Daughter Trying To Buy Mom A Machine!

tickingcounterparts

Hi everyone! After hearing my mother wistfully say she wished she had an embroidery machine (she said she'd embroider everything including underwear if she had one......) I decided to buy her one. The only one I am able to get is the Brother HE 1 because it's on a website that I have a credit line with and I'll have to use credit to get it. After making sure I could find designs for it (I'll also buy her a gift card to buy designs)... I wanted to know what else she would need as a good starter package? Thread? What kind of thread? Accessories? I don't want to buy her something she can't use because she needs something else. She is a beginner, so I think the Brother HE 1 will be okay from what I've read review wise.... ? Opinions are much appreciated and any advice would be most appreciated seriously. My mom didn't have a great childhood (I've been finding this out in bits and pieces) so I really try to go above and beyond for her (she cried when I bought her Corningware for Christmas) and I mean she's my mama.

AlisonB

Some questions - as I don't know THAT machine.
Do you know whether it comes with more than one hoop size?
Does it work with a USB stick - or only design cards made specifically for the machine? (I sincerely hope it has the USB option.)

What you will need are different types of backing (stabilizer) which are hooped under the fabric you embroider. There is tear-away (used more for woven fabrics) and cut-away (used with stretchy fabrics). They do come in different weights but I would go for the strongest for your first purchase.
Embroidery threads can be polyester or rayon, and there is a wide variety of brands to choose from. Just remember rayon doesn't stand up well to bleach - so not great for dishtowels. (Don't go for cheap Chinese brands that can break every 10 stitches!)
A small curved scissor (or snips) to cut thread under the needle (and any "jump" threads formed during the embroidery) is nice.
An offset tweezer that grips well is wonderful for holding the "jump" threads.
Although you can use the same thread in your bobbin as the top thread it is more economical to buy a much thinner bobbin thread. (Not sure what brands you get there.)
If she wants to work on towelling then a water soluble topping (Solvy) is needed to stop the loopies coming through the embroidery.

That's all I can think of at the moment.
Oh yes. Go and look at www.emblibrary.com and visit the "PROJECTS" section. She will get wonderful advice on how to work with different kinds of fabric in their "Fabrics 101" tutorials, as well as LOTS of other tips and ideas.

Wishing you both well.