New machine-Need Help!

Misty D · March 7th, 2008, 10:45 PM

Hi! I'm new to this forum and so relieved to have found it! I just purchased a Singer Futura CE-250 and I don't know what I'm doing!

I have my own business making and selling childrens clothing. I have always designed my own applique patterns, using just a regular sewing machine. I thought buying an embroidery machine would make doing my own designs more efficient. Boy, was I ever clueless! I want to do applique designs and monogramming. I want to learn the Autopunch that is included in the machine, but I don't like the designs on it. Can I use Autopunch with my own applique designs? I'm very confused and can't seem to get very far with the vague instructions on the Futura software. Then again, the instructions may be fine, it could just be me. I bought some simple applique designs online to practice with. That pretty much let me know that doing my own designs was not going to be a piece of cake like I thought.

I bought my machine online, so I can't get help from the seller. My local Singer dealer is not helpful, partly because I didn't buy from him,(I've bought from him in the past, he is dishonest and has a bad reputation in this town) and partly because he doesn't have a clue about his products. He just wanted me to buy software and thread.

The lady I bought the online designs from has offered to digitize my original designs in exchange for selling them on her website. Would that be a smart move? I have always liked that my designs were my exclusive property, but if I have to do them on a regular machine using an applique stitch and I can't do them on the Autopunch, maybe it would be the right move.

Sorry this is so long and full of questions. Any help is appreciated. Anyone who answers please just assume I know nothing(don't know much about embroidery lingo) and please use plain english!
Thanks! Misty D

EmbroideryDigitizing · March 8th, 2008, 05:55 AM

Hi,

Glad to know that you tried to increase your productivity and invested in an embroidery machine. I do understand your position and know how frustrated you may be feeling at this time.

The Machine you have is good to embroider on the children's garments you sell. All you need is a correctly digitized design, plus being your sole property.

You can either learn how to digitize using a software from the numerous available ones. Some are as low as a few hundred bucks and some go way high to tens of thousands of dollars.
Or another way is to order from various digitizing companies that will digitize your given artwork to what you really want. These companies may charge you depending on the quality of work they send you. Prices range from $1.50/1000 stitches to almost $15.00/1000 stitches.

A reasonably priced service is available at http://www.smartpunching.com. They charge approx $3.50/1000 stitches.

Let me know if you require any additional help.