Before my Singer, I had only used a machine twice in my life, so when it arrived, I got a pleasant surprise - I was off sewing within minutes, getting great results and having loads of fun. I especially love that threading is so easy, and you learn quickly where to be careful to avoid thread breakage.
Changing to embroidery unit - no problem, though getting the right foot attached usually takes me a sec. I daringly started off with one of my own Embird designs... without a glitch, even without the use of stabilizer, just straight onto firm cotton.
I love that the machine is easy to use, especially the Futura software. Its 24 standard stitches are more than enough, its embroidery is great. And my absolute favorite is the hoop size! Other machines with a similar (still higher) price tag come with a 4"x4" hoop, this one has two hoops with a maximum of 5"x7". You might not think you will need this, but you will - either when doing multiple designs on one large hoop, or just embroidering longer names.
The manual could be improved at times, but I hardly ever needed it.
I hear people complaining about broken thread - honestly, just like with every machine, you just need to know the Singer's quirks.
During the first 3-5 stitches of every color, hold the upper thread in the back, and no false thread breakage will occur. If it still does, thread the whole thing again and you will be fine. Don't use pre-wound bobbins without stabilizer. It will give you trouble after only 1/3 of the bobbin is empty, and since the bobbin case is plastic, you really shouldn't use metal bobbins either. Just wind your own bobbins when needed, it is easy enough.
Make sure that you use good embroidery yarn; every machine has brands it doesn't like. I am currently extremely happy with the Madeira yarns.
The fact that it needs a computer next to it... You know that before buying, don't you? To me, that is not a disadvantage at all, since I appreciate the large screen, and that I can work in Embird while the machine embroiders, preparing the next project.
It really is an awesome machine for that price. In Europe, the only difference between the 150 and the 250/350 are the number of stitches and which software is included.
Since I am using Embird, I really needed nothing except the Futura software to send designs to the machine, and 24 stutches is more than enough for what I do.
I highly recommend the machine - I am utterly in love with it.
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Singer CE-150 Futura Sewing-and-Embroidery MachineProduct Description: Ideal for both sewing and embroidery, this easy-to-use machine provides an array of convenient features. As a fully electronic sewing machine, it supplies 24 stitch settings (including two types of fully automatic one-step buttonholes) that come pre-programmed to ensure exact precision, yet can be adjusted for ultimate control. It also offers one-touch stitch-selector buttons, an automatic needle threader, drop feed, a top drop-in bobbin with a view plate, a needle up/down selector, twin needle control, and more. Transform the sewing machine into an embroidery machine by connecting it to a home computer with the included USB cable. As an embroidery machine, the unit comes with everything needed for getting started: 120 embroidery designs, five fonts, a large and small embroidery hoop (4-1/2 by 6-3/4 inches and 3-1/8 by 4-3/4 inches), and Windows-compatible software for downloading to the computer. The software provides a step-by-step tutorial, as well as screen prompts and help screens for assistance throughout the embroidery process. Simply layout and edit designs on the computer, then download them to the embroidery machine with a click of the mouse. Other highlights include automatic tension, horizontal thread delivery, a free-arm, a carry handle, a light for illuminating the work area, and built-in accessory storage. Accessories include needles, bobbins, a buttonhole opener/brush, 3 screwdrivers (large, small, and special), a large and small spool cap, and snap-on presser feet, which consist of a general-purpose foot, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, a button-sewing foot, a special-purpose foot, and a blindstitch hem foot. The sewing-and-embroidery machine measures approximately 17 by 11 by 12 inches and carries a 25-year limited warranty.
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This product doesn't even deserve one star! I bought this for something simple and easy...what a BIG MISTAKE!! It's more trouble than it is worth! The hems don't hold up, it's a pain to finish a hem so it doesn't unthread on me, it's hard to control any real direction AND did I mention that it just plain SUCKS? I feel like I am all thumbs while trying to use it. It's now in the dumpster because I wouldn't even GIVE it away!!! Coming from the name Singer, I was a bit surprised of the bad quality :((
