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Your decision to stay with software you already know is best. Design Shop is excellent and a very powerful software but if you ever decide to purchase it you should get the Pro plus version in order to use all the features. That version would be quite expensive as you already found out.
It is difficult for many to change software (myself included) so it is a good thing I love Design Shop.
I hope your new baby has arrived now and you are busy using it. It is almost mandatory that you are mechanically inclined unless you have someone (perhaps husband) that can do maintenance. It is a machine you can maintain yourself and there are very detailed instructions to follow in the digital manual.
You will truly enjoy the 16 needles and just setting the needle changes when you load the design. I wish you much enjoyment. You will be so productive with the machine.
Marcelle
by basketkase
21 Sep 2013
Thank you so much, Marcelle. It is certainly a learning curve coming off a single needle machine. I finally finished my first piece with it and there were many user errors...LOL! I learned a lot with the sample piece and had to do a few "minor" embellishments to cover up a couple mistakes......thank heavens, Jim is mechanically inclined and was here for the training, so he will and is my go to guy!! Jim is very calm and I tend to stress, so it is a good mix!
6340Oh Sammi! You are a sweetheart! What brand is this new machine? It looks overwhelming to me :-) But, I know you will learn how to use it and will have it doing exactly what you want, with NO glitches in no time! Look at those huge spools!
59617Sorry to hear about the issues with your Bernina BUT that looks like a lot of BELLS & WHISTLES...FIESTA ;D *2U
63110Wow!!!! You are a lucky lady and have an awesome hubby. I hope this machine does you well for many years to come. Keep us posted on your progress.
4436Awesome!! I can totally relate to the frustrations of a finicky or defective machine. In fact, mine has been in the shop so much that I may just put it up for sale once the warranty runs out. Fortunately, my machine repair guy warned me that these computerized machines are expensive to repair and hard to find non-dealer repair persons, so I bought an extended 5 year warranty. It has 2 years left. I think it spent one of those years in some state of receiving or waiting to receive repair. I hope your new machine works well for you, and you are doing the happy dance for the next decade or so. Please keep us posted with your new experience, so we can all be jealous. :) Congratulations.
16264314374Congratulations on the new machine! Sorry about the Bernina, it shouldn't be acting up like that! I thought they were the cream of the crop!
23281WOW, looks like a great emb machine! That hubby of yours sure is a keeper!
6245910818Fantastic news, Vicki. You sure do deserve it and there will be no holding you back with a hopefully much more reliable machine to test on.
You won't come back down from the clouds for weeks!
23163Hi Vicky, as I said below congrats and I've been looking at that Bravo for some time now. I had a look at their (Dutch) site again and noticed they have reduced the price considerably since I first saw it, so it is tempting!
I have one question, do you need to buy their software as well? Even their DesignShop lite costs €895. The information given does not mention how to transfer designs to the machine.
by marcellelewis
06 Sep 2013
Design Shop is not a requirement but it is easier because it interfaces with the machine's operating system. One click to send a design from Design Shop to the machine. If you get a design into OS and realize it still needs some editing one click opens it again in Design Shop for editing. The native design format is OFM. Design Shop Lite won't have much in the way of the 'bells and whistles' that Design Shop Pro Plus has for digitizing either.
It is possible to just open the machine operating system software and from there open an embroidery file to stitch. You just won't have the ease of sending signs back and forth between Design Shop and OS.
If you already use another software for digitizing you can still use it and just open saved designs using OS. You would need to save your designs in EXP format to open in OS. OS can also read several other formats such as DST, CND and others.
Bottom line is that you must use a computer to get designs to the machine so you can use your regular digitizing software if you prefer and save the money that Design Shop Lite would cost.
Marcelle Lewis, Embroidery Avenue
by mops
07 Sep 2013
Thank you for answering my question so extensively. I have the Melco EP4, although i have a cord to use with my computer i can not use it with other software than theirs, so i am thankful it also has an USB port as well as a screen.
Still dreaming of a 16-needle one...
by marcellelewis
07 Sep 2013
It doesn't use a USB connection. The computer connects to the machine using a cross-over cable. It can also connect to a router and then to the machine using a cross-over as well.
Marcelle Lewis, Embroidery Avenue
by basketkase
14 Sep 2013
Thank you so much, Marcelle for all the valuable info you have provided and thank you for answering Martine's question, I hadn't seen it until now. I opted out of the software to save money and I didn't want to learn new software on top of learning the new machine. I would have taken the digi software, but I am so proficient on Bernina stuff and have so much invested in that software, that I didn't need that expense as well........I am so excited as it gets delivered tomorrow........Yippee!!
145196Oh WOW Vicki - looks amazing. So sorry you have had so much trouble with your Bernina. My new machine is a Bernina - you have me worried. At least Sammy looks calm and collected!!! Hugs Sarah.
253108Here's the link for the Amaya Users List. http://www.amayausers.com
If you ever stitch large designs there is a great accessory table for your machine that is great. It slides under the cylinder and prevents any vibration of large hoops. It comes in 2 sizes. I got the large size.
Last year I needed the square 9.5 inch hoop and tried the one that Durkee makes for the Amaya and found it works great. The price was about half what the same size hoop would have been from Melco. Here's the link for their hoops that fit the Bravo.
http://www.dehoops.com/melco_emt....
Marcelle, Florence, AL
6340o you lucky girl! god i wish i had one boo hoo ;) x
by basketkase
03 Sep 2013
LOL........been dreaming for a year or two, since my Bernina has been giving me fits.........
4779Congratulations!! You will love your Amaya. I have the Amaya XT. I have the largest hoop of 18.5 x 15.5 which is fantastic. The best part for me is not having any tension to deal with. The automatic acti-feed tension is a dream. If you ever have to thread a needle from scratch one squirt of canned air and the thread shoots right out the tube.
I have excellent results using the Metro prewound bobbins and they are a lot cheaper. My Amaya XT doesn't like the Metro thread though. I wish it did because of the cost. But Madeira thread is great though and has so many colors.
There is a great Amaya Users group you may want to join. Several very good tech support people are on it and are very helpful with advice. You will also find that many very experienced Amaya owners are there and very willing to offer assistance with special projects. There is a section for machines, software (both Operating System and Design Shop), business and suppliers.
Please keep us posted about how you like your new Bravo.
Marcelle, Florence, AL (Embroidery Avenue)
by basketkase
03 Sep 2013
Marcelle, thank you so much for the great information!! I can't wait to get this machine and I will definitely check out the Amaya website.......I belong to the Bernina series 8 site and it has been a God Send.........
6340Ah that is such an annoying thing to happen Vicki, especially since you just got it back! Well the good thing here is you get to look forward to your brand new machine YEH! Congrats my friend! Hugs Loralye
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140717well now, you could always get you those kids darts gun and shoot it often (whenever the mood hits)...keep it in your sewing room for the practice target
by bevintex
02 Sep 2013
Poor Sammi may have to be banned from the sewing room,looks like he could have fun with all the thread spools on the side,give him his giant mouse instead
by basketkase
02 Sep 2013
I think Sammi is an ADD cat, as nothing holds his attention for very long, except the things I don't want him to get into!
34246Congrats on the new machine, you will love it!!! I was going through the same thing which is what made me decide to purchase my multi needle machines. I have a Viking D1 which I do love but couldn't get a good stitching with it, put almost $1000 in repairs and they wanted me to do more, that's when me and hubby decided I needed a better machine and all the money I spent could of been used for a new machine. I have the Viking still, love it for sewing, never have a problem with it that way of course. LOL
by basketkase
02 Sep 2013
Yep, have identical issue!! Can't wait to start loving embroidery again!! I love your new room, too!!
17461I have had nothing but Brother emb machines-----can't afford Berninas now---did when I was working-----and Floriani software----Happy with Brother machines except for SE270D which is in my sewing shed--I use it only for parts---it will eventually be taken to our mountain and used for target practice---I stay with Brother because many parts are interchangeable and same basic operations!!!!Glad you found something you like----you are SEWWWW TALENTED, and giving, and caring, and I love your animal creations and hearing about your animals---your sites have changed my life in more ways than one----in a GOOD WAY!!!!!!
by basketkase
02 Sep 2013
Wow, what a kind thing to say......you have made my day, week and year!! I guess every brand can have a clunker, I just didn't expect to get hit with such an expensive one..LOL!
4685WOW!! You have the most gorgeous Bernina 830 - what a pity it gives you grief. I wonder if your supplier cannot check whether this is a factory fault. I know my Friend has one and she is over the moon and I am killed with jealousy(LOL). I have an Artista 640 and A Deco 340. they both work perfectly - but a multineedle machine will not be scoffed at.!! Good luck.
by basketkase
02 Sep 2013
Thanks, Susie......I can not stress enough how disappointed I am that I had to go this route so soon. I was over the moon too, until these issues started. The place I purchased it from went out of business 1 month after I bought it, so I will just keep around to sew with or small embroidery.......
21543Wow you have Bernina's best and it sounds like a clunker. I have a 630 Bernina, and have been looking at multi-needle machine, non-Bernina. What brand are you getting? I love the inhouse training, WOW!
I am disappointed in the direction Bernina is going, so many new machines, with such big prices. My machine has been discontinued, which makes it a challenge. I do love their software. Do you plan to continue using the software for your digitizing?
Is it just embroidering that causes problems on the 830? How is it for just regular sewing?
Wish you success with the 16 needle. I love your work.
by basketkase
02 Sep 2013
I originally started out with a Bernina 440QE and should have kept it, I traded it in on this machine and have regretted it since. I think there may even be some kind of computer issue within the machine, I say this because I went to stitch a regular straight stitch on a hem and the machine went through like a test program and stitched a couple of dozen types of stitches and I could watch on the screen as it changed each stitch and I had done nothing! Haven't tried the straight sewing since getting it back this past week. Now, the new machine is a Melco Amaya Bravo, made in the USA and we met this couple at the embroidery show we went to in the spring. I got an incredible package from them and I did not need the digi software that comes with it, so I got a terrific discount for not taking that. I love my artista software and plan on upgrading to the version 7 that is coming out this fall. I will post a pic of new machine.......
10494Sooo sorry that you had to experience this...sooo happy that there may be light at the end of the tunnel...I would suggest that you don't drop your Bernina quest...unfortunately, I have heard that Bernina...yes Bernina...has move their parts production to China...and that has caused some major issues with quality that even Bernina does not know how to deal with...it's a problem for all manufacturers...sometimes just changing one minor component and having it made by another supplier can change the entire dynamic of their product...it can take a manufacturer years to figure out what the problem is...I know this from personal experience from Janome...hoping your 16 needle is a dream...
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
Thank you so much for your response......I had no idea they had changed their supplier.....they tout that they are "made in Switzerland"...yea, right! I am so happy that the new machine is made in the USA.....
314374I am so very excited for you! Congratulations! You work so very hard -- you deserve to have equipment that will work with you -- not against you.
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
Thanks so much.........yes, you nailed it when you said this machine works against me.......frustration to the nth degree!
Here's hoping all goes well with the new one.......just a shame I had to go this route, but maybe it will be for the better all the way around, right?
57620Good on you Vicki. I hope the new machine is everything you wish it to be. 16 needles WOW! that's some serious threading! Love and blessings Chris
234256Just a thought you might consider--Every brand of any product can occassionally have a lemon. I did in fact have a Bernina that fell in this catagory. After several trips back to the dealer for repairs, adjustments.etc. I somehow found a number for bernina USA, called them and got a live person!!! they did tell me to write a letter detailing what had been going on, (which we did with a copy to our attorney) and that got their attention and much to their credit, they DID repalce that machine. If you have had trouble from the start you mihgt try this-doesn't cost much, just a stamp. The other thing is you mintined that the cat usually lays on the embroidery unit, his weight might be just en9ough to trhow off the calabration, etc. they say the embroidery parts are very sensitive. Enjoy your new one and hope you get a new Bernina for a backup!!!
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
Good for you!! I tried contacting Bernina and no one would even talk to me with out a dealer code....the dealer I purchased the machine from went out of business 1 month after I bought the machine....you have great points regarding Sammi riding the machine, thanks for your suggestions.......
by rescuer
01 Sep 2013
Your dealer code should be on the paperwork you were given when you purchased it. I know you are past wanting to deal with it all -- but it might be worth a look to see if you have it there.
8228I am so happy for you, I am sure that you will make marvelous embroideries. You have given a marvelous bed for your cat, my cat has choose the keyboard of my computer, and he press on many buttons
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
He does that too, it is very hard to digitize with a cat chasing your hand around trying to lick it!!!
25533Time to retire the Bernina,out with the old and in with the new. So happy for you. Now I will have to think up some new design ideas for you. lol
Bev
67271So glad you are upgrading! Rockin! How big is your largest stitching area? and did you say 16 needles? Wow - now that is some color choices. What brand is it? What a nice hubby!
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
No, this is Sammi.......he loves being in my room with me when I embroider.....I had just taken a garment off and was on my hooping table removing the stabilizer and looked over and there he was.....he usually lays on the embroidery attachment, this was a new position!!
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
Oh, Machine is a Melco Amaya Bravo......I got the one with the largest sewing field they have....12x17 because I do so many jacket backs.........Jim is nice, however he probably got tired of me B@#&ching....LOL!
by mops
02 Sep 2013
Congratulations!! You'll love it.
I have had the flyer of the Bravo for over a year. I have seen that machine in action and it rocks! But I think am too old to upgrade from my Melco EP-4 to that 16-needle. Too expensive this side of the pond.
173584Hmmmm.....maybe there is cat hair in your machine???....I don't know...could it cough up a hairball maybe? (As Shakespeare said ....thereby hangs a "tail".)
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
LOL!!!! Surprisingly the repair guy tells me he hardly finds any cat hair in the machine.....of course I didn't dare run it with him positioned like this, he would have thought the needle going up and down was too enticing..LOL!
1686Congratulations on you new machine. Have fun!
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
Thank you so much.....I am looking forward to having fun with embroidery again!!
62459I know you will love the 16 needle once you have the training under your belt. What brand is it and do we get to see a picture of it? I think your cat will find a new comfy bed and enjoy the new machine too. Congrats on the new machine.
by basketkase
01 Sep 2013
Thank you so much........I am sure Sammi will have to check out the new machine, too......It is a Melco Amaya Bravo, I got the one with the 17" x 12" sewing field as I do so many jacket backs and it is made in the USA.....woo hoo!
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