Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Aug 28, 2006 07:46am | #1

   There are many threads on this here.  Also go to patternreview.com, they really have lots of info.

   Dealer support is very very very important.  Many offer free classes on use of the machine. Test drive as many as you can, we all have our preferences.  I really compared brands and software before deciding.  You can go to the websites for all the major brands and read about them. 

   I have three Husqvarna/Viking machines and love them.  The Rose, the Designer 1, and the Huskylock 936 serger.  I love them all.  I take them in once a year for checkups and have had no problems.  Vikings are great machines.  The Designers are upgraded free, you can do it yourself online but I have the dealer do mine.  Only takes a few minutes. Mine each came with videos allso, which is great.  Many dealers also offer trade ins and trade ups.

   Take your time deciding.

1. 
   sassyfrass | Aug 28, 2006 01:01pm | #2

   thank you so much for your info, we are going Thursday to look at more and I want to go see the Vikings, this started out for me but my husband is very excited about this also, his concern is that the embroidery might take a lot of thread,LoL.  Thanks again Nancy

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Aug 28, 2006 04:44pm | #3

   I read somewhere that an average embroidery design has six color changes and each spool will last for about six designs.  I don't know if that is true or not.  Sometimes they have specials when you buy the machine.  There are bundle deals online all the time.  Joannes fabric store has sales on them all the time. 

   Usually you will only use "bobbin" thread in the bobbin.  White or black usually, it doesn't usually show as the stabilizers are white, black, or flesh colored.  Later you may want to use embroidery thread in the bobbin to match if you make lace or use water soluble stabilizer, and for sheers.

   I started out with just the colors for the designs I wanted to do.  Glad that I did as I found that I preferred Sulky Rayon 40 wt. Rayon back then.  It really is a personal preference.  That is still my favorite, but there are lots of great ones out there. As you gain confidence, you may end up trying different weights, metallics, hologram, cotton, silk, wool, etc.  Some people really like the new polyester embroidery threads, I mostly use those for jeans and things that get heavy wash and wear.

   I really hope that you get free classes with the machine.  There is alot to learn.  I started out using a tear away stabilizer but you will find that the right stabilizer can be really critical.  Fresh needles also.

   Check out Nancy's notions online.  Do you get any sewing shows on PBS?  Sewing with Nancy (Zieman) and Martha Pullen do lots of embroidery shows.  If you like heirloom type sewing you will love the Martha Pullen website and show.  I joined the Martha Pullen internet embroidery club a few times, it lasts a year and you get lots of designs and patterns and such.  Also her Sew Beautiful magazine has a club where you get a free design each month that goes with the magazine.  There are magazines for machine embroidery also.  Threads has free emb. designs also.

   It is a wonderful adventure.  Enjoy!  Do take your time deciding which one to buy and testdrive just like if you were buying a car....Mary

   You can learn alot by going to emblibrary.com  or embroiderylibrary.com, I can't remember which way it is listed.  Go to the home page, then search the whole site, they teach you all about stablizers, hooping, etc.  Lots of information.  I buy some designs from them also and have been happy with them.  I don't buy alot of design packages as I like to buy individual designs for specific projects.  Also watch for sales on these!  Be careful downloading free designs, some people out there are better at sharing than digitizing designs.