by rosemc 08 Jul 2009

I've been told Brother's is the best.I need some imput.I'm a new beginner!

I'll get fustrated & I can't afford getting
frustrated!!The last machine;I had was from Sear's & Roebuck's.Please ;Help

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by rosemc 11 Jul 2009

I made a decision!!!..Thank's,to all of ya'll!!I
have a new sewing/embroidery machine!!.It was, hard
but I haven't touched a machine since my baby girl was 4 & she will be (33)this month.You all;(I
just love ya'll)!!Thank's;to Everyone!!.I'm start
ing out slow.I'm just so happy!!& glad I found ya'll
!Love & Hug's!!rosemc.

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by bikermomfl 09 Jul 2009

I've go the Husqvarna designer 1, it does everything I've asked of it and more. I can't say anything bad about any others, only good about mine since it's the only one i'm familiar with. HOWEVER, the main advice you got is correct, go with a good dealer who will be there for you. A good dealer can put you in a machine you can afford and that will do what you want and then be there to help you out. Have fun and good luck.....

1 comment
rosemc by rosemc 09 Jul 2009

Thank's,I've just about made my decision
to go with the Innovis-1200.My friend has
a Babylock & I'm going over there tommorrow.I called our local dealer,back
today & had many question to ask,due to
everybody here input.I greatly appreciate
the help.Thank's Again..rosemc

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by lflanders 09 Jul 2009

Rose, I do agree with the others about a great dealer! If you do not have a great dealer and something does happen to the machine, you can end up with alot of trouble and expense! I have a Singer Quantam XL1000.It was my first one and I would not recomend a Singer. I also have a Baby Lock Esante and a Baby Lock Ellageo. I love both of them and have a wonderful dealer. He has given me discounts on designs, Sulky thread, and I have never bought a bobbin! I have never (knock on wood) had any problem with either machine. I would give anything if I could afford the new Baby Lock Ellisimo but I have retired and existing off disability so I may never get another machine. My dealer sat down with me and showed me how to use the Esante and offered to give me free lessons if I needed them. When I purchased the Ellageo, I carried it home in the box never opened, never tried to sew on it in the shop either. I was having health problems. I ended up having surgery on my legs and an 8 month stay in the nursing home (at 57). I went home the day after they took off the last bandage. I had to get the machine out of the box and set it up(highly medicated)and I looked at it as if it was something from Mars! The next week I went to my regular Dr. and told him to get me off all the medication that the Nursing Home had me on and put me back on what I had been taking for my arthritis and muscle spasms before all the other mess happened. After a few days, I went in the craft room and started sewing like I had been using the machine for years. I had a few tweeks at first but in a day or two, I could not tell it was a new machine to me. It operated alot like the other machine. That was five yrs. ago and they are sitting side by side and I use both of them at the same time. I only use the Singer when I really need a design that is on the Singer memory card. I have to learn how to use it all over again, everytime I sew on it. I would sell it if I could find anyone that wanted it but I have too much money in it to have to give it away. No one would want it. It has hardly been used. I would not recomend a Singer but I do understand that the newer ones are easier to use. If I was buying, I would find a machine I liked and was easy to use, a machine that I could afford, and a great dealer. It is really expensive to get started. The thread alone will put a very big hole in your purse! I would recomend that you do not go nuts buying thread in the store unless you get a great deal. You can find very good prices online when it is on sale in bulk spools. Cute will keep you informed as to who and when thread goes on sale. I would be scared to count how many spools of thread I have that cost me the regular price and I use nothing but Sulky. I have moved many miles away from my dealer and it would be more expensive to get a discount from him than to just buy it where I am now. I have got to find my someone to clean my machines in the Atlanta area that won't charge me an arm and a leg. I guess I could if they thought I was really going to buy an Ellisimo from them but I would not feel right doing that. Linda

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by mcsarge 09 Jul 2009

Hi: before you buy any machine, first determine how much you will use it for. If its for a 'business', then get med/top of the line type. If its for your own home use/pleasure, that too needs to be considered. I have a Brother PE-150 (small machine with a 4x4 hoop). Its perfect for my own use/pleasure. It satisfies my needs perfectly. But I will say, before I got this one, my first, I did some 'eye shopping' at different dealers to see what they had and if it was good for my needs. Doing some 'homework' will save you money and frustration in the long run. After you buy your machine, you need to study the machine, practice and if you have questions, check with dealer for additional lessons/help. I have heard where people get the 'top of the line' machine only to be frustrated with its features/functions and never touch the machine again. What a waste of money. So my advise is do your homework, question your needs and then go about checking different brands/machines. Visit the dealers and get a hands on showing........

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by katydid 09 Jul 2009

We all love our machines. I agree service and free lessons are very important. I have a Bernina 730 and I love it. I also have a Bernina 185. The one model upgrade has so many plus's. I mainly use my 5x7 and 6x10 hoops. Perhaps we should put the question another way. Ask people what their machine doesn't have and what they would wish for. I can't afford the new 830 Bernina or I would have it. Kay PS Welcome

2 comments
rosemc by rosemc 09 Jul 2009

Thank you & (I Love the Welcome).I'm pretty
sure I'm gonna go with the Innovis-1200.
I feel, I'm getting a good deal.I've called around & my local dealer is giving
me the best price.They do in store repair
& service.They also offer lesson's.It's,just been so long since I've
done any sewing & embroidery is going to be totally new to me.Thank You,so much..rosemc

rosemc by rosemc 12 Jul 2009

I went with the (Se-350).My local dealer
gave me a good deal, with local service &
free lessons,warranty.I actually..came home & started embroidering!!He gave me
a quick lesson.My mom was with me & she's,
in bad health.I want to learn more!!Thank's!!Totally Excited!!!..rosemc..

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by maryclampitt 09 Jul 2009

Which ever machine you get, I now believe that where you purchase is important for support. I bought my "Brother 2500D Innovis through ebay. We looked around but the closet dealers were approx 1 1/2 hrs away from where we live. I don't like driving on the freeway so needless to say yes went through ebay, read about different models a lot of information on internet, that is why I went with a brother. No matter which machine you buy you will have a blast with it. I like my brother and I too had a Kenmore sewing machine. Had that for over 20 yrs, still worked when I donated because my hubby thought I needed a new one, another Kenmore sewing mach. Good luck, don't stress and enjoy which ever machine you buy.

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by trovato 09 Jul 2009

I have had a Brother and did't like the way with the bobbins. Now i have a Janome MB4 (a big one with 4 needles) and find it a good machine. I think the others are also good and also the pfaff. But this is Holland and I don't know if they are at your place. Look at test and good in shops. Good luck with your decision. Yvonne

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by marygrant 09 Jul 2009

I also had a Sears Kennmore for years as my first sewing machine. I loved this machine and when going to a embroidery machine I was drawn to the Janome. The Sears Kenmore is made by Janome, I found out, hence my comfort level with this machine. I have the Janome 300E and I love it. I want to upgrade, but this machine does everything that I want it too. I believe that it is the most user friendly machine for the beginner. The Janome 300E is reasonably priced and I would highly recommend it. Good luck with your decision.

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by jink 09 Jul 2009

i have a dealer who has serveral brands ...so no favorits ...
i picked the brother 1100 d why she has a grand hoop ...and i was getting my software for free ...and this was around the 700 euro so i really wanted that ..
i tested the brother and a janome \and a pfaf but the last one was way a bove my budget ....

and now 1,5 year in use i am very peased with my machine .. if there are things not working it is always my way of hooping or a bad design ...

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by ezzemml 09 Jul 2009

I have 2 brothers a tiny one and a big one for embroidery and am now looking at updating my general sewing machine and I am definately going for a new brother for that I will not buy any thing else now. I recomend a brother.

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by jrob Moderator 09 Jul 2009

We all think our baby is the "best". It is because: we know it and what it will do. You'd be best advised to decide WHAT you want out of your machine. Are you only going to make clothes?, embroider?, or maybe quilts. That decided, you need to read on each website i.e. brother.com / bernina-usa.com/ janome.com, etc what each machine does. Make a list as you go. Then go to a dealer that someone you know is happy with and ask to test drive. GO HOME and think about it. One machine will keep coming back into your thoughts....That is the one.;)
P.S. Welcome to the site. I'm happy you are here.

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by shirlener88 09 Jul 2009

Welcome RoseMc - each dealer that you go to - will tell you that their machine is the best - no matter what - so research - try out - go to several - decide what you need and can work with - don't limit yourself - this is a large purchase - so know what you are getting. *4U

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by linpat 09 Jul 2009

IT IS MIND BOGGLING WHEN TRYING TO BUY A MACHINE. I BOUGHT A JANOME 350. IT'S GREAT AND I HAVE A GREAT DEALER., HE IS A MIND FULL OF INFORMATION AND WON'T HESITATE TO HELP YOU. THAT IS WHAT YOU NEED TO LOOK AT AS WELL AS THE MACHINE. GOOD LUCK IN WHAT YOU CHOOSE.

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by grandmamek 09 Jul 2009

Welcome to cute. I have a Janome 10000 and love my machine. However what ever machine you buy be sure you get dealer support. Visit several dealers and have them let you "test Drive" the machine to see which one is best for you

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by dixie 09 Jul 2009

It is a very important decision you are about to make. I did my homework and like the others you need a good dealer with backup if needed. I have had a couple of Janomes and are very happy with them I have the Janome 11000 now and it is the best one so far, it has everything you need and lot of different sizes of hoops, lots of different stitches & designs inbuilt a number of ways to get your designs to the machine. It is a good size and you don't need to add a seperate attachement to do the embroidery, plus you can do all the regular sewing and quilting on the one machine. Hope this helps and Good Luck with your decision

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by colonies1 09 Jul 2009

you got some good answers here. Do research and compare and make sure it will do all that you want it too. I looked a long time before I bought. Good luck. Welcome to cute.,

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by eveve 09 Jul 2009

Mine is a Janome Memory Craft 9700. Bought this because I am those that are really into 'MADE IN JAPAN' hehehe i know that Brother do not have made in Japan models unless its very high end range. Thus I go for Janome, esp when I know the parts are all the standard steel or whatever whereas Brother is using fiber Glass

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by gerryvb 09 Jul 2009

First: WELCOME, I have a brother machine and I'm happy with it.But I have always used brother machines, so I cannot compare with another, sorry.

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by camylow 09 Jul 2009

YOUR MACHINE IS VERY IMPORTANT, BUT YOUR DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE JUST AS IMPORTANT WHEN CHOOSING....ASK YOUR DEALER FOR CUSTOMER REFERENCES IF POSSIBLE...IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR MACHINE, AND YOUR DEALER WON'T PROVIDE A GOOD SERVICE, THEN YOU WILL ONLY PAY MORE FOR FIXING YOUR MACHINE AND GET FRUSTRATED AT IT....I HAD THE BROTHER 1200 AND I ENJOYED LEARNING A LITTLE ON IT...BECAUSE I HAVE WRIST ISSUES, I STEPPED UP TO THE INNOVIS 4500D....NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY I DID THAT....I USE MY LARGEST HOOP MORE THAN I USE MY 4X4 HOOP, ONLY BECAUSE I LOVE TO COMBINE DESIGNS TOGETHER AND IT ALLOWS ME TO DO SO....I FINANCED MY MACHINE ON A 1 YEAR NO INTEREST LOAN....''''WHOOPPEE..LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO AND IT WILL BE ALL MINE'...BE SURE TO CHOOSE A MACHINE THAT YOU CAN GROW INTO...WITH THE BROTHER, YOU CAN GET TRADE IN FOR ALMOST THE WHOLE PURCHASE PRICE IF YOU STEP UP TO A BIGGER MACHINE...AT LEAST I WAS ABLE TO.....BY THE WAY "WELCOME TO OUR CUTE FAMILY" HOPE YOU STAY AND BECOME AS ONE, TO LEARN, LAUGH, CRY, SHARE, PRAY FOR AND BE BLESSED WITH THE REST OF US...DEANNA

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by caydebug 09 Jul 2009

Hi Rose,
I am on my 2nd Brother machine. One my sister gave me which had a 4x4 hoop and I wanted a larger size so I bought a used one which had a 5x7 hoop. I love both of them. I also own a brother sewing machine and really enjoy it also. I handed my 4x4 brother to my sister in law and she loves it also. I have never had a problem with them and would buy another brother in a New York minute. Hope it helps

1 comment
blhamblen by blhamblen 09 Jul 2009

Me tooo...This last time mine was in the shop he told me that it is VERY worn!!! Guess that tells him how much I really do use it!!!

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by simplyrosie 08 Jul 2009

Rosemc, I agree with these ladies, do your research, and try to buy for a local dealer that will offer FREE lessons. Don't hesitate going into the store and asking to do a small project on any of the machines so you can get a feel for what each can offer. As I mentioned in your other posting, I am a Baby Lock and Brother fan for many reasons. I truly believe they have done a wonderful job creating an interface that is so user friendly. AND, their accessories, such as presser feet, are interchangeable with many different brands, unlike Bernina, Viking or Pfaff.

Also, try to get the best machine you can afford, since you will have it for a very long time. Both BL and Brother came out with new models this past year (Quattro and Ellisimo), so you can also probably get a great deal on Elegante or Duetta machines used as trade ins. Definitely get at least a 5x7 hoop, preferably a 6x10. I have an 8x12 for my Ellisimo, but truthfully don't use it too much (however the capability is there). Also, check with your local dealership because BL and Brother offer interest free financing.

Good luck, and again, welcome to CUTE!

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by adelmarie 08 Jul 2009

You got really goodm answers already, I have had two different Brotherm machines and so far I am happy with their performance. As far as saying is the best I cannot agree as I had not used other brands, and yes get at least a 5x7 hoop area as you will find yourself wishing for more embroidery area soon. Good luck!

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by dinkie 08 Jul 2009

I have a Viking Rose and a Janome 350E and both are excellent machines. The Rose will sew and embroidery and the Janome only embroidery. (This was my first embroidery machine.) The Janome had a larger then 5x& field and I love it. (This we purchsed about 2 years ago.) Look for a good dealer and try the machines before you buy and look for service and a machine where you live, as is easier then driving a long way for classes. Good luck to you and your search.

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by gerryb 08 Jul 2009

Each dealer and/or owner will say their machine is the best. What you need to look for is a good dealer that will give you good service! Do your research..where is the machine manufactured, compare what they each do, what do you want in a machine, what comes with the machine & what do you have to purchase extra to do all you want to do, what kind of warrenty does it have. I am sure you can come up other questions. ALSO be SURE the dealer gives lessons with the machine! I know if you want to take the lessons over, my dealer will allow them. There's no charge if you get your machine from them; I understand that is most dealers' policy. I agree, you want more than just a 4x4 sewing field. That is very limited. I do have a Viking, but have sewn on several others. All seem fairly easy to learn how to use..but try them all before you buy! Good luck

1 comment
rosemc by rosemc 08 Jul 2009

Thank; You!!.This has been a hard decision for me.Our local dealer,does
offer classes.I've called around & they
have gave me the best price.I haven't
done any sewing in a while.Thank You;Again!(rosemc4@yahoo.com)my e-mail,address..Thank's!!!

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getEdited - SELECT
by aviesel 08 Jul 2009

Sad news...each brand of machine has their fan clubs. I love Brothers, but I know others who kill for their Vikings. I strongly, very strongly suggest reading reviews, all of the ones you can find on the internet, going to several dealers, test drive the machines, MORE THAN ONCE, before you decide. Look at the features and compare what they do with what you need and think you will want to do, today and tomorrow. One thing I do recommend is buying a machine with at least a 5x7 embroidery field. Also find out what type of service your dealer is able to give you. Some dealers are not authorized to do repair and you would have to ship your machine back to the factory. See if you can find others who have bought from the same dealers, find out what the dealer's reputation is like. Find out if the dealer gives lessons on how to use the machine. Be informed before you buy. Happy shopping!

1 comment
rosemc by rosemc 09 Jul 2009

I have no idea about the Viking's; machice.I guess;I should google it.
I have just about,decided not to go
less than the 5 x 7..From past,experience,
you get what you pay for.I called around,
& have been to our local dealer twice.Classes,are offered & he cut the price,with an in store service & garranty
for a year..(Innov-is 1200).Keep in touch..(rosemc4@yahoo.com )Thank's!!

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