I just bought the Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I’ve been sewing for over 36 years…

My all time favorite sewing machine happens to be the one that my mother gave to me when I was about nine or ten years old.  It’s an all metal 1960s Singer sewing  machine. She taught me to machine sew when I was eight years old. Before that time I was hand sewing. I started when I was five or six years old. After learning to use the machine, I started using it more than she did. And made a lot of doll clothing (even though I didn’t play with dolls.) When I was in my teens, I started designing my own clothes. Which I loved since no one else had what I was wearing.

Yes… that machine and I have done a lot of creative sewing over the years, some of the items I’ve made have been in boutiques and local fashion shows too… and while I have a few other ‘modern machine’ they don’t impress me as much as the Singer. I’m more impressed with the all metal machines… not so much the plastic sewing machines of today…

But here I am looking for another sewing machine, more specifically an embroidery machine. After months of coming up with all sorts of excuses on why I wasn’t purchasing a machine, I finally placed an order for the Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine, SE-400. It’s plastic, I’m not too fond of that but I’m impressed with its features and this machine is available at a reasonable price. For the most part, the reviews are great also. I also like that if I purchase the software, I’ll be able to come up with my own embroidery designs. The embroidery software package I’m currently researching is Embrilliance Essentials, it’s Mac compatible and seems to do what I want. I won’t purchase it…. yet but by the end of next month, I should have purchased an embroidery software package. It’ seems to be the season for purchasing crafting items for myself…

My first computerized sewing machine

This will be my first computerized sewing machine, threading the machine is simple as touching a button. Also, computer updates and downloading additional software are available via the USB port. I like that. I wasn’t interested in looking for a straight sewing machine, I have those but I needed something that would embroider. I’ve read some great reviews on this machine so I’m willing to check it out for myself.  Of course my nine year old daughter is excited about this machine also, since I’m letting her sew too. She’s been hand sewing since she was about six and started machine sewing last year. To complete my sewing machines I’ll eventually purchase a Serger sewing machine, but that’s a looonggg term want.  The one I’ll buy is over $2,000.  I could purchase it now, but I won’t since I haven’t budgeted for that. I’ll be setting aside funds for that and should purchase it towards the end of this year.

Repair for my embroidery sewing machine

Although I’m not anticipating any issues with the machine, if do have problems (After the warranty runs out) there are a few amazing sewing machine repair shops in our area.

Purchasing a few goodies for our new embroidery machine

This weekend my daughter and I will pick up a few items for the machine… mainly fabric and perhaps some stabilizer. We’ll take advantage of the 50% coupon which is available this week at AcMoore, and use it when we visit JoAnn Fabrics. We’re able to use two since my daughter purchases something also. 😉