A quilter needs tools just like a painter needs different brushes. Just don't ask me how many paints (fabrics) I have...that's a whole different story in itself. haha! Not all machines can do the same things or even do the same things well. If that is ever invented...let me know! I want to buy it ASAP! haha One machine may have very neat stitches for piecing yet is horrible for free motion quilting. A quilter needs to buy the tools that suit her tastes and needs best and if that means having 10 different sewing machines, then so be it. Happy Sewing! Audra http://www.auraquilts.com Here is a link that might be useful: AuraQuilts.com

I think one of the key things to consider is "follow up service". My sister-in-law has a BabyLock Elegante (sew/embroidery) machine & she got 3 years of annual check ups/servicing. The shop has been available by phone for questions/concerns/problems, and it is a LOCAL well established business. They've given her quick service thus far. Now I have a friend who within the last year purchased a Pfaff embroidery machine. She has had some sort of problem/issue & took the machine in for service. While it is a local shop, the husband of the owner of the shop is the "service tech" & he has another regular full time job. Well, he has the machine "apart", has had the machine in the shop for over 3 weeks, & as far as I know, still hasn't diagnosed the problem. 3 weeks is too long, imo.... and with an unknown end point, who knows how long this basically "new" machine will be out of commission? Both of the examples are pricey... $7000 or so... we're not talking about cheap machines. They are quite complex, computerized devices. Not everyone can service them. Also when/if you go to buy.... negotiate for "extras"... like thread, programs, etc. These things add a lot to your overall costs to owning & operating an embroidery machine. Availability of classes is important, too. Some shops have "embroidery clubs". I think that in all likelihood that most any machine today will be fairly comparable & will "fill the bill" especially if you're new to machine embroidery. But the big difference is "Service after the sale"..... check that out carefully, preferably from other customers.

Never heard of it,but those type of machines never seem to work like they tell you they will.It's usually better just to buy a used "REAL" machine.They're available at sewing machine stores,thrift shops etc.Sorry i can't help you more. Kathi

Try playing with the tension.....upper and lower and see if it helps..try different stitch sizes...does it look like the cone thread has burrs on it? Did you try a different cone? That is what I would start trying...I've used cone on my Featherweight using a cone stand and it worked for me. Good luck