Be Careful Where You Buy Your Embroidery Machine by: Anonymous
I have the Brother 4000 Embroidery sewing machine
and I like it a lot, but there are things I still haven't learned how to use on that machine I have. If you buy a machine make sure the store has some kind of classes because you need to understand different things about your machine, and if you can't follow up with someone it's very hard. I have taken classes at another place, but they don't have my kind of machine. There are not many Brother company stores around.
Feb 13, 2010 Rating
Brother Quattro 6000 by: Nancy
I just upgraded from the Brothers 4500 to the Brother Quattro 6000 with the built in camera for pattern placement and I love it. It offers several new built in decorative stitches, especially fun to use for heirloom sewing. Making appliques is very easy with this machine. The auto-threader was changed and it makes it easy to use twin needles. The machine also has built in run-way lighting that is a very nice addition. It comes with a large assortment of built in patterns and you can mix and mingle the designs right on the increased sized screen. New larger hoops are also a benefit with this machine. You can transfer designs with the card writer, USB or a direct connection to the computer. The only negative I found is I miss the built in card writer slot as you have to use the stand alone card writer... small inconvience compared to the other upgrades. This machine also offers a faster embroidery speed as compared to the earlier models. Easy to use and the work book that comes with it is very simplified and understand. I love the machine and am glad I decided on this model.
Feb 10, 2010 Rating
Elna Xperience 8300 and Brother NV900 by: De
Hi, I actually have 2 embroidery machines. And for everyday sewing I have a Husqvarna Lily 545 which is 11 yrs old and never missed a beat. :) My 2 embroidery machines are a Brother NV 900 and Elna Xperience 8300 embroidery machine... it's the best! :) It does embroidery patterns up to 7"x5" and the work is absolutely gorgeous.
I am new to machine embroidery with having received my first embroidery machine for Mother's Day 2009. It is a Brother NV900. Being a newbie, I loved it, found it easy to use, and quality of the embroidery is great. It also has the added advantage of downloading your designs straight from your computer using a USB cord (which is actually a better system than with my Elna). The only disadvantage is that it did only to 4"x 4" but in having said that it is also a sewing machine and the price was excellent to get into machine embroidery.
My hubby then surprised me by buying an Elna Xperience 8300 and I fell in love heehee... it's so easy to use I have to admit it's easier than the Brother -- but that could be since I had the brother to learn on and wasn't as green behind the ears. :) The functions it has are terrific and the quality of embroidery is... well I can't praise high enough. But to be fair to my Brother machine, it also cost 3 times as much, so it's unfair to compare them both as they are both unbeatable machines in their price ranges.
With the Elna I can adjust the sizing, add designs together, download designs from computer to USB stick and upload onto the machine (the brother actually has an easier system), add wording to designs, and the list goes on. I just love it... It really does gorgeous work and I haven't had any problems with skipped stitches etc. nor with the Brother embroidery machine.
So for learners and people on a tight budget the Brother NV900 is a terrific buy, especially if you don't already have a sewing machine. But for people looking to upgrade their embroidery machine and stay in a affordable price range you can't go past the Elna Xperience 8300. Just ask
if you wish to know more. :) I would only be too happy to answer any queries. :)
If you do buy either I hope you get the same enjoyment and satisfaction in your embroideries as i do. Take care and happy stitching!
SEW A LITTLE LOVE... AND FRIENDSHIP WILL GROW!
Oct 26, 2009 Rating
Bernina 830 by: Tara Badcock
I use a Bernina (I actually have two old ones), for freehand machine embroidery. I use it basically as a drawing tool and being an artist I like to draw anything and everything. I find the Bernina brand to be the most reliable, strong, versatile, well-built, and is almost as good as using an industrial model!
I usually embroider birds, teapots, skeletons, etc using my Bernina 830, and I stitch through layers of blanket wool, cotton and silk at a time, so I need a machine which can handle heavy duty fabrics.
I can totally recommend Bernina sewing machines and I wouldn't use anything else now!
Oct 24, 2009 Rating
Singer 774 by: Amy
Now you know why I'm asking you to rate new sewing machines on my website...
I use a Singer 774 that was a hand me down from my grandmother. The instruction manual is dated 1975! It weighs a ton, but with lots of solid metal parts it's still in good shape after all these years, and it sews what I need it to do. It has a plate cover to stop the feed dogs and allow free motion embroidery. There are only a couple of decorative stitches, but I can get more effects with a twin needle, and there are all the variations in size and width for the slide between zigzag and satin stitch. I give it 3 stars (or butterflies) because it's ok.
