Replies

1. 
   Elisabeth | May 04, 2005 04:04pm | #1

   A wonderful place to see user reviews is http://www.patternreview.com

   It is really important to test drive any machine you are considering purchasing. A good dealer will let you test drive to your heart's content without pressuring you. Remember to bring different types of fabric scraps, heavy denim to airy chiffon, to test with and be aware what kind of thread and needle is being used. Check out warranties, repair availability, dealer support, lessons with the machine etc. The machine will need maintenance and cleaning, tuneups, during its life. Much you can do yourself but it is nice to have support if you need it. A sewing machine is meant to run for a long time so the purchase does not "end" the moment you get it home.

   And welcome to sewing!

2. 
   fashionista29 | May 06, 2005 05:49pm | #2

   My Bernina 180 still has Windows 98 software and the upgrade to Windows XP seemed outrageously expensive so after much online research I bought a Singer Futura CE-200. I've only had it 2 days but so far I'm impressed with the samples and stitch quality. The software is very easy to use and the auto punch digitizing is way cool. There are many reviews for the Futura and most of the bad ones are for the CE-100. I'd recommend the CE-200 as it has more built in stitches and it comes with the software. Many online retailers are selling the CE-200 for $799. My local dealer was asking $899 but let me have it for $799 by bringing in a copy of the competitive online ad. JoAnn's has the CE-100 for around $350 but then you'd still have to buy the Auto Punch software for another $200 to be able to digitize any image.  At first I believed the CE-100 and the CE-200 were basically the same machine except for the additional stiches in the CE-200 but in comparing them side-by-side they don't look like the same machine. For the money, I believe Singer offers the best value in a computerized sewing/embroidery machine.  NO CARDS to buy. I have several machines including a Bernina 830 which is a workhorse that I will never part with. The Bernina 180 turned out to be a major disappointment with a plastic extension table that broke in the first month. I'm the type that likes to start sewing right out of the box and the CE-200 is such a machine. No classes to take, just install the software to your laptop, plug in the USB cable, (no dongle!) and start embroidering. Can you tell I'm excited about this machine? Ok, I've only had it 2 days but I think I'm in love.

3. 
   ITSMUM | Nov 11, 2009 08:00am | #3

   Hi Dana I tooam new to sewing and embroidering. I have a Brother SE270D ,I have found sewing with it is fairly easy but when it comes to the embroidering the manuel is not as informative as it could be.Maybe if I was a seasoned seamstress it might not be as intimidating. Customer service is helpful. I needed to embroider a name on grograin ribbon vertically and was unable to find instructions to do this. I called customer service and was instructed that I needed to purchase a PED design disc and have found that it is quiet pricey. Therefore other than this snaffo I have enjoyed it.   Good Luck to you      Mum

1. 
   gailete | Nov 11, 2009 10:05pm | #4

   The sewing of a name on a ribbon is something I have seen covered in an embroidery magazine. One of the best things you can give yourself along with the machine is a subscription to either Designs in Machine Embroidery or Creative Machine Embroidery as they have lots of projects with pictures on how to accomplish things. Also Jeanine Twigg has a whole series of books on machine embroidery that you might be able to check out of the library or find on line. They have a lot of helpful information. I have found that most manuals don't really tell you how to do a project, you mostly just get the what each button is supposed to do. The various machines do have websites with projects and no harm in going from one site to another to pick up info and possible projects or seeing how step by step to do something. I sew and embroider with Janome machines myself and like the quality of the sewing and embroidery they do.

   If you are interested, here are two sites of mine where you can find lists of machine embroidery sites where you can buy designs and also pick up FREE designs.

   http://www.moonwishessewing.com/embroiderydesignsites.htmhttp://www.squidoo.com/gailetesews

   Edited 11/11/2009 2:08 pm ET by gailete

1. 
   ITSMUM | Nov 13, 2009 02:18am | #5

   Hi  thanks for thr info, very helpful. I know I will enjoy being part of Gatherings. It is great being in contact with others with the same interests.  Thanks again   Mum