At the Market yesterday there was another stall holder opposite me. She came over and said I had some beautiful things. I mentioned I have an embroidery machine and it is not the most expensive. She said she has one as well but never uses the embroidery side of it and just uses it as a machine. I think she has gone home and is now thinking about her machine in a different light.

This is such an interesting post. I bought my embroidery machine second hand from one of the sales assistants at Bernina. Brought it home and for some days just looked at it and read the instruction book. I was terrified. Eventually I plucked up the courage and I have never looked back. They are truly wonderful machines. I would love a bigger machine that does more than 4x4 but that is not going to happen :(

When my husband bought me my Brother NV2800 - I didn't even know how to sew much other than fix a seam with a straight stitch. I didn't take any lessons as the shop I purchased it from was over an hour drive away. I read the book, bought a bunch of needles for the inevitable learning curve and I was hooked! I'm still breaking needles and learning new techniques to hopefully stop breaking needles but I could never imagine not even trying to use something that can be so fun and relaxing even on the worst of days!

I've been following this thread with interest and I still can't believe that someone would spend such a lot of money on an embroidery machine and then not even try to use it!
Before I bought mine (I had only gone to the shop to have a look at new sewing machines because mine was a bit old) I had a vague idea that they existed, but thought that they were limited to built-in or very expensive designs. I bought it nearly 3 years ago, found this forum and I was away! Mind you. I suppose I am a bit unconventional in what I do with it!

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by asterixsew 23 Oct 2012

I too have watched this post. I think there are people who buy embroidery machines and are then scared of them. There are many about who want to be shown what to do and be given ideas, they are not confident to 'have a go' I am not surprised at costly embroidery machines sitting waiting to be used. Others buy machines and circumstances change and they cant get time to use them

I am also guilty of having an emb./sewing machine and only using the sewing side at first. I saw a demo several years before, but it was out of the question financially at the time - it was hard to walk away as I found it fascinating (and of course when you're just looking they don't do a whole design). I never forgot that and when I was kinda looking for a new machine, I saw mine, saw what it could do and fell in LOVE! It took me about 2 weeks before I even ventured to do anything with the emb. side - that's because I was a bit scared as I knew nothing about machine embroidery (still have lots to learn).
Hopefully you have perked up her interest and she is taking a look at her machine in a new light!

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by blueeyedblonde 22 Oct 2012

The one market here, there is a lady who sells embroidered items and then I discovered it is mass produced - she gets it through wholesalers. It's about the same as what the $ store here is now carrying!

I have a friend that will not even try on hers just sews on it.I sure hope you got to her and she will try.
Lenamae

Good for her! You were a catalyst for change. Some people frown on machine embroidery. I say you need more complex skills to make Machine Embroidery happen over hand stitching anyday! I is a beautiful luxury. Live Laugh Download Stitch!

She wouldn't be the only one. I had my Bernina 440 for a few weeks, went for lessons, couldn't understand what the heck (turns out the "dongle was faulty).So used the machine to sew(no embroider) and satin stich applique. About two years after I got started and boy did I go crazy! Now my old Bernina is used for my "straight" sewing and my Bernina 580 is only for embroidery! Now I need to really get stuck into digitizing!
ElizabethAK

Lyn you have some brilliant replies. Did you find out where the woman lived? Then you could have offered to go and show her how to use it. I was only saying at lunch today that the first time I saw a embroidery machine in action I was HOOKED and still am. It was a number of years before I got my first machine and it was a gift from a very longstanding friend.

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

No I didn't but will see her next month and talk to her some more and see what she has done.

My sister and I purchased our machines from an inheritance from our mother. We have had them about 2-1/2 years and took free classes that the store offered. It has been really fun doing more things with my sister and learning at least some of what the machine will do. My advice to those that haven't used the embroidery function yet: Give it a try, I'm sure you will really enjoy it.
Maureen

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

Can't do without my embroidery machine.

Very interesting to hear how other fellow Cuties got addicted. Our eldest got married in Mozambique and I wanted to give every guest something to say 'thank you" as the guests spent 5 days in Moz and we had a seafood eve the last night. After getting quotes for 40 white embroidered face cloths (in stead of napkins) I decided to do my own thing. Well, 2 years later, I now have not one, but two embroidery machines - toooooo much to do!

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

I have too much to do and not enough hrs in the day.

The first time I ever saw an embroidery machine being demonstrated at a show- many years ago - I did wonder what on earth you would use it to make? Little did I know that once I'd taken the plunge and bought a separate embroidery machine I would use it literally every day and enjoy it so much. I hope she takes it up as well. Jan

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

I use mine everyday as well.

I am the opposite . I do all the embroidery on 11000 embroidery machine and have only used it as a sewing machine once as i have my Janome 6600 sewing machine set up at the other end of the table I use it instead so I am not changing feet all the time. Hugs Joyce

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

Great idea.

Well I am ashamed to say I had my embroidery machine for a year and only ever sewed with it. Until one day I happened upon this sight and thought I would give embroidery a whirl. Well, I am not the best and still look at all you cuties and your work in awe, but I am pleased with much work I have done and have to say...I cannot leave the machine. Most of my bits end up in the cupboard, but I love creating so much...I just cannot stop. I am now collecting bits of fabric, as I am going to pluck up the nerve, be adventurous and try to make myself a quilt, only a small one to place over my knees when I am not at my machine, but I have faith that I may be able to do this. So heres to me and my quest..opps quilt :)

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by jofrog2000 08 Oct 2012

Nothing like cutting up material and putting it back together! Only now I HAVE to embroider on some of the pieces first.LOL Check out places like quilter's cache and quiltropolis-just google quilting. Quilters LOVE to get others started. And ask here for any help at all. We all started with a desire to make something.

by grandmawillmakeit 08 Oct 2012

Thank you Jofrog. I will taken a leaf from this comment and embroider on the peices first, that sounds like an excellent idea and I am off to check out the links you have mentioned. When it comes to backing this quilt, you will be the first I shall contact as I have no idea. But one step at a time. ~x~

crazy to have a machine and not use it. Maybe you have inspired her to join the club... Suzanne

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

Hope sew.

I do a little part time work in a lovely linen shop (to pay for my passionate hobby ) and I asm amazed the amount of ladies that say they have a embroidery machine but dont know how to use it , Not to mention the young ones I suggest to make your own pillow slips to match a set they love , they nearly faint , "I cant sew" ....sad for them as i have lived all round the world and sewing has been my best thread for making new and wonderful friends were ever I have been .
Cathy

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

I do Markets to pay for my hobby so that I can do a Market or two. "Catch 22".

Good for you to try to get her interested in machine embroidery. I hope she does play with the embroidery side of the machine.

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by mi30kaja 10 Oct 2012

Would love to have a stitch buddy close to me.

That embroidery bit can be terrifying to someone who hasn't actually tackled it before. I had my Husqvarna Designer II and all the quilting and embroidery units for three years before I even opened the brand new embroidery unit box. Then one night (April 30, 2009) I took the bull by the horns and started up the embroidery unit. I sat in absolute awe as the stitches worked their magic. From that moment on I was hooked and only more pressing family needs keep me from starting the machine whenever I can. (the family needs have been very pressing this year!!! ....:{.... )
AlmaG.

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by mi30kaja 07 Oct 2012

Out of my group of Crafty Friends I am the only one who has an embroidery machine and it gets a bit lonely. I hope at the next Market this Lady also taken the Bull by the horns as you say and started doing some embroidery.

by lilylyn 07 Oct 2012

Let hope she does - we need more "addicted people " LOL...xx

by airyfairy 08 Oct 2012

Know exactly how you feel. I am the only one of my 'crafty' friends who have an embroidery machine. Good luck for your next market. Hugs Sarah.