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Posted by I.E.Z. on August 25, 2008, 9:05 am
>I used to post regularly on alt.sewing years ago but for whatever
> reason (work/kids) I stopped. Now that the kids are older I am
> finally going to be buying my first embroidery machine!
>
> I am buying a beginners model - the Pfaff Smart 300e. I was going to
> purchase a Singer Futura 200 but there are none available in my
> province and I can't afford the 250's or 350's. I know I will
> probably regret not getting a bigger better model with all the bells
> and whistles, but I know I can always upgrade in a few years when I
> know if I truly will enjoy it. I have been practically salivating for
> an embroidery machine for the last 5 years!
>
> I do have some questions though, which is why I am here. I hope
> someone can help!
>
> ? - I am not yet buying any digitizing software (I will wait until DH
> isn't missing the $$$ from this next big purchase!) but I am pretty
> good at graphic design, and my DB is 100 times better than I am. I
> would like to make my own designs (ie tell my brother what to do)
> after I learn how to use the machine. I would probably use adobe
> illustrator. I read online that all I have to do is save it under the
> proper file extension and then find a digitizing company and email it
> to them and pay them to convert it. It seems to easy though...is it
> really that easy? Is there anything else to consider?
>
> ? - I am just going to ask now for any tips that anyone might have for
> my first project, such as easier fabric to embroider? Least stress
> inducing project? Any words of wisdom?
>
> thanks so much everyone! I am picking up my new Pfaff on Saturday!
I checked on-line and see that this machine connects to a computer via USB
cable. So you should be able to download zillions of designs from the net,
free and otherwise. I wasn't able to find out exactly what embroidery
format your machine uses (for example, Brother machines use pes). If your
format is supported by the Embird suite of programs, that would be a good
way to go. There is an optional digitizing program that is reasonably
priced. After the initial learning curve, it's fairly easy to use. There
are tutorials available. I have no experience with Adobe Illustrator,
except that the conversion from a graphic file to an embroidery file is not
a matter of pressing a button. Not if you want a good result. However, if
you can find a digitizing company that will accept your files that would be
a good way to go. Depending on the skill of the digitizer, the results will
vary. I've never had this done, so no personal experience.
Look for places to buy supplies in bulk. You will need needles, stabilizer,
thread, adhesive spray, etc. I embroider usually on cotton quilting type
fabric for decorative items, but any fabric will work. If you are
embroidering on knits, such as tee shirts, etc., use ball point needles.
Otherwise use sharps or embroidery needles. I most often use size 11 (75)
needles. Marathon thread is good, as is ARC, and not too pricy (at least
last time I ordered!). Study up on the different types of stabilizers to
match them to your needs. Perhaps you already know this, but some kind of
stabilizer is a must on almost any fabric except the very stiff.
http://www.marathonusa.com/
http://www.terradonunlimited.com/
http://5ts.com/machine-embroidery-supplies/
http://www.allstitch.net/index.html
Just a few places to get you started. Good luck!
Iris
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