Let me preface this by saying that I absolutely LOVE my Brother machines, especially my Innov-is 4000D. I purchased the 4000D several years ago with the intent that this was to be my last and greatest machine. I have been happily sewing and embroidering with it ever since and never gave even the tiniest smidgeon of a thought that I might even remotely ever want a different and newer machine. My baby does everything I could ever imagine I would ever want a sewing and embroidery machine to do. Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans . . .
Last month a small Brother ad appeared on my home page. Being a raving Brother fan I, of course, clicked on the ad. When I got to the site I registered to receive email information about the newest machine that would be introduced soon. Over the next few weeks I received teasing emails and would always click through to view and read the hints of what was to come. On Saturday I received an email telling me that the new machine would make its appearance on Sunday. I clicked through immediately and the page said, in big bold letters, “No Peeking!” You know that on Sunday I went back to the site. To tell you the truth, I really wasn’t expecting to be blown away. After all, what could a machine possibly do that my Innov-is didn’t already do? But still, I wanted, needed to see Brother’s latest.
WOW! I was blown out of my chair! Everything my Innov-is does is in there and so many new functions that I can’t even get my brain around them. First of all, a 50 square inch work area? A 12” by 8” embroidery hoop? Being able to see what I’m embroidering in the hoop on the LCD screen? Close up? Okay, I could deal with those. Very nice, but, well, I can do without them. Then I saw that you export graphics right from the machine to your computer. Why would you want to do that? You can print a background design to print or iron on fabric and the hoop that printed design and embroider embellishments on top and the machine automatically centers itself so the design is exactly where it’s supposed to do. Now I’m getting very close to wanting this machine. Three USB ports? You can connect a mouse so it’s easier to move around the screen, no tapping with the little stylus. Something else that really got my attention was the crafting functions. Something I always wanted to do with my machine was paper punching, but after a few stitches the machine would sense that there was no thread in the needle, beep and stop. With the Quattro you can turn off the thread sensor so you can paper punch to your heart’s content.
I could go on and on but you have to see for yourselves. Take a look at the videos. Even if you’re not in the market for a new machine I think you’ll be blown away, as I was, by all this new technology.
Now I really, really want this machine! I NEED this machine! Fortunately it looks like Brother is offering 36 month financing with no interest (plus a bunch of free accessories) if I get the machine before October 31. Unfortunately I have no authorized Brother dealer within 50 miles and I’ll have to go on a road trip to get it. Fortunately, the price of gasoline has dipped (??) to under $4.00 a gallon.
I am not a spokesperson for Brother. I am assuming they chose my site to help launch their campaign for Quattro because 1. we get tons of traffic 2. they know I'm a huge fan. Other than the fact that we carry a few Brother products (among many others) on annthegran.com I am not affiliated with the company in any way. We do not and will not be carrying this machine (darn!). With that said, now I’m off to have a very serious conference with Mr. Bill. We’re celebrating our silver wedding anniversary this week. I think a new sewing, embroidering, quilting and crafting machine would be a perfect gift, don’t you? I’d get to use it and Bill would get to watch me. Sounds fair to me!
I'm really wrapped up in the Olympics coverage this week so I've made this blog about the other thing that's got my attention brief. Next week I'll have some digitizing tips, as requested, another travelogue, as requested, my Olympics wrap-up comments and probably a grandma tale or two. 'Til then, get stitchin' and stay out of the kitchen! I'm back to the couch to root for the home team. TTFN.