You're welcome! But be warned -- the embroidery thing is as addictive as
quilting!

Iris


"Roberta" wrote in message
news:679%e.35067$dm.6752@lakeread03...
Wow that is a lot of great information!! Someday I would like an
embroidery machine - I am saving your post for future reference!

Roberta (in VA)


I.E.Z. wrote:
"Mika" wrote in message
...

I have decided that I'm going to get an inexpensive embroidery machine in
the next couple of weeks that I can learn and practice on. So I was
wondering what you all would recommend. I am leaning toward just getting
the Brother Disney machine. Does anyone have this machine? If so, what is
it like? Do you like it? Is it easy to use and understand? Would you
recommend it?

Because of a nasty experience earlier this year, I refuse to go to the
Pfaff dealer at JoAnn's and get a White machine. So what else is
available that is a good, inexpensive beginner embroidery machine?

Mika
http://community.webshots.com/user/mikasdrms


I have the Brother 180D embroidery machine that I bought about three
years ago. I would highly recommend it. It embroiders beautifully. It
is limited to a 4"x4" field, but you can get a three-section hoop that
will allow you to do designs that are up to 4" by 6 1/2" or so. I have
used it extensively and sold item's I've made with it.

You should look into getting an Ultimate Box and a card or two, instead
of buying pricy design cards. You can download almost anything you want
from the net, mostly for free. There are other sites that, for a monthly
fee, allow you to download unlimited designs. I recommend
http://www.embroidery.dk/ Another good investment is Embird.
http://www.secretsof.com/content/1798 This is a reasonably priced
basic program that will allow you to view, resize, and combine designs.
There are add-ons that you can explore, but the basic program is all you
really need.

Last month I took my 180D in for a routine service. I ended up going
home with a new Brother Innovis 1500D, which is also a sewing machine as
well as embroidery machine. It's quite a bit more advanced and has a
field of 6"x10". But I find recently, I'm doing 4x4 designs anyway,
because that what fits into the items I'm making on commission.
However, the option of the larger field is great, and I'm sure I'll make
use of it.

I bought both of my machines (as well as a Janome 2600P) at Pocono Sew &
Vac in Stroudsburg, PA. The saleslady there said "I sew on Janome and I
embroider on Brother." I agree with this assessment and I also have a
ten year old Bernina and a Pfaff with dual feed, both of while I also
use. I should note that this store sells everything, including Pfaff,
Viking, Bernina, Elna, and Singer.

Other good links:

http://www.marathonusa.com/ for thread and needles (buy'em by the
100 and change often)

http://www.melcomart.com/ stabilizer and neb bobbins (I almost
forgot - I always use the prewounds - they give better results IMHO.)

http://www.terradonunlimited.com/ lots of stuff

Also a newsgroup: alt.sewing.mach-embroider

Free free to e-mail me if you have any other questions.


Iris