My Cheatin’ Heart
After my big machine splurge in March, I started saving for my next purchase: an embroidery machine. I’d been toying with the idea for a while but it seemed like such a luxury. But all the cool embroidery designs I kept seeing, plus all the great uses Lisa showed off on her blog, made me want one even more.
I did a lot of research, asking tons of questions of anyone who’d answer me. I learned that it’s better to go with a bigger stitch area (I decided at least 5×7), that the investment is more than just the machine (software, thread, stabilizers and more hoops) and that there’s a bit of a learning curve but definitely worth it. I learned that I wanted an embroidery-only machine since I have plenty of sewing machines and want the embroidery running while I’m sewing, if I so choose. Oh, and you get what you pay for (not the purchase to cut corners on).
Armed with all of that knowledge, I headed off to the Janome dealer to check out embroidery machines. Two models , one with slightly more bells and whistles than the other. I’ve been thrilled with my little Janomeville trio, so I really didn’t think about going elsewhere.
On a whim, I walked into the Bernina/Baby Lock dealer one day last week. My eyes immediately fell on the embroidery machine set up near the door — as well as the sign boasting a price that I just couldn’t believe. The little miss was with me, so I didn’t get to ask too many questions. Just enough to learn the model name (Emoré), the price (less than $600), what it didn’t include (software) and that the manufacturer is closing out it’s sole embroidery-only machine.
I did some research over the next few days and learned that it was comparable to one of the Janome machines I’d looked at and received similarly positive reviews. I talked about it ad nauseaum to Honey and my older son (to the point that they’re eyes glazed over but I’ve listened to enough about golf and World of Warcraft so I consider us even). On Saturday, I handed over my hard-earned money and left with a brand-new embroidery machine.
And a huge, gut-twisting sense of buyer’s remorse. I think this was a combination of spending the money plus paying cash. It was hours before I could bring myself to crack open the box so I could read the manual. While Honey and our 15-year-old watched football, I carefully unpacked my Emoré and set it up on the dining room table, then ran downstairs to get some fabric so I could see it in action.
Can you say, “love at first stitch?”
It’s not all butterflies and flowers, though. I’ve already learned the hard way about matching an embroidery design to the right fabric (heavy satin stitching over a large area doesn’t work so well on a lightweight jersey knit), as well as the importance of keeping excess fabric clipped out of the way (two out of three tees ended up with extra fabric under the needle). Oh, and when you buy a design, make sure it fits in your hoop because it won’t even show up as a stitching option on your machine.
I hope the residents of Janomeville aren’t jealous, because the new girl is here to stay.
Tags: Baby Lock, Emoré, Janome, Lisa Tutman-Oglesby, machine embroidery, pretty toys
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Oooh fun! Enjoy your new toy!
I can’t wait to see what you create!
dangitAnges last blog post..Back in God’s country
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I just love checking in on your blog. It’s fun. I’ve been looking into sergers. My friends with sergers ask how I’ve been able to live without one, but I guess I don’t know what I’m missing. Enjoy your machines!!
Kathis last blog post..Words
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Can’t wait to see what goodies your monogramming little mind will cook up–
Congrats on the new baby!
Blessings!
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Love the new blog look;)
Karens last blog post..YIPEEEEEEEEEEE!!! My Bag has Arrived!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I have been toying with getting an embroidery machine but I really don’t know if I would use it much. But for $600, I think I probably would have gotten it too. Oh what fun you will have with the machine!
Yvonnes last blog post..Apples and more apples
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Now that’s a fun new toy! Can’t wait to see all you create with it.
JaimeMs last blog post..Giveaway!!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Oh Mary, you will LOVE it. I have had one for 4 years now, and have since added a box (for downloading designs) and a 3 letter monogram program! I have rarely given a gift over the last 4 years that at least part of it was not monogrammed! I probably spend as much time with it as I do sewing. And you made a wise choice, not getting a combo machine. You probably need some iron-on stablizer and a ball point needle for your knits, btw. I can’t wait to see what you create!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:04 am
Cool! Can’t wait to see more.
I’ve looked at embroidery machines before. But not really researching. More along drooling over them and thinking: one day maybe… But honestly I don’t know how much I’d use it.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I meant to ask you this before. I love your photographs on your blog. What kind of camera do you use?
Kathis last blog post..Currently on my design wall…
September 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Fantastic machine! Congrats. No turning back now you’ll be hooked for sure.
This will definitely revolutionize your gift giving. There are so many wonderful things you can do and the think of all the great blog posts you’ll come up with too-lol.
I can’t wait to see all your new projects.
Lisas last blog post..Make Scents
September 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hurray! Congratulations on your new girl!
September 24th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
You’re so funny! I hope you are having a ball! I have a sewing/emb. combo and it’s such a pain. To have the embroidery machine stiching while sewing sounds like HEAVEN!!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Congratulations! That looks fun
Amys last blog post..Dining in Style
September 24th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
oooh - too bad you don’t live closer! you would be able to make back your $$ you spent on the machine in a matter of months with the amount that i get monogrammed on a regular basis.
Shannons last blog post..You Keep Checkin’….I Should Keep Writin’….
September 25th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Wow…that is impressive! I’m sure it’s also faster than traditional embroidery as well…and quite lovely…I would be making all sorts of silly words to put on my clothes…
sadiras last blog post..A Good Thing…
September 25th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Congratulations on your new purchase and for scoring a deal!!!! Totally understand the buyer’s remorse, but I think this is a purchase that you’ll wonder how you lived without.
I’m still admiring these from afar - but someday!
pumpkin petunias last blog post..TOP DESIGN
September 25th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
A friend of mine has an embroidery machine and I’ve wanted one for a while - but I know I won’t use it enough so I just covet hers. LOL Great purchase!
Tsonikis last blog post..Holiday Countdown
September 26th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Would you mind sending some of your embroidery machine research my way? I’m looking for one that does good detailed applique. Please??
September 27th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
There is one one main sewing store in our dinky town, and I was there this morning in fact, but the woman who owns it sold me my Janome Sewist and sold my MIL my current Janome MyLock a billion years ago, and she would be the first one to tell you made a great decision here. She would laud your choice, research and purchase price as a fellow consumer and dealer herself.
On a sidenote, wanted to buy a ruffle foot there for my Sewist, and she had a whole wall of Janome foot pedals, but not the ruffler. I pouted a bit when I left the store. Not even some Amy Butler material could perk me up after that letdown. :-) I will have to let her know that I want her to secretly tell my MIL the next time she’s in to add that to her Christmas list of goodies for me this year. Hee. And Linda will do it for me, too. She’s one of our customers and brings her embroidery machines in when she can’t get the software to work for her so Joe can play around with from time to time should the customer be in a rush or up against a deadline where sending it out to the manufacturer is not an option. Yup, my hubby does it all.
I used to like hand embroidery a very long time ago, but I got away from it because of lack of time over the years, and then I lost all interest in it as a craft. This machine looks like fun and it could be just the thing to get me hooked, however, much to our bank account’s chagrin. :-D
Staceys last blog post..Twitter Test
September 28th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Wow…………. Congrats! I’m jealous! :)))))))
Jessicas last blog post..Saving you $$ at Publix!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I have a new baby lock emore. I am interested in adding fonts. What software do I have to have to get them? I don’t understand why i can’t download programs from the computer.
April 4th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Thank you for this information, it has really helped me out.