I just bought a Bernina 430 with the embroidery add-on. Wasn't actually looking for an embroidery machine, but it seemed like a useful and potentially fun diversion. So, I am a total newbie. After familiarizing myself with the machine itself and playing around with the preset patterns in EditorLite, however, I'm coming around to the view that what I really want to do is use patterns based on scanned images. For that, I gather, I really need to upgrade from the Lite. I gather the upgraded versions are pretty pricey, and I guess my question is... Are there alternatives? I did some web research, but I can't find a lot of detail on whether some of the third party software will export files that can then be read into Editor Lite. Maybe because I'm not even familiar enough with the lingo, I'm not sure I'm searching on the right things... Is the Bernina software that much better if you are using a Bernina machine? Is it decent software in terms of the user interface as compared to third party stuff? I don't really mind spending the money to upgrade, but would seriously like to avoid having someone tell me three months from now "you dummy, you could have bought this $30 software that does everything yours does."

I noticed a used BSR on C/L a while ago and it was 400 dollars so I can't imagine what they cost new, but I have so many other things to explore before I even think about that! We're still bonding and I played with the embroidery function to see how it worked... used regular thread though, I need to get some embroidery thread for sure, but it was so nice to play with all the editing options and watch it stitch out my name right before my eyes! I used sticky stabilizer so I didn't have to use the top (inside) part of the hoop and it worked perfectly... the towel was too thick to have allowed for the top part of the hoop to be used anyway. I know I'll get better results with embroidery thread and someone suggested using top stabilizer on towels, so I'll do that next time, but still I'm impressed. I noticed one thing it lacks which surprises me. It doesn't have a stop/start button for regular sewing like some of the cheapest Brother and Singers do (even my Brother had that)... you use the reverse button to stop/start for embroidery, but there isn't a way to sew without the foot pedal. I never used that feature anyway because I like to stay in control, but it would be nice to have.

Go to the sewing machine store, and spend an hour or two. Have the sales person go through the machine and show you how it all works. You'll know feed dogs, tension, etc. in no time. Since you mentioned that you want a sturdy good quality machine, you'll want a brand that is made in Europe. Janome, Bernina, Pfaff, or Viking are all good quality well-made machines with their fan clubs. (Good engineering, metal parts, solid construction.) Expect to pay for a good sewing machine what you would for a pretty good computer. You don't necessarily need an industrial machine but check and see what the dealer says about comparisons. You would go to a different dealer for the industrial machines. Much like a car, you can test-drive sewing machines. Bring some material samples to see how the stitches go and how it "feels". Like cars, sometimes a couple are just really similar, so what it comes down to is feel and where the buttons are and does it seem easier to operate this one or that one. Ask the dealer about the embroidery features. You can buy a system that will enable you to: scan or otherwise create a design, "digitize" it so that the machine understands how to sew it, and save it in a way that your machine will understand, and interface your machine with your computer. You will need to learn about how all this software works. If you have messed with images and photoshop or some other photo manipulation program, you won't have any trouble with figuring out the software. There's a bit of trial and error on the actual stitching. Fabrics vary in thickness and need to have a stiffener so that they won't scrunch all up when you stitch that much thread into a design on them. If you do a really big design, say on a 16" by 16" pillow top, you'll need to learn all that hooping stuff that Joan was talking about. That is because the machine can only sew on a relatively small area. Though there is a bit of a learning curve, really phenomenal things can be done with the machine embroidery. For home sewing, check your library for home dec how-tos. That'll get you started on the pillows/curtains etc. Here is a link that might be useful: Embroidery Arts link

First off, isn't it wonderful to love your new machine? I'm happy for you, you did the research and found your diamond (doing the homework pays off!) Is quilting addictive -- for a sewer (for me)...YES!! Do go over to the quilting forum and just read and look at all the wonderful things those ladies have done. It will inspire you. They are also there to help with any and all questions or problems you might have. Try something simple like a straight nine patch to begin and just see if you enjoy the challenge. Take a few magazines or books out of the library. Start small......do not think, OK I'll make a queen size spread with matching shams - think throw pillow, or tote bag. See if the challenge is for you. Above all good luck, enjoy yourself and I hope your romance continues.