Hindsight is always
20/20. I recently read this thread and thought the information was not only
useful, but also quite interesting, especially if you are just getting
interested in machine embroidery.
The question
was, “What is the one thing that you wish you had known before you
bought your embroidery machine?” I grouped the answers into eight
basic categories. Some of the answers may surprise you.
Buy
a Bigger Hoop – 18%
A majority of those
who responded said they would have purchased a machine with a bigger hoop
capacity. Hoop size dictates the embroidery design size that you can stitch. Bigger
is better.
Organize
Embroidery Designs as You Get Them – 17.5%
A close second, is
organizing your embroidery designs. Get a system going right from the start. It
takes a lot of work to find designs scattered all over your computer or
multiple jump drives.
Time
Investment/Learning Curve – 17.2%
At nearly a tie for
second place, is the amount of time that it takes to learn this craft. Unlike
sewing, machine embroidery also involves learning the right combination of
stabilizers, working with your computer, getting the designs to your machine, user
classes, and design positioning
Expense of Extras –
14.7%
The
machine is only the beginning. What many beginners may not realize is that the
cost of thread, needles, stabilizers, and designs adds up in a hurry. Ann's Club can help!
Buy
a Better Machine – 12.7%
This goes along with
buying a bigger hoop. Basically, buy the biggest machine you can afford.
Addiction
– 9.7%
If you love this
hobby, and most of you do, machine embroidery will likely become addictive (and
not in a bad way). Studies have shown sewing/embroidery is relaxing and can
lead to medical benefits such as lower blood pressure, a steady heart rate, and
lower stress levels.
Needing
a Housekeeper – 7.8%
Because of the
amount of time you will spend embroidering, housework will suffer. So sad.
Not
Enjoying Embroidery – 2.5%
Even more sad, is
that a very small amount of respondents wished that they had known that they
would not enjoy machine embroidery.
A few said that they
were happy that nobody told them anything. Had they known that machine
embroidery would take so much time and money, they probably wouldn't have
bought a machine.
What do you wish
that you had known before buying your embroidery machine?
Debbie
SewBlest