Lisa. That's great having names of places. And I'm excited to find out that I don't have to buy a Brother machine at Wal-Mart. That's a good idea about sharing the price of the cartriges, too. I have a sister who would also probably help me buy them. I never thought of that.

I'll have to dedicate tomorrow to looking at embroidery machines. Since I have an almost-2-year-old and a 3 month old, shopping at that kind of store is nice becasue the sales people almost always help me first to get me out of there.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Glad to help Kermit. How did it go today? Hopefully you were able to find good info. You will love having this machine. It's not a cheap purchase, but I feel well worth it. I'm an addicted scrapper and spend this much on my supplies, my sister's hobby happens to be sewing. We often swap out for each other (I make scrapbooks for her girls and she smocks/sews/embroiders for my DD). She looked at the machines that can be hooked to the computer, but felt the Brother machine would work for her. She has several cartridges (not all Disney) and makes the greatest things. She buys the inexpensive canvas bags at the craft store then will add ribbon, bows, etc. then adds the monogramming and it's a fabulous gift. She also makes the greatest burp cloths from cloth diapers. We give these for almost all of our shower gifts. We get ribbon and then add the monogramming or a cute saying. We did several Disney burp cloths for a friend who's a Disney nut like us and I thought she was going to have the baby on the spot she was so thrilled. All total the burp clothes were less than $20 for about 8-10 of them, yet at a speciality baby/kids clothing place they would have easily been $20 a piece. If you have the time you can really justify the price by all you can make. Have fun!!
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[Kermit]

Well, I didn't get out today because it was raining, but then tonight I found out that DH had already ordered an embroidery machine for me! He did get me the one that hooks to the computer, but I'm sure I'll be able to find plenty of Disney designs on the Internet. I'm so excited. Now I have to go buy embroidery thread, sample cloth, and the other things I'll need to get started as soon as my new machine gets here.

I like that burp cloth idea. I'm working on becoming a natural childbirth instructor right now, and I want to have contests in my classes and hand out prizes. I'll be able to make all kinds of neat things for my parents-to-be now.

 

[rcraw45425]

Hi, I have the new Disney embroidery machine from Walmart and I love it. Super easy to use, my DD's 7 & 9 have embroidered with it. I was able to pick up a Taste of Disney card new on ebay for $30 they are normally as highas$150 for some of them. I also bought the Amazing Box, hooks to the computer, lets you take images from the less costly CD's and put them on a card to use in your machine. The Brother machine has a 4"X4" hoop and will also use Bernina Deco cards and some of the other brands as well. Good luck and have fun!