Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | May 17, 2006 07:41pm | #1

   I recommend that you try out several machines at a dealer.  Good dealer support is paramount, they usually have authorized repairmen so you won't have to ship your machine somewhere.  They offer technical and creative support.  They have knowledgeable staff to answer the many questions that pop up on stabilizers, hooping, proper needles, fabric,etc.  I even called once and had them listen on the phone to a "funny noise" the presser foot made!  They are an invaluable resource!  They may have "demo machines" at a much lower price or "trade ins".  They may let you sit in on a software class.

   There are alot of great machines on the market.  I suggest that you test drive a few, don't be shy and don't give in to preassure.  They are in the business of making moneyso of course want you to purchase with them.  But they do understand that this is an expensive and difficult desicion for you.

   I started with a Husqvarna Viking Rose years ago, it is a great machine and am still very happy with it.  My granddaughter loves it and it will be hers one day.  I wanted larger hoops and more decorative stitches so a few years ago got the top of the line Husq/Viking Designer 1 which is incredible.  Now there is a new top of the line which uses a "dongle" type device instead of floppies. 

   Don't worry about which designs come with the machine, there are many many resources for that both online and in the stores.  They are formatted for many different machines.   More important is the software-depending on your learning curve, how user friendly is it and are there free classes, is the price of the software included with the machine?  Expect sticker-shock!  Even those of us who have been doing this awhile still are not happy with the cost of software for machine embroidery!  It really is not in line with other software we buy for other purposes at this point in time.

   There are sites for all the main machine companies on line.  Good Luck!  Have fun test driving, you will come up with questions by doing this.  Mary L

2. 
   Margie Rose | May 18, 2006 04:17am | #2

   Marlynincolorado gave you very good advice.  I can't stress how important it is to havea good rapor with your sewing store.  Free classes are offered frequently, and I highly recommend them.  I have a collection of Brother Embroidery machines.  I bought the 1800 just for fun and got addicted.  I graduated to a Brother 2003 and on Christmas got the Innovus.  I love embroidery.  The software is expensive.  Around Christmas time you may get a deal on it with a machine purchase.  The stabilizers are really important to learn about.  It is an expensive hobby but realllllllllly fun. 

3. 
   Vick | May 18, 2006 05:19am | #3

   I bought my machine as a 1000, My Janome dealer then updated it to a 10001 for me. They are really good about updating the machine rather than having to always be putting out big bucks for new machines.Thats one very big "good thing" about Janome. They really are a fantastic line of sewing machines. I like the flexable abilty of the 10001 since it does beautiful heirloom, embrodiery, etc. It does everything I need to do.

   Iam thinking about a Serger but I'm not convenced I really one.

   Vick

4. 
   mem | May 24, 2006 08:18am | #4

   go to pattern review .com . They have reviews about machines which I have found really good.

5. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | May 24, 2006 08:40pm | #5

   I'll bet you can find a used Viking Designer 1 that you will really love for that amount of money.

6. 
   jlwheart | Jun 04, 2006 11:06pm | #6

   You're getting excellent info from the replies. I can only add that I found the Husqvarna designer I to be excellent and dealer support is critical. You can find deals on it now that the SE is out. I'd also look at used machines to start. Happy stitching!