Ping Beverly

Juno, my embroidery machines (I have two set up for use, plus one stored for parts) are no longer being produced. You might still find one used on eBay, that's how I bought the last two.

Mine are the Singer Quantum XL5000, and XL6000 (essentially the same machine with slightly upgraded spool holder on the 6000).

Yes, they do regular sewing, buttonholes, tons of fancy stitches, etc. I did some testing of the sewing feature when I first got the machine, and it did fine as a sewing machine. However, I leave mine set up for embroidery, because I have the Singer 401As for real sewing.

This site has a pretty good description of the features:

I was sold on the "endless bobbin" feature by JoAnn in Reno (remember singerlady?). When I walked into a local dealer in 2004 for supplies for DD's wedding, they were closing out the Singer embroidery machines. Half price, I could not pass it up. Later when I had a huge job, I bought the second one on eBay, and later still, after I learned they were discontinued, I bought the third to scavenge for parts if ever needed.

I use the PSW digitizing software (comes with a dongle and uses obsolete serial cabling, I had to find USB adapters.) Description here:

The software is no longer available from singerco.com, but there are some on eBay. It's a bit of a slog getting up to speed on the software, the manual is poorly translated from Greek. I kid you not!

I do love the entire process, but be warned, it's addictive. ;-}

Thanks Beverly for the info. I haven't made up my mind as to just what I'm thinking about. I love my little viking but looking for something more. How much more I'm not sure about. I feel limited by what I can do on the machi ne I have. I might just want something that gives me more stitch selection and better button holes. Price is always a factor. Decisions. decisions, de cisions...........

Juno, I don't always follow all that is being said on this group BUT is there a sewing machine shop close by where you could go and look, taking a piece of cloth for you to do some sewing on? Maybe even a Sears store with machines. Or a sewing group where ladies get together to sew quilts and you could see what their machines will do? Many years ago I was going to move from a straight stitch Singer to something higher and I went to the store and got something with a 4 step buttonhole and maybe? less than 10 fancy stitches. I only had it a year before I wish I had gotten something with more stitches, I was still happy with it because I I did not have the extra cash then and could not upgrade for another 15 years or so. I'm rambling, but I hope you can get something you will be happy with. Barbara in SC, watching the weather on TV and hoping the hurricane wont head for SC mountain area where I am

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Have fun researching, and Good Luck.

Thanks Barbara, I would only buy a new machine after trying it out. This is something I's like but not sure just when. I don't want to tr out unti I'm ready to put my money down on the counter. I'm looking for input right now and will make my decision later in the year. I never rush into a large pur chase.

Beverly, I went to Home Depot and bought a can of Rust-Oleum 'Frosted Glas s' *paint*. I've already put two coats on my bathroom window and I'm quite pleased with the results! I think I'll put another one, two, maybe three coats to give the desired opacity. Great stuff and dries quickly so you ca n see your results in no time but it does stink to high heaven; thank goodn ess for fans.

Thanks for the idea!!

LOL, what's a little stink for the privacy you gain? I'm happy it worked out for you.