Brother Sewing Software
which would you buy either the janome 9700 or mc 6500 or janome 350 e?
I have a janome dc 3050 and would like to get a machine with more features but I also have an embroidery machine brother pe 150 not alot of software I have been sewing mostly guilting for about a year now and can't decide what to go to next
I have the 350E for embroidery only. I wish I'd gotten the 11000 instead. It has more features, especially direct from my embroidery CDs and a direct link to a computer.
The 350E uses either memory cards or memory sticks and takes a very long time to "turn pages" if there are many designs on the memory stick. So far I have 3 memory sticks, no cards or reader.
I also have the Jamome 6500 and use it for sewing and quilting. It is a great machine. It is not industrial strength but is still a workhors. I lilke the double thread stand attatched to the back, wide throat area, extra high presser foot lift, and separate bobbin winding motor. I was surprised that I had a learning curve on the bobbin, but I did.
I had a Janome 5700 for 9 yrs. It was still perfect, never had to have repairs, just cleaning/servicing. Because it used only the old-style cards I gave it to my daughter. She had no machine and had learned to sew on my 5700. I included some embroidery cards. I also like the extra top fabric feed foot. I found that if you buy all the extra feet and throat plates required for some, it will add considerably to the cost. Janome and Viking accessories are pricey.
I don' t know much about the 9700 machine. I do know it is popular and there is a user group --in Yahoo?
has a limited memory for it's alphabet in 3 styles and for stitches built in to the machine.
All that to say. I might have purchased a used Viking SE if I'd had time to compare them side by side. I do mostly children's and heirloom sewing.
I use a Pfaff coverstitch serger, one model down from the electronic coverstitch.
Had I not had a daughter to give my Janome 5700 to, I probably would have sold it, or even kept it because it is such a good machine.
Hope this helps!
Linda
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5 Wedding Budget Tips
The modern bride and groom reasonably expect to pay $30,000 for their wedding day celebrations. Venue, food, entertainment, flowers, dresses, rings, cars, favours...it all adds up. The 'Bridal Magazine Mentality' convinces you all this stuff is essential if you're to have any kind of 'proper' wedding.
But what do you really want? Do you need all this wedding stuff? Is there any reason it has to be this way, other than 'Bridal Magazine Mentality'? I know expectations of family and friends often influence wedding decisions, but the frugal bride and groom should stand their ground.
Decide what's important to you and your partner, and scrimp and save on the rest. No one will notice and you'll feel financially safer and more secure. Here are five ideas for simple and alternative ways to carve the wedding budget to shreds.
1. BYO Alcohol
Find a venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol. You'll save thousands. The venue mark up on beer, wine and spirits often exceeds 200% of the retail price, and some venues will charge a corkage fee per bottle as well.
Community halls and historic homes often allow you to provide your own alcohol. If you keep an eye on booze specials throughout the year you can stock up in advance, and the cost won't seem nearly as high. If you order in bulk from a local bottle store they often allow you to return unopened drinks for money back.
2. Skip the Full Meal
A full sit down dinner can cost anything from $20-200 a head. Instead, why not have a lunchtime picnic reception with cold cuts, sandwiches, cakes and scones? What about a classy cocktail and nibbles party? I've heard of some couples who've had a late ceremony - 8pm or so - followed by a desert reception. Trust me, in the midst of all that chocolate, not one guest complained about not having a full meal!
3. Buy Dresses Online
I found my dream wedding dress in a bridal shop for over $2000, resisted the urge to fork over half our wedding budget for it, went home and brought the exact same dress online for a few hundred dollars.
When buying online I can't stress enough to have your measurements done BY A PROFESSIONAL. Also, it's helpful to visit bridal shops and try on several styles of dresses to see what suits and what doesn't. Try on dresses even if you hate them, because you never know what you'll fall in love with.
4. Enlist the Help of Friends
I know you're an independent bride (or groom) and you want to do it all yourself, but your friends and family want to help. Honestly. Your aunt the cake maker would LOVE to make the cake, your friend the fashion designer would be honoured to sew the bridesmaids dresses. Your brother's band can't wait to play the reception.
One of the coolest things about weddings is how everyone comes together to pull the event off. They're much more fun as a team effort. Your friends and family love you and they want to help. Be gracious and thankful, and they will feel proud to be part of your day.
5. Look for Student Photographers
Ring up your local art school and place an ad for a student photographer. Many students relish the opportunity to shoot for their portfolio. They have access to professional equipment, darkrooms and image manipulation software. They're enthusiastic and keen to prove themselves.
Ask to see previous work before you hire any photographer. Look at how well the photographer captures people and portrays emotions. Look at their use of colour and composition. Discuss your ideas and sign an agreement. Make sure you have all the details in writing.
When I hire any student and they do good work, I give them a letter of recommendation as a way of saying thanks. These letters are often worth more to them than money.
I hope I've given you some creative ideas for slicing your wedding budget. I'm sure you'll think of hundreds more once you release yourself from the 'Bridal Magazine Mentality'. I wish you and your partner all the best for your celebration!
About the Author
Freelance writer and heavy metal fanatic Stephanie Green has free articles, ebooks and resources to help couples plan their gothic, punk rock, heavy metal, medieval, or other
alternative wedding