Machine embroidery

**wjcalderon** · 07-18-2011, 07:10 AM

I just made a very unfrugal purchase - a Brother SE-400 sewing & embroidery machine!
I've been wanting one for years, and I finally treated myself.
Does anyone here use an embroidery machine?
I'm interested in any tips or ideas.

**Spirit Deer** · 07-18-2011, 12:34 PM

Before you use it, make sure you can get it serviced locally. If not, it's a throw-away machine. Ask about parts availability and stuff like that, and which Brother models are their better machines. Brother makes some really good machines, but they also make some pretty crappy ones. Find out while you can still return it.

I also have a Brother, although it's a different model. When I bought it, I didn't think about service. I recently took it in for service and was informed that if it needed anything but a tune-up, parts were hard to get and expensive, making it not worthwhile to fix. Not good news. Luckily, it didn't need parts so I hope I'll get a few more years out of it. The guy who fixed it talked to me in depth about what he referred to as 'Walmart quality machines' of which my Brother is one. I had to agree with him on every point.

**wjcalderon** · 07-19-2011, 07:12 AM

Fortunately, we have a sewing machine sales/repair shop that's been in business for many years and specializes in Brother machines.
I took my "regular" Brother machine in a year or so ago and was very pleased with their service.

**Brat** · 07-19-2011, 08:31 AM

Enjoy your new toy..lol..It will give you much enjoyment..

**nuisance26** · 07-19-2011, 08:45 AM

~I don't know anything about embroidery machines but they sure sound like fun. I know you will enjoy using it!
Any ideas for a first project?~

**wjcalderon** · 07-20-2011, 07:58 AM

I got the machine a couple of days before my granddaughter (8 yrs old) came to stay for a week.
We took a plain canvas tote bag and embroidered a beach scene (palm trees, water, sailboat), a pair of flip flops, a seashell, and her name on it. It was really fun to watch that machine work!
I don't have a specific project in mind for me, but I can think of lots of Christmas gifts.
I'm thinking of putting designs on placemats, napkins, pillow cases, t-shirts, etc.
I'll post pictures when I get things done.