Home Embroidery Machines Part 2

[sudsmaster]

Today while perusing the Costco web site, I saw that they have a new (for them) home embroidery machine.

This one is a Singer Future CE-200. Its main selling point is that it connects directly with a PC/Notebook computer via a USB port. This allows it to use the processing power of the PC to run the embroidery, eliminating the need for that expense on the sewing machine.

At $450 this is relatively reasonably priced. It also comes with "Autopunch" design digitizing software, another plus when compared to similar Brother machines that don't come with digitizing software. The Autopunch software sounds like it's relatively basic, but it might meet typical needs. The machine comes with five embroidery fonts, with more available via download but also requiring extra software ($100?).

It also comes with two embroidery hoops - large 4 1/2" x 6 3/4" hoop, and smaller 3 1/8" x 4 3/4" hoop.

So far I haven't seen any other machine in this price range with this feature set, software, and capability.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11534738&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|103|28071|28499&N=4012438&Mo=7&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=28499&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&hierPath=103*28071*28499*&topnav=#

 

[ironrite]

I've posted a link for you for the Yahoo group on these machines. It does appear you get a lot for the price. I have heard some good things about these machines. Viking, since they bought the Singer name, also rebranded one of these machines under the Viking name. They are selling it as an entry model into embroidery. Checking on the web, saw a price of $593.00 for it. You may want to stop by your local Viking dealer, usually they are located inside larger Joanns Fabric stores.

One of the things that is important is support with your machine. I used to sell Viking machines. We'd get the folks in that bought from HSN or Costco and by the manager's directive we wouldn't help them with embroidery questions. They didn't buy the machine from us, so why waste our time (more Viking snobbery). I didn't like that policy as I wanted to cultivate customers. But wouldn't hurt to check with your local dealers to see if you can get assistance if needed.

Digitizing is fun. Though I've been doing it for years, this week learned finally how to make a running stitch from color to color and then how to hide the jump stitch. Sounds silly, but eliminates a lot of the trimming and cutting of those stitches.

Keep us posted if you get the machine.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FuturaEmbroidery/

 

[aamassther]

Hello,
I'm going to be frank. Run away!
The investment firm that bought Singer and subsequently, Viking and Pfaff, a couple of years ago is driving those names into the ground. Singer already has the reputation of poor quality, disposable merchandise. Viking and Pfaff are on their way. I've heard that Viking is having many issues with their TOL Designer Diamond, at 7K I would be more than just angry! I was in my dealer the other day and saw a new Pfaff on his bench that was full of plastic where plastic shouldn't be. He said it was 8 months old and needed gears already. I noticed it was made in China and labeled as a Pfaff and not a Hobby for Pfaff, so much for "German engineering". SVP, the parent company, has a reputation for not supporting it's dealers.
If you want an embroidery machine, I would go with a Brother Innovis, They're the dealer supported ones, and start at around 500. It doesn't come with software but at least you can embroider without having a laptop attached, just pop in a thumb drive of almost any brand. Pe-Design Basic is only about 125 USD, their entry level software. Brother's quality on their dealer supported machines rivals all but maybe Bernina. Though I sold my Bernina 200 sewing machine to buy a Brother Duetta 4500, the stitch quality is much better.
We are also selling our Pfaff 2140, because we're afraid there won't be parts available for very much longer. SVP already doesn't support the 75 series from 9 years ago. My dealer, who used to be Pfaff also, is having to cannibalise machines to support his customers.
Sorry about the rant but I don't want you to waste your money on a machine that won't be supported, by a company that is again for sale and may just go under soon. It's a shame too. My fav sewing machine was my Viking #1. The sewing machine industry isn't what it used to be, too many people out for a quick buck.
Todd[this post was last edited: 5/2/2010-10:04]

 

[ironrite]

The Viking Update

Had to run over to Joanns this morning and talked to my friends at Viking. Their price on their Viking Futura machine is running a bit over $1000.00, so I would say no on this one. Better machines for that kind of money. They also mentioned the Singer machines aren't bad, but not great either. The Viking version comes with more standard designs. When I worked there Viking came out with a low end Huskystar embroidery machine that had some software as well. Initially it did ok, but by the second design, it spun the bobbin case which sounded like shifting gears without a clutch. Not good.

Checking some of your local dealers, you may be able to find a larger, well maintained machine and they then may be able to give you support on the machine. Since I got my new machine, my old Viking #1+ is going up for sale. She embroiders well, but it is older technology and it is limited to a 4x4 field. I'm going to miss a lot of my accessories I bought for it, but am loving the new Babylock.

So trying this editing thing! Works great, thanks! Meant to say Viking's version of the Futura machine.[this post was last edited: 5/2/2010-19:41]

 

[sudsmaster]

The price on the Futura CE-200 is $449, not $1000...