Janome 350e

Kate, I don't know anything about the Janome 350e. However, I think you'll get a big kick out of the embroidering. My singer Quantum XL5000 is a combination machine (and does a pretty good job of regular sewing), but I never use it for garment sewing, it is always set up for embroidery.

I suspect you will be testing the built-in designs, but the real fun is digitizing your own. You need specialized software for that.

But be warned: it is addicting. ;-)

The problem with embroidery is, it's just too dang fun!!!

-Irene

> But be warned: it is addicting. ;-)>

I'd almost rather play with the embroidery machine than eat. I'm just setting up my older Gateway and spending some $$ on upgrades (USB 2.0 PCI card, cheap speakers, and PCI network card), so I can more easily transfer designs I create to the XL5000.

I also like to play with my computers. ;-}

But be warned: it is addicting. ;-)>

I don't know if I'll be sent the digitizing software along with the machine, or just some patterns. I won't be buying any of it. This is coming to me for a few weeks for an independent evaluation. I have a dreadful feeling I'll find it addictive! :D

> But be warned: it is addicting. ;-)>

And I'm already a thread addict! I use silk embroidery threads for buttonholes and eyelets and hand finishing already, and I have a nice little collection of quilting threads as well...

>> But be warned: it is addicting. ;-)>>

I'm still getting used to the iMac! Having that AND a new sewing machine is like Christmas in July!

I do hope they are sending along bushels of rayon threads, pre-wound bobbins, and several kinds of stabilizers. ;-> Do they pay you to play?

Gaining competence in the digitizing software (at least mine) was a pretty steep learning curve, but worth every minute, I really enjoy it.

Some thread and bobbins and a bit of fabric. I'm going to experiment. I'm already looking at some free patterns to download...

Yes... What I WANT is to be able to do this straight out of the box:

As this is hand embroidered silk on silk, it just isn't going to happen!

Oooh, gorgeous. You could actually get pretty close to that look with machine embroidery. Not "out of the box" of course. The 40wt rayon Medeira threads have a very nice gloss, and are available in tons of colors. Want me to take a stab at it? ;-)

Hmm, on second thought (and close inspection) those bullion stitches on the chest feathers and flower centers are going to be impossible to replicate. Sorry...

Beverly, couldn't you leave those areas blank and come back with a little bit of hand embroidery? I'm just barely beginning with my embroidery machine and have had to ease in with some touching up. Clipped too close one time and had to cover up the oops. Wanted a white dot of a French knot to add a gleam to big black Panda eyes. I'm betting it's not impossible. For you. Polly

"BEI Design" Hmm, on second thought (and close inspection) those bullion

Yes, exactly! :D

Not to worry. There are all sorts of other thinhs I want to try, like blackwork, and something that uses Jacobean motifs... And something flowery and white on white for my fichu.

Oh, and embroidering my 'label' in the wedding kit... And maybe the names and dates of the bride and grrom.

If the iMac you mentioned has a USB port, you should have no problem downloading designs and putting them on a USB stick for the machine. Just make sure to format the USB stick in the 350 so it will set up the folder system it requires.

If you do receive software, you may have to run that on a Windows computer although people have had success with things like Virtual PC on a Mac.

gwh

The 350 is very easy to use.

gwh

LOTS of USB ports! :) And we also have a couple of hubs for extras if needed...

The iMac already has an excellent Windows partition as I run Wild Ginger pattern drafting software. It seems to run perfectly. Can't rememer if it's Virtual PC or something else. I do also still have the working Thinkpad laptop, which is Windows 2000.

Good! I have a very busy summer already... :D

Coming in late to this conversation - yes, I have one! And I have the software for digitising, so if you need anything specific let me know and I can work it up and send you the correct file format.

You can get up to 3 designs free per week from this online shop:

or more if you buy some too. You will need the .JEF filetype, which you can choose when you download the file. I suggest you start looking now that way you can build up what you want. They also have special offers on a regular basis.

Give me a call if you want any immediate advice, you have my number.

NAYY, just a satisfied customer.

Have fun,

Lizzy

BRILL! Fanks da millions!

I've been looking at those, and I might just spend for a couple and get some freebies. There's a very nice border in the freebies that I could use for the fichu.

Thank you. :)

Good to know they are a good service provider.

I will! I'm itching to get started! :D