Designs in Machine Embroidery • Volume 101 • November/December 2016 • www.dzgns.com72

By Scott Goodman Scott Goodman, owner of Sewing Machine Warehouse & Kneedle.com has been servicing the sewing public since 1976.

You Take the High Road and I’ll Take the Low Road

There are many entry points to the profession and hobby of machine embroidery. Starter machines offer value and acceptable output. More money gets you bigger design elements, faster embroidery speed, larger hi-res color touch displays, easier intuitive interfaces, WiFi connectability, better reliability, and higher precision.

Let's take a walk and look at the extremes; entry level and high-end, with some notes in the middle. Note: Values are approximate street prices and may vary due to market conditions, geography and dealer value-added programs.

Embroiderers can start at a price-point under $400. The starting point is dominated by one brand - Brother. Most models in the entry-level arena are sold via the internet or through big-box stores, so support is lacking. Check out Brother PE540D.

$400 gets you 4"x4" embroidery field, a mono-chromatic LCD touch-screen, some built-in fonts for lettering and personalizing. Designs are transferred from your computer via USB cord. While limited to single-element designs, multiple elements can be combined with optional software. Singer's value-priced models cost a bit more but may include basic lettering, combining, auto-punch, and sizing programs. These mass-market models offer a lot of bang-for-the-buck, but are not for the feint of heart, as support is limited to YouTube and 800-number phone support, during business hours.

Designs in Machine Embroidery • Volume 101 • November/December 2016 • www.dzgns.com 73

Let's keep going...

Chassis size, hoop size, color screens, basic editing, higher quality components, faster operation. This is where I start to feel happy, as jump-stitch trimming starts to become standard. The lower priced models in this quality range might be limited to embroidery only. Invest a little more, and the same machine will include sewing features that will resonate with your inner quilter or fashionista. These machines feel and perform like top-of-the-line products, lacking a few state-of-the-art features. Put your peepers on: Baby Lock Unity, BERNINA B700, Brother VM6200D, Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby, Janome MC14000, and Pfaff creative 4.5.

The high road! Big, beautiful, intuitive, high-resolution displays are standard. Humungous sewing fields, with higher embroidery speeds to actualize your dream designs faster. Some feature WiFi; WiFi integration, means your machine might talk to you, crying when thread breaks, pleading when it is time to change colors or celebrating when the job is finished. Some have built-in cameras with optical recognition and a brain that can seem magical. These models can accurately place and link designs and some can scan your own artwork, creating custom embroidery without a PC or Mac. The Gran Prix goes to: Baby Lock Destiny 2, Brother Dream Machine 2, Husqvarna Viking Epic, Janome MC15000, and Pfaff creative sensation pro II.

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Closer to the thousand-dollar-and-up price range and the market opens up. Most models in this arena can embroider designs in the 5"x7" or 6”x10” range. These value-priced models usually come with support and basic training from your local factory-authorized dealer. Look for these models: Baby Lock Sofia 2, Bernina Chicago 7, Brother NV990D, Husqvarna Viking Jade 35, Janome Memory Craft 350E, Pfaff creative 1.5, and Singer Futura XL550. Wow! I think all brands were mentioned.

The next step in our wondrous journey, the $2,000-4,000 price range, unlocks the multiple-element feature; combining design files and lettering on-screen, for repeatable, consistent results. Output size increases, so does speed and quality. More important, the displays are more informational, intuitive and easier to operate. Honorable mentions go to: Baby Lock Aventura, Brother NQ3500D, Husqvarna Viking Diamond Designer Topaz, Janome S9, and Pfaff creative 3.0.

75Designs in Machine Embroidery • Volume 101

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WateWateW rproof, Iron-On, Permanent St St tabilizerSeals the back of waterproof fabric after machine embroidery.

IRON-ON

www.sulky.com www.sulkyembclub.com

Stitch it. Seal it. Wear it.

Use Stitch ʼn Seal after embroidering to restore the water-repellent integrity of raincoats, windbreakers, outdoor clothing, cosmetic bags,

backpacks, umbrellas, grill covers, tents, and awnings.

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The high road also includes multi-needle models that can automatically select from 6 to 16 colors, with the swiftest of speeds. These machines feature off-the-arm embroidery that removes the challenges of hooping caps and sewing tubular items like baby onesies and sleeves. Spend time gazing in awe at: Baby Lock Valiant, Bernina E16. Brother PR1050X and Melco Amaya Bravo 16.

I timed this article to coincide with the busy holiday shopping season. Consider circling your favorite models and strategically placing this article where it will be found by your Secret Santa.

As I sit here, reflecting, with my keyboard and pumpkin spice latte, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for embroiderers that create and generously donate their projects to a multitude of charities. The recipients are grateful to receive the warm, comforting, snuggly items that we produce so easily. Look into: Binky Patrol, Hope Scarves, Project Linus, Quilts of Valor, and Warm Up America. I know there are many more. Send me your favorite organization and I will share it on Facebook: GreatScott@kneedle.com or Facebook.com/GreatScottSews.