D.P.
Why not sign up for few classes first? I know stores like JoAnn have classes and you can try out equipment.
Happy day Mamas! I am wanting to try my hand at monogramming and machine embroidery. I starting looking up machines on the internet and was expecting to spend some $$ but not $1000 worth! I do not want to spend so much until I know I am going to be good at this and know that I really want to do it. Any suggestions on where to get a good machine, don't mind buying used, at a decent price? Thanks in advance for your help mamas!!
Why not sign up for few classes first? I know stores like JoAnn have classes and you can try out equipment.
Check out Pfaff machines.. they are incredible..
If you want just an embroidery machine check out the Janome 350e it is a great machine. I prefer to have to separate machines because if you are doing a large embroidery it can take time, which ties you up and the machine. This way you can just enough sewing machine for what you need and can still do embroidery. Check out trades and demo machines at your dealer- been sewing for 40 years all my machines have been either classroom models or demo's same warranty as new in box but know that they work well. Also check out sewing shows AQS in Lancaster PA, Sewing and Quilting Expo, etc. Dealers usually have their best prices then.
Check out Richland Sewing on Pipeline Rd, Hurst. They have new machines but also used, trade in models. You need a shop with classes to get the best value/benefit/knowledge for your machine. It's addictive but so much fun! I've had a Husqvarna Viking for 10-12 years now. Great machines. I wouldn't recommend a commercial machine until you've had some years of experience. They are SUPER expensive and who knows if you'll enjoy it ... until you've had a chance to try it out. Martha Pullen Sewing Expo is at Arlington Convention Center, June 23-25. You can see every machine there is demo'd with great prices. Also lots of supplies, ideas and designs, free classes for daily entrance fee. Well worth your time.
I'm sorry to tell you this, but any machine worth having is going to cost quite a bit. My mom bought a Husqvarna, and even after her employee discount, it was several thousand. If you're looking at doing this for a business, you probably won't get your money's worth out of a personal machine. My mom does some small jobs on the side, but she just breaks even for her time. If you want to do this professionally, I would look into a commercial machine. That being said, it's pretty easy to do, the machine pretty much does it all for you. Also, it's not just the cost of the machine, but the software needed to run it, the designs, and the embroidery thread can set you back quite a bit as well. Best of luck!
I have two Pfaff embroidery machines. One we bought new, and I bargained her down quite a bit. I think we got it for about $1600 14 years ago.The other one I found 2 years ago at a Pfaff shop that was a trade in. It was the model that came out just before mine. It has everything. I only paid $250 for it. It is a great machine. I would look at every shop that sells these machines (Pfaff, Bernina, Janome, Viking, etc--not Singer as I would never buy a Singer) and see what you can find. Check Craig's List, Freecycle, everywhere. Make sure you test them first. A reputable shop would probably be my first choice as they have serviced it and you have some sort of recourse if it is a bad machine. They are out there because people want to trade up to the newer models. The machine I bought actually had a price tag (used, as is) on it for $800, but he sold it to me for $250. Don't be afraid to tell them you want a better price than what they are telling you, unless they tell you something fabulous like what I got. They are just sitting on the shelf waiting to be sold. If they won't come down right away, give them your phone number and let them know that they should call you if they reconsider their price. Do not be pressured into spending more than you want to spend. Blessings!
I have to agree with the brother se400. I am an experienced sewer and it is a great machine. I has a usb hookup to your computer so you can download designs that you can buy from a multitude of websites. My only complaint is that it only embroiders to 4x4 and I would like a bigger field.
F.
Check out my Custom Embroidery and ____@____.com
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http://www.mamamadeusa.com/c_146/Gracie-Matthews-Kids.htm
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