I am new!!! (both to this group and to machine embroidery in general)

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!

Reply to
michellegio_sew
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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.

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Just a few places to get you started. Good luck!

Iris

Reply to
I.E.Z.

alt.binaries.crafts.pictures

Subscribe there when you are done with your first project.

It's not pictures, it's machine embroidery.

Look around for a while first.

There are also amateur digitizers in there that might digitize something for you, as long as it isn't too difficult. This group (alt.sewing.mach-embroider) is not a group where files can be posted, so you can't post a graphic here.

Good luck with your new Pfaff.

Reply to
dotty

Michellegio-sew is currently using Google Groups, which doesn't support binaries groups :(

- Herb

Reply to
Herb

Sorry I am confused. Did I miss something? I don't really need to post photos or graphics! but thanks, I can also access that other type of group - binaries - (or at least my DH knows how to do it!)

Michelle .

ide quoted text -

Reply to
Michelle Giordano

Thanks Iris,

that is all very excellent information!

Michelle

Reply to
Michelle Giordano

alt.binaries.crafts.pictures is where you can do more than just talk about machine embroidery. It is the sister group of this group. It's the adopted, red haired sister this group doesn't like to mention it seems. :-/

Prepare to be amazed.

Reply to
dotty

A couple of weeks ago I ended up getting a pfaff smart 300e. For my needs it is perfect! I am pleased with the quality but I do wish it could fit bigger hoops. I can't really complain since I wasn't sure if I would love embroidery or not. I do though!

Michelle

Reply to
Michelle Giordano

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