shopping for a machine

[amyhub]

Good morning all!

I have been researching all the different embroidery machines to start up a small, "at home" business. I visited with folks from Janome, and spoke with someone from Happy. I am an absolute beginner and cannot wait to get started! But do not know what exactly is involved as far as supplies, the best machine, and buying and downloading designs. If anyone can offer up some advice, it would be appreciated. Thanks, and have a great day!!:)

[Sew 'N Sane]

Gosh Amy - I'm not sure what to say to help you in your decision making.

I own both a Janome machine and a Bernina Happy and I love them both. However, if you are wanting to start an at-home business, I think in the long run the Happy (or another 12-needle machine) will be your best bet.

As much as I love my Janome and it's embroidery quality, I ADORE the extra features of the Happy. I love having a larger hoop - being able to hoop shirts and not having to bunch the extra fabric out of the way - not having to constantly stop what I'm doing to change the thread - and many, many other things.

If you are serious about having an embroidery business, I would get as much machine as you can afford.

Hope that helps!

[amyhub]

Thanks!!

I am leaning towards the Janome to start and see how everything develops before investing in the Happy machine. I really appreciate your input, since I have only spoken with sales people up to this point. I was concerned about never having used even a sewing machine, but the rep for Janome showed me how simple it can be. I cannot wait to get started! I am glad to hear that these are good machines.

Thanks again for the help!:)

amy

[Pedal Pusher]

If I could only have one feature it would be the large hoop size. While self trimmer, self threaders, and those kinds of things are nice. I would go for the thread it yourself, cut it yourself 12x18 hoop. My first machine only had a 4x4 hoop and while 80% of the designs are for 4x4 hoops I wanted to be able to do larger desings on bags and towels and stuff like that. I still use my 4x4 machine alot but now I have options.

Just my opinion......

Donna

[Sew So Happy]

I would go the route you are going and see how business goes before you put all that money into a Happy machine. I have the Janome 350 and had it for a year. I kept it and moved into a Janome MB4. I also do home based embroidery and the MB4 has not limited me in any way. I have plenty of hoop to work with and bought the Fast Frames set to open even more options. I saw the Happy machine over at a local quilt shop the other day and it was very impressive. I would love to have one at a later point, but hubby might have a problem with the price right now! I have to finish paying the MB4 off and maybe I could present that one to him.;) I guess I need one year where I am not paying for a machine!
The Janomes are really easy to work with and understand.

[idesign]

Hi Amy! I started with a Janome, and really enjoyed it, but got very frustrated when having to split larger designs. A commercial machine was not in my budget, but the Babylock BMP6--a six needle machine has fit the bill. It has a larger embroidery field, (about 8" x 12") than the Janome MB4, and also can do hats in the round. Guys just love their hats with embroidery, and for business logos, and Janome decided not to make a hat in the round hoop for the MB4. For that reason, I would suggest one of the Babylock or Brother 6 needle machines, which are made in the same factory in Japan, but have different built in designs. The stitch quality is better than my Janome 10001, in my opinion, and the self trimming feature is wonderful! The price is considerably better than a fully commercial machine. Hope that helps!

Carol