Disboutiquers Part 27 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

[Sandi S]

Hi everybody! I've been looking for a deal on an embroidery machine and I think I might have found one. It's only a 4x4 but I was reading reviews and one lady said that you can break a bigger design into smaller parts and do the embroidery or applique in sections. She said to use a bigger hoop to avoid re-hooping. Would that really work? If so, how hard would it be? I figured if anyone could answer this it would be one of you! .

Thanks in advance!

Lori in East Podunk

I would hold out for the right deal on a machine that does 5x7. I lucked out and picked up a Bernina Deco 340 for $1000 (regular price is $1400, but someone returned it after using it twice and decided to upgrade - I got the brand new warranty, it was serviced...and I LOVE it!).

 

[dianemom2]

I've seen some entry level machines for around $500, but they have maximum embroidery area of 4 in. x 4 in. That doesn't seem like enough space to even put a name on a t-shirt. If the machine says 4x4 maximum embroidery area can you use larger hoops on it or does that mean that is the largest area you can embroider no matter what?

I found a used (traded in for upgrade) Brother Innov-is NV-1250 at a sewing store in town. They are asking $1800 for it. It comes with 2 additional Disney embroidery sets (can choose for a bunch of different sets). It has 3 size hoops with it 4x4, 5x7 and one larger than that. I have no idea if that is even a good deal or if I should invest that amount of money having no experience in this area.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what type of machine I should get?

Thanks for your help guys.

I would definitely buy a machine that has at least a 5x7 hoop. I do have a machine with a 6x10 hoop also but I have to say that I rarely use it and probably wouldn't miss it if I did not have it. I started with a machine that only had a 4x4 embroidery frame and within a few months I replaced it. I bought my beloved Babylock Ellageo second hand and I've been more than happy with it.

LOL! It's fun to get excited about the little things, isn't it? At least here, we all get it. Tell anyone else, and they might think you need some intervention

I am glad that you all understand. I was sad that I didn't get to use my scissors today. I was busy sewing instead of doing appliques. I had a bunch of projects to finish up. I'll post pictures either later tonight or tomorrow.

I work nights 7 days a week 365 days a year and I sew and take care of the kids and house during the day. I do not know what sleep is.

I started making hairbows and accessories for the girls then i got a brother se440 for the embroidery that was in July 2011 by September I couldn't stand the small hoop and bought the brother pe770. Now I really need to upgrade to a bigger hoop but that has to wait. I have what you call hoop envy.I found Heather Sue's designs from you guys Thank You! My disneyholic kids love them!

Then i finally caught on to the patterns most of you use and bought the easy fits and wow that was so easy and my kids love them thought i haven't tried adding ruffles or anything. I don't think I will buy a confusing store pattern again. With my number of kids I am saving money which my dh loves.

I can't wait to start getting into this more and learning from you all.

Welcome! We're so glad you found us! You sound like a very busy lady! I am impressed that you find time to sew such cute things for your kids. I only had two kids and didn't start sewing again until they were both in school full days. As I said further up, I have a machine with the 6x10 hoop but I rarely use it. Most of the time the 5x7 frame works best for what I am doing. I love the easy fit pattern. Since you have several kids, being able to print out the pattern and use it over and over and over must be a huge cost savings. I'd also recommend the Simply Sweet dress for your girls. It is also from CarlaC on YCMT. It is a breeze to make and very versatile.

 

[SallyfromDE]

I am a complete novice at sewing/embroidery so forgive me for naive questions. I am considering purchasing a combo sewing/embroider machine so that I can do my own monograms for my child's clothes, towels, gifts, etc. and of course for all our disney outfits.

Basically I would like to be able to monogram, sew some appliques on (I don't need a machine to die cut the apliques) and make some simple dresses or sew some embellishments on clothing.

I've seen some entry level machines for around $500, but they have maximum embroidery area of 4 in. x 4 in. That doesn't seem like enough space to even put a name on a t-shirt. If the machine says 4x4 maximum embroidery area can you use larger hoops on it or does that mean that is the largest area you can embroider no matter what?

I don't need to create borders on skirts or anything (yet), but I want to make sure I'm not buying something that I can't use.

I found a used (traded in for upgrade) Brother Innov-is NV-1250 at a sewing store in town. They are asking $1800 for it. It comes with 2 additional Disney embroidery sets (can choose for a bunch of different sets). It has 3 size hoops with it 4x4, 5x7 and one larger than that. I have no idea if that is even a good deal or if I should invest that amount of money having no experience in this area.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what type of machine I should get?

Thanks for your help guys.

I don't know if it is or isn't. I did a quick look up, and found that it's a 5x7 field, that other hoop is a repositional hoop. So you can move it up or down and not have to rehoop, for a name under your design for example. The Brother website had the machine "as low as" $42 a month for 48 months and another spot showed it as $2500. An embroidery alone machine would probably be around $800 new (guestimating).

Maybe someone with an Innovis can be more help. I like having 2 separate machines, so if something happened to the embroidery, then I'm not out of my sewing machine. But that is just my preference.

 

[cogero]

I have a Brother Duetta 4500 which is a sewing embroidery combo, I bought it second hand. I started with a SE-400 with a 4 x 4 hoop. I then bought a PE-700 with a 5 x7 hoop and I use it more. I have only ever used the 6 x 10 hoop on my Duetta maybe 5 times.

 

[PurpleEars]

Hi everybody! I've been looking for a deal on an embroidery machine and I think I might have found one. It's only a 4x4 but I was reading reviews and one lady said that you can break a bigger design into smaller parts and do the embroidery or applique in sections. She said to use a bigger hoop to avoid re-hooping. Would that really work? If so, how hard would it be? I figured if anyone could answer this it would be one of you! .

Thanks in advance!

Lori in East Podunk

You *COULD* get a larger hoop but they only benefit I see is if you want to combine two designs. So you could do say "Mickey" on one line and "Mouse" on the second line.

That's too bad, they look like they have some super cute creative cuts with Tinker bell and Tiana.



Thanks for the welcome! I'll be checking out fabricland when I'm in Edmonton in May, hopfuly they have some Disney in stock.

I got a stash of Tink and Tiana fabric from a Fabricland in Calgary. I may be going to Edmonton for a couple of days in May, though it will be a work trip so I will likely see downtown and the highway and that's about it.

We are going in Sept for our 10th anniversary. Have a fantastic trip

Congrats on your upcoming anniversary! It is exciting to reach a milestone like that.

Years ago we ate at Brown Derby and loved it. But that was before I was married and when my sister still lived in Florida -- so at least 15 years ago. Chefs de France is a favorite and we love Coral Reef but I see they are on your list. I can't remember the name off hand -- maybe Jinko's? -- at AKL is fabulous. Sadly I wasn't feeling well the night we ate there so didn't really get to enjoy it like I wished I was able to.

Congrats on your upcoming 10th!!!! We will be celebrating #13 this year!h

Congrats on your upcoming anniversary!

We have 3 Fabriclands here and none of them had any Disney fabric when I looked a couple of weeks ago. They looked sideways at me when I asked about if they ever got any in! I think we are going to the US last weekend of February and I might just have to check out a couple of fabric stores while we are there.


Yay! We are doing a Tusker House dinner in March and it is a new one for us too. I'll let you know how we like it. We loved 50's Prime Time Cafe when we went the last time and we are going again this trip. 'Ohana is one of our faves too. Haven't tried the others you mentioned, we are saving them for future trips!

I never liked the Fabricland on Wonderland Rd when we lived there! I am hoping Joann will have a good sale next week.

I look forward to hearing your review on Tusker House.

I am a complete novice at sewing/embroidery so forgive me for naive questions. I am considering purchasing a combo sewing/embroider machine so that I can do my own monograms for my child's clothes, towels, gifts, etc. and of course for all our disney outfits.

Basically I would like to be able to monogram, sew some appliques on (I don't need a machine to die cut the apliques) and make some simple dresses or sew some embellishments on clothing.

I've seen some entry level machines for around $500, but they have maximum embroidery area of 4 in. x 4 in. That doesn't seem like enough space to even put a name on a t-shirt. If the machine says 4x4 maximum embroidery area can you use larger hoops on it or does that mean that is the largest area you can embroider no matter what?

I don't need to create borders on skirts or anything (yet), but I want to make sure I'm not buying something that I can't use.

I found a used (traded in for upgrade) Brother Innov-is NV-1250 at a sewing store in town. They are asking $1800 for it. It comes with 2 additional Disney embroidery sets (can choose for a bunch of different sets). It has 3 size hoops with it 4x4, 5x7 and one larger than that. I have no idea if that is even a good deal or if I should invest that amount of money having no experience in this area.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what type of machine I should get?

Thanks for your help guys.

I do a number of adult-sized clothing with my 4x4 machine, but I tend to put embroidery along the hem so the size works for what I do. 4x4 is the maximum the machine can do at one time, so you could do something like a 4x4 Mickey head and a name under the Mickey head.

How sweet! I checked out his other builds and they are very impressive! He's talented!

Congrats to you on your 10th anniversary! Enjoy your trip! Sounds like it's shaping up nicely!

Thanks on both counts b

Hi everyone! I have been a lurker for quite a few months now and have learned a lot from reading. I have decided that it is time to introduce myself. I am Laurie. I have 6 kids 3 boys ages 12,8 and 4 and 3 girls 9 1/2,6 (on monday) and 18 months.I work nights 7 days a week 365 days a year and I sew and take care of the kids and house during the day. I do not know what sleep is.

I started making hairbows and accessories for the girls then i got a brother se440 for the embroidery that was in July 2011 by September I couldn't stand the small hoop and bought the brother pe770. Now I really need to upgrade to a bigger hoop but that has to wait. I have what you call hoop envy.I found Heather Sue's designs from you guys Thank You! My disneyholic kids love them!

Then i finally caught on to the patterns most of you use and bought the easy fits and wow that was so easy and my kids love them thought i haven't tried adding ruffles or anything. I don't think I will buy a confusing store pattern again. With my number of kids I am saving money which my dh loves.

I am going to try and add 2 pictures of what i made the kids for valentines days.

I can't wait to start getting into this more and learning from you all.

Welcome! I don't know how you manage to find time for anything with such a busy household. Those outfits are great!

 

[graceesmom]

Thank you all for the replies. I am now leaning more toward a dedicated embroidery machine. I will look for one with at a 5x7 embroidery area.

I am sure I'll be back with more questions as I narrow my choices.

 

[miprender]

Thanks everyone for the compliments on the shorts. I always get nervous sewing for others because I am so afraid they won't fit.

My girls are middle schoolers and they still love to fill their pockets with junk! I always have to check pockets when I do the wash or I find baggies of rubber bands for their braces, chapsticks, lip glosses, paper clips, erasers, etc in my washing machine!

Andrea posted another tutorial for adding pockets to a shorts pattern and I want to try that style. I made some bowling shirts for my nephew's birthday. I was thinking I might whip up a pair of shorts for him to experiment with some pockets. I hope that I can fit in making some shorts for him. He has down syndrome and at almost 7 he is still in diapers. A lot of regular shorts don't fit him to well with diapers under them. The easy fit shorts are looser and have more room in them.

Funny story about the pockets and I did pin Andrea's post for future reference.

Everyone's stuff looks so great. I thought I'd show you all what I have been working on. We are going to Disney Live with some friends in March. I made Snow White dresses for my DDs (I posted a pic of one earlier). My dds will also wear them to Akershus breakfast in April. The Cinderella dress (ignore my hand's weird shadow) and Prince Charming shirt are for our friends' kids. Then the pillowcase tops are for our WDW trip in April. I let each girl pick out a fabric for Animal Kingdom. My 3 yo went with Winnie the Pooh and the 5 yo went with the tiger print. I've gotten all kinds of tips and ideas here. I can't wait to sew some more things for our trip.

Everything came out great.

Thought I'd share - this is one of my Pinterest boards: Disney Inspiration - using it to get ideas for sewing Disney

Great pin!

I'm glad your photo her is bigger -- I can now see the pattern on the shorts! Cool fabric! Let me guess where that came from!!! (Still need to call and get some more Beatle's fabric but I'm trying hard not to buy fabric and my latest BG has been a complete flop there!).

I actually got the fabric last summer online at walmart and bought a whole bunch so I decided it would be a great time to finally use it.

Yikes on washing the ipod! I have washed DSi games before and they still work after going through the washer and dryer

My older DD has lost TWO winter coats in the past week. On Saturday she went to a bat mitzvah and the brand new pea coat that I bought her was taken. It had been hanging on a coat rack in the foyer at the restaurant during the party and it wasn't there when she went to leave. Then Tuesday night she went to religious school and left her North Face winter coat there. I hope that I can go by and get that coat. If not, I will have to see if she can make it through the rest of the winter by layer her fleece jacket with a sweatshirt.

That's terrible that someone stole one but hopefully you canget the North Face one back

That's why DH can't go with me to the fabric store.....I have a stash but he is a horder.....the last time we went he bought about 8 yards of SW fabric! and we don't have a trip coming anytime soon.

I see nothing wrong with that

hedge333, your stuff is super cute!!

I'm posting a few pics of things I've made recently, although they're not Dis-related... waiting for a girly bigGive (cant seem to sew much for the boys!)
Just a few springy skirts and a top:

A great rainy day for sewing - but I'm gonna take my wee one to the library for storytime first!

Love it! Love the vintage feel of them.

Does anyone know what color dress Minnie Mouse has on at Disney Hollywood Studios right now. I am planning outfits for our first trip with our 3 kids and want to make sure my little girl matches her. Does she wear a pink hollywood outfit?? If so I think I will make her the pink polka dot outfit as opposed to the red one. Thanks guys.

The last time I saw her there it was pink but not the pink poka dot like she wears on Playhouse Disney.

Anyone have the Brother 770D? Do you think I'll be happy with it set up as my embroidery only machine?

Anything better? I'm looking for under 1K and at least 5x7.

Thanks!

I have the PE 770 too and love it. I never bought any software for since I don't digitilize anything.

OK, I'm reading on Amazon that the PE-770 will not read the Brother Disney cards. Is this true? I'm not sure I'd even use them anyway though, but having them available was one reason I was leaning towards Brother to begin with. What say you?

If you really want to do disney embroidered designs vs applique ibroidery is a great site. It is the brother site and basically all the designs on the cards are available there. http://www.ibroidery.com/

I have very exciting news. I have known about this since December but at my daughters request I have kept quiet. She has now told everyone so I am allowed to shout from the roof tops that I'm going to be a Grandmother again!!!! As most of you know my son has 2 children but the Air Force has stationed him in OK and we are in NJ so we don't see them as often as we like. I am really looking forward to spoiling another grandbaby!!!!!!!

Congrats!

Our August trip is actually taking place! We booked the plane tickets last night (more than what we wanted to pay but we doubt we will see a lower price). I have to decide where we want to eat and make dining reservations as the reservation window is coming up very soon. Any good suggestions? The "new to us" place I want to try this time is Tusker House for dinner, as well as 50's Prime Time Cafe. We are going back to a few old faves like 'Ohana, Chefs de France, Akershus and Coral Reef. We have decided to call this trip "our perfect 10 trip" - Our 10th trip to Disney World for 10 days to celebrate our 10th anniversary!

Too bad you weren't going a month early we could have met up but I wonder if you will be there when Chiara is down.

I am a complete novice at sewing/embroidery so forgive me for naive questions. I am considering purchasing a combo sewing/embroider machine so that I can do my own monograms for my child's clothes, towels, gifts, etc. and of course for all our disney outfits.

Basically I would like to be able to monogram, sew some appliques on (I don't need a machine to die cut the apliques) and make some simple dresses or sew some embellishments on clothing.

I've seen some entry level machines for around $500, but they have maximum embroidery area of 4 in. x 4 in. That doesn't seem like enough space to even put a name on a t-shirt. If the machine says 4x4 maximum embroidery area can you use larger hoops on it or does that mean that is the largest area you can embroider no matter what?

I don't need to create borders on skirts or anything (yet), but I want to make sure I'm not buying something that I can't use.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what type of machine I should get?

Thanks for your help guys.

I'll add my 2¢.... I love having two seperate machines because I am lazy and hated switching the foot back and forth for sewing and embroidering

Hi everyone! I have been a lurker for quite a few months now and have learned a lot from reading. I have decided that it is time to introduce myself. I am Laurie. I have 6 kids 3 boys ages 12,8 and 4 and 3 girls 9 1/2,6 (on monday) and 18 months.I work nights 7 days a week 365 days a year and I sew and take care of the kids and house during the day. I do not know what sleep is.

I started making hairbows and accessories for the girls then i got a brother se440 for the embroidery that was in July 2011 by September I couldn't stand the small hoop and bought the brother pe770. Now I really need to upgrade to a bigger hoop but that has to wait. I have what you call hoop envy.I found Heather Sue's designs from you guys Thank You! My disneyholic kids love them!

Then i finally caught on to the patterns most of you use and bought the easy fits and wow that was so easy and my kids love them thought i haven't tried adding ruffles or anything. I don't think I will buy a confusing store pattern again. With my number of kids I am saving money which my dh loves.

I am going to try and add 2 pictures of what i made the kids for valentines days.

I can't wait to start getting into this more and learning from you all.

That is great that you can even find time to sew but everything came out terrific.

 

[DISNEYJAZZ]

Congratulations! That's very exciting news!


Most of us don't use the Brother Disney cards. We mostly buy our designs from some of the great digitizers that are around. Of course you can always digitize your own designs too since I saw you were asking about software. From what I've seen, most of the Brother cards are straight embroidery. I certainly prefer applique for most of my projects.


I am sure she is going to be a real cutie pie! Congratulations to your family. How is the sewing on the nursery set coming along?

I HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED!
not een bought fabric,thy are in the process of looking for a house to buy,they need 4 bedrooms sicne Elli will be 10 when Liberty is born so not a great idea to share a room...so after they get a new place and she has her own room i think we will start on it!
th eprojects i am working on now are things for my dd's friends kids for their upcoming 1st wdw trip! it's a surprise ,so i make things and take them to the mom while the kids play outside...hehe
she is a beginner seamstress and has asked me to do a minnie applique on her minnie inspired dress she made...it's been fun making things for her kids and also helping her with questions...so gla di learned soooo much here that i can share with her...

 

[ksl5f123]

I posted about 20 pages ago asking for advice on making outfits for Legoland. Someone suggested the following:

Also, what about doing a primary colors patchwork skirt instead of just plain, to mimic Lego blocks?
Regards,
C.

I loved the idea. Here is the result:

Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with me! My DD loves how this came out, but I have to admit it has me considering putting a serger on my Christmas list.

Karen

 

[ksl5f123]

Here are my newest projects. First are the Lego shirts that I started last week when there was a lot of discussion on here about Lego outfits. I made the Lego designs to go on the shirts. I was really happy with how these turned out. I made on for each of my nephews.

The backs are the same on both shirts. I made the Lego man on the backs. Then I did 4 different faces for the fronts.

I love all of the different faces on the Lego man. These are so cute. Your nephews are going to love them!

 

[Sandi S]

I posted about 20 pages ago asking for advice on making outfits for Legoland. Someone suggested the following:



I loved the idea. Here is the result:

Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with me! My DD loves how this came out, but I have to admit it has me considering putting a serger on my Christmas list.

Karen

That turned out super cute!

 

[graceesmom]

Still deciding on the embroidery machine -- really liking the PE770. The only concern I have is that the closest authorized dealer is about 70 miles away.

My local store sells Bernina, but I like the option of of the Disney embroidery that Brother offers.

Is one brand considerably better than the other? I can buy the Brother on-line, but then if I need any service, I will need to take it somewhere. If I buy from the local store, they also provide instruction on the machine. What to do???

 

[Sandi S]

Still deciding on the embroidery machine -- really liking the PE770. The only concern I have is that the closest authorized dealer is about 70 miles away.

My local store sells Bernina, but I like the option of of the Disney embroidery that Brother offers.

Is one brand considerably better than the other? I can buy the Brother on-line, but then if I need any service, I will need to take it somewhere. If I buy from the local store, they also provide instruction on the machine. What to do???

There are other sellers of Disney designs - not necessarily authorized or official, but darn cute!

One question to consider is how much training do you think you will need? If you need a local dealer to guide you, consider that. If you are comfortable figuring this stuff out with minimal guidance, then location of dealer might not be a concern.

 

[Sandi S]

I'm excited - made some ADR for our August trip (Crystal Palace lunch with Pooh and Sci-Fi Dine-In).

Also, I finished this cute bag - love the kitty fabric (I have an all-white cat in addition to the tabby you can see in the picture) and I've been hoarding these buttons for 2.5 years. They were pricey and I hesitated to use them on something DD would outgrow.

 

[GlassSlippers]

Thanks for all the advice on the embroidery machine. I'm going to wait until I can get the PE770. I have the opposite problem from many women. My husband wants to get one of the $3000 machines for me. You know, the kind you can embroider a wedding dress on. AAAACK! When am I going to be making wedding dresses?!?! And never mind the $$$! I love that he thinks I'm worth it, but seeing all the beautiful things that y'all do with a 770, I'm quite certain I don't need anything that fancy!

Thanks again!

Lori in East Podunk

 

[GlassSlippers]

Hi everyone! I have been a lurker for quite a few months now and have learned a lot from reading. I have decided that it is time to introduce myself. I am Laurie. I have 6 kids 3 boys ages 12,8 and 4 and 3 girls 9 1/2,6 (on monday) and 18 months.I work nights 7 days a week 365 days a year and I sew and take care of the kids and house during the day. I do not know what sleep is.

I started making hairbows and accessories for the girls then i got a brother se440 for the embroidery that was in July 2011 by September I couldn't stand the small hoop and bought the brother pe770. Now I really need to upgrade to a bigger hoop but that has to wait. I have what you call hoop envy.I found Heather Sue's designs from you guys Thank You! My disneyholic kids love them!

Then i finally caught on to the patterns most of you use and bought the easy fits and wow that was so easy and my kids love them thought i haven't tried adding ruffles or anything. I don't think I will buy a confusing store pattern again. With my number of kids I am saving money which my dh loves.

I am going to try and add 2 pictures of what i made the kids for valentines days.

I can't wait to start getting into this more and learning from you all.

Oh my goodness! Those outfits are darling and your kids are adorable! There is mischief in that little boy's face, no doubt about it!

You're going to like it here. Everyone is very nice and so helpful!

Lori in East Podunk

 

[ivey_family]

Hi everyone! I have been a lurker for quite a few months now and have learned a lot from reading. I have decided that it is time to introduce myself. I am Laurie. I have 6 kids 3 boys ages 12,8 and 4 and 3 girls 9 1/2,6 (on monday) and 18 months.I work nights 7 days a week 365 days a year and I sew and take care of the kids and house during the day. I do not know what sleep is.

I can't wait to start getting into this more and learning from you all.

Welcome! What a lovely family! And great job on your projects.

I don't yet have my own embroidery machine, but I borrowed my mom's for 6 months last year. I DID use the 6x10 on several occasions. I found that size much nicer on dh, and even for myself on some garments. I seem to be in the minority on using it, though.

I posted about 20 pages ago asking for advice on making outfits for Legoland. Someone suggested the following:



I loved the idea. Here is the result:

Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with me! My DD loves how this came out, but I have to admit it has me considering putting a serger on my Christmas list.

Karen

That was me! It came out great! Very Lego-like!


So, many of you know that I've been working on refurbishing a vintage Singer like D's. I have FINALLY finished and have her ready to sew! I'm SO excited! This was a major learning experience for me. I re-did the wiring, stripped down and cleaned out the motor, and scrubbed and polished my girl until she shines! I cannot wait to get going on some projects on Beth! Here are a few before and after shots: (photo overload ahead )

Pre-clean-up - see the nicotine and tarnish on the silver and brass?

Close-up of the silver plates pre-cleaning

Inside the motor - serious gunk!

All ready to be put back together

Polished badge and repainted stitch length plate

And, finally, bright, shiny, working(!) Beth. See that silver sparkle!

I want to offer a HUGE thank you to D. for the inspiration to attempt this, for help with resources and cleaning tips, and for troubleshooting a stitching issue with me! (The arm was bent on the bobbin case!)

Unfortunately, dh came home sick from work tonight, and my boys are also sick, so any real sewing on Beth will have to wait a little while longer. Please pray that dd and I do NOT get sick!

Regards,
C.

 

[CindyBeth]

I need some help. I want to make a Rapunzel dress for my dd2. Has anyone done this? Does anyone have any suggestions for a pattern? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[VBAndrea]

I am a complete novice at sewing/embroidery so forgive me for naive questions. I am considering purchasing a combo sewing/embroider machine so that I can do my own monograms for my child's clothes, towels, gifts, etc. and of course for all our disney outfits.

Basically I would like to be able to monogram, sew some appliques on (I don't need a machine to die cut the apliques) and make some simple dresses or sew some embellishments on clothing.

I've seen some entry level machines for around $500, but they have maximum embroidery area of 4 in. x 4 in. That doesn't seem like enough space to even put a name on a t-shirt. If the machine says 4x4 maximum embroidery area can you use larger hoops on it or does that mean that is the largest area you can embroider no matter what?

I don't need to create borders on skirts or anything (yet), but I want to make sure I'm not buying something that I can't use.

I found a used (traded in for upgrade) Brother Innov-is NV-1250 at a sewing store in town. They are asking $1800 for it. It comes with 2 additional Disney embroidery sets (can choose for a bunch of different sets). It has 3 size hoops with it 4x4, 5x7 and one larger than that. I have no idea if that is even a good deal or if I should invest that amount of money having no experience in this area.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what type of machine I should get?

Thanks for your help guys.

I think this has been answered, but a 4x4 machine will not accept a larger design -- hold out for a 5x7 hoop.

I think Innovis are good machines but I can not speak from experience. Like many on here I am happy with my Brother PE 770. I also prefer have a separate embroidery and sewing machine.

Hi everyone! I have been a lurker for quite a few months now and have learned a lot from reading. I have decided that it is time to introduce myself. I am Laurie. I have 6 kids 3 boys ages 12,8 and 4 and 3 girls 9 1/2,6 (on monday) and 18 months.I work nights 7 days a week 365 days a year and I sew and take care of the kids and house during the day. I do not know what sleep is.

I started making hairbows and accessories for the girls then i got a brother se440 for the embroidery that was in July 2011 by September I couldn't stand the small hoop and bought the brother pe770. Now I really need to upgrade to a bigger hoop but that has to wait. I have what you call hoop envy.I found Heather Sue's designs from you guys Thank You! My disneyholic kids love them!

Then i finally caught on to the patterns most of you use and bought the easy fits and wow that was so easy and my kids love them thought i haven't tried adding ruffles or anything. I don't think I will buy a confusing store pattern again. With my number of kids I am saving money which my dh loves.

I am going to try and add 2 pictures of what i made the kids for valentines days.

I can't wait to start getting into this more and learning from you all.

OK, I have to ask, what do you do for a living that you never have a day off? I can't imagine working that hard. I used to work nights when I was young and there is no way I could still be doing it.

Your outfits are great! I see you have become acquainted with Heather Sue! Your girls are just adorable too! I hope you continue to post

I posted about 20 pages ago asking for advice on making outfits for Legoland. Someone suggested the following:



I loved the idea. Here is the result:

Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with me! My DD loves how this came out, but I have to admit it has me considering putting a serger on my Christmas list.

Karen

I love it! It is very Lego looking! And yes, a serger is a wise investment.

Still deciding on the embroidery machine -- really liking the PE770. The only concern I have is that the closest authorized dealer is about 70 miles away.

My local store sells Bernina, but I like the option of of the Disney embroidery that Brother offers.

Is one brand considerably better than the other? I can buy the Brother on-line, but then if I need any service, I will need to take it somewhere. If I buy from the local store, they also provide instruction on the machine. What to do???

I wouldn't worry about the designs Brother offers as you can buy any Dis designs for any machine from digitizers. Look at HeatherSue's web site and do some etsy searches and you'll find lots of cute things.

My PE 770 came from Amazon. It's so user friendly that I never needed any lessons. I got advice from the girls here on doing things and went to town. I was really intimidated at first, but after finally pulling the machine out and using it I found it to be a breeze. My only regret is trying my first mouse head on scrap fabric b/c it turned out perfect.

I'm excited - made some ADR for our August trip (Crystal Palace lunch with Pooh and Sci-Fi Dine-In).

Also, I finished this cute bag - love the kitty fabric (I have an all-white cat in addition to the tabby you can see in the picture) and I've been hoarding these buttons for 2.5 years. They were pricey and I hesitated to use them on something DD would outgrow.

I can only see a wee bit of kitty in that pic! I am a cat fan too so your bag gets my approval! I would never want a white cat though -- our orange tabby leaves enough white hair all over the house as it is! We also have a Russian Blue and she barely sheds.

Thanks for all the advice on the embroidery machine. I'm going to wait until I can get the PE770. I have the opposite problem from many women. My husband wants to get one of the $3000 machines for me. You know, the kind you can embroider a wedding dress on. AAAACK! When am I going to be making wedding dresses?!?! And never mind the $$$! I love that he thinks I'm worth it, but seeing all the beautiful things that y'all do with a 770, I'm quite certain I don't need anything that fancy!

Thanks again!

Lori in East Podunk

Smart move and nice hubby!

So, many of you know that I've been working on refurbishing a vintage Singer like D's. I have FINALLY finished and have her ready to sew! I'm SO excited! This was a major learning experience for me. I re-did the wiring, stripped down and cleaned out the motor, and scrubbed and polished my girl until she shines! I cannot wait to get going on some projects on Beth! Here are a few before and after shots: (photo overload ahead )

And, finally, bright, shiny, working(!) Beth. See that silver sparkle!

I want to offer a HUGE thank you to D. for the inspiration to attempt this, for help with resources and cleaning tips, and for troubleshooting a stitching issue with me! (The arm was bent on the bobbin case!)

Unfortunately, dh came home sick from work tonight, and my boys are also sick, so any real sewing on Beth will have to wait a little while longer. Please pray that dd and I do NOT get sick!

Regards,
C.

Oh, Beth is beautiful! I hope everyone gets well asap so you can put Beth to work. I can't wait to see your first project on her! (OK, that gunk picture was gross!).

 

[cogero]

This is just so adorably cute.

Still deciding on the embroidery machine -- really liking the PE770. The only concern I have is that the closest authorized dealer is about 70 miles away.

My local store sells Bernina, but I like the option of of the Disney embroidery that Brother offers.

Is one brand considerably better than the other? I can buy the Brother on-line, but then if I need any service, I will need to take it somewhere. If I buy from the local store, they also provide instruction on the machine. What to do???

My Duetta has built in Disney Designs and I have never used them. THe PE 770 is very easy to use so I bought mine off amazon.

I'm excited - made some ADR for our August trip (Crystal Palace lunch with Pooh and Sci-Fi Dine-In).

Also, I finished this cute bag - love the kitty fabric (I have an all-white cat in addition to the tabby you can see in the picture) and I've been hoarding these buttons for 2.5 years. They were pricey and I hesitated to use them on something DD would outgrow.

I totally love your bag it is so cute. I make our ADRs for August in 10 days

Welcome! What a lovely family! And great job on your projects.

I don't yet have my own embroidery machine, but I borrowed my mom's for 6 months last year. I DID use the 6x10 on several occasions. I found that size much nicer on dh, and even for myself on some garments. I seem to be in the minority on using it, though.



That was me! It came out great! Very Lego-like!


So, many of you know that I've been working on refurbishing a vintage Singer like D's. I have FINALLY finished and have her ready to sew! I'm SO excited! This was a major learning experience for me. I re-did the wiring, stripped down and cleaned out the motor, and scrubbed and polished my girl until she shines! I cannot wait to get going on some projects on Beth! Here are a few before and after shots: (photo overload ahead )

Pre-clean-up - see the nicotine and tarnish on the silver and brass?

Close-up of the silver plates pre-cleaning

Inside the motor - serious gunk!

All ready to be put back together

Polished badge and repainted stitch length plate

And, finally, bright, shiny, working(!) Beth. See that silver sparkle!

I want to offer a HUGE thank you to D. for the inspiration to attempt this, for help with resources and cleaning tips, and for troubleshooting a stitching issue with me! (The arm was bent on the bobbin case!)

Unfortunately, dh came home sick from work tonight, and my boys are also sick, so any real sewing on Beth will have to wait a little while longer. Please pray that dd and I do NOT get sick!

Regards,
C.

Your machine is gorgeous. Once I finish cleaning out part of my basement. I am moving my Singer 99 off the shelf and onto a table so I can use her.