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Newbie - Questions

Sorry, I'm sure this has been asked dozens of times, but I looked at previous posts and couldn't see anything relevant.

I am a fairly skilled sewer, and I have experience working on a friend's Husky Designer 1. Initially, I considered purchasing the Designer 1 as my first embroidery machine, but soon realized that if I was going to sink $5K into a machine, I would probably have to use it quite a bit to justify the price, and admitted to myself that I probably want this machine just for the occasional embroidery of my husband's shirts, maybe a few baby things once in a while, and perhaps some fancy linens.

So, with that in mind, I started looking at other machines that might be fine for limited use. I do very much want portability of designs - I'd like to be able to use some of the designs I've already created on above mentioned friend's Designer 1, and I'd like to be able to explore some of the designs posted here and available in EBay in the form of retail "packs" and "cards".

I'd also like a machine that is pretty good at both the sewing side and the embroidery side, since this will be my main machine for both (I am also purchasing a Serger at the same time as the embroidery machine).

So, I am currently considering the Singer Futura 200. Does anyone have any experience with this machine? Do you think it will fill my needs? The ads mention "most formats accepted" but don't really get specific on what those formats might be - does anyone know? Unfortunately, I can't find any dealers locally to be able to go and actually try the machine out. Are there any other machines in the low $1K's that you believe might be a better purchase? Is there a machine I might look for on EBay that might sell used in this price range that I should bid on? Or is it better to stick with a new machine?

Any Serger machine brands that are recommended?

Thanks for your input,

Kim

Reply to
Kim
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I think you mean getting them from the computer into the sewing machine. Getting them to the computer is easy :)

- Herb

Reply to
Herb

I don't know anything about the Singer but I do own a Designer1 and just love it. One thing to check on when you buy any embroidery machine check carefully if you will need to buy software /reader boxes, cards discs or special anything, in order to get those embroidery designs into your computer. They can really add up fast!

Val

Reply to
Valkyrie

Well this is from the machine description:

This new Singer Futura CE200 has all the computer power you will ever need....! you don't have to move, edit, resize your embroidery design on this Singer Futura LDC screen, you use your own PC to create and digitize designs using the Windows software that is included with the Singer Futura CE200.

So, will I have what I need for digitizing - or are there hidden things I will need to buy?

Kim

Reply to
Kim

The implication from this page is certainly that you won't need anything else initially! (The sewing machine does need to be within cable-length of the computer)

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- Herb

Reply to
Herb

Now, if I can discover what formats this machine accepts (what is FHE? and does "Comes with its own Futura software editing, lettering and digitizing package from SINGER Compucon (PSW)" mean it's PSW compatible?) I might actually buy it!

Thanks again,

Kim

Reply to
Kim

OK, a little more googling found that the latest version of the software is Singer Professional Sew Ware (hence PSW) version 2.0

Here's the first page I came to that describes it:

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doesn't add up though.That page quotes the software alone at US$899. THIS page quotes the CE200 at US$799
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it "Come with" the software at a price substantially less than $1700? - Herb

Reply to
Herb

Thanks again, I *really* appreciate it.

Kim

Reply to
Kim

You're welcome. Notice how people are always helpful to share their "addictions"? LOL! Hope you find just the right machine for you.

Reply to
Pogonip

As for the designs on ebay. I've found that some of the discs people are selling are actually compilations of Amazing Desings, OESD and other desingers. They are simply pulling a lot of designs together and selling them. I know because I've purchased several. Then, the ones who claim to be selling their own designs often don't do a good job. I usally read the comments about people before I purchase the "private" designs. Go to alt.binaries.crafts.pictures and look for designs.

Reply to
Calixta1000

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