Ann The Gran Community

I had a PE170D that was doing the birdnest thing you are talking about & it frustrated me to no end. I took it to "Cathey's Sew & Vaccum" they are in most JoAnn's, but this one is in Tucson, AZ and separate from the JoAnn's. They found out that the tension return spring was broken, they repaired it and it worked great. Sometimes they just need to be adjusted. Hope this might help you.JM 

In my humble (but loveable) opinion, the PE700 machine is a work of art.

It is very user friendly.  It is very full of features.  It is a reasonably priced device for beginner and pro alike.

If it is really not functioning properly, I believe your source can fix it so that you will totally enjoy your new hobby.  The design of the machine is really state of the art for the price range.

Pat

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my PE700! The only time I had a problem with the bobbin thread showing on top, I just took the bobbin out, and rethreaded it again. Weird.. I know. I guess I wasn't paying attention and somehow goofed up a very SIMPLE process. I can't offer much help in that area.

I totally agree that if you have trouble, take it to someone who knows what they are doing. You'll love your machine, but if you have trouble, that will hinder your love!

Hi, I have a 190D, 5 years old and every time I use a different bobbin thread than brothers I have problems.  I have just had the machine serviced, not cheap £140, about $250 but the machine is working better than ever.  After speaking to the service engineer I will only use brother threads from now on.

 Hannah Rickard

I'm so glad to hear people talk about specific bobbin thread! I haven't had any problems but am new at ME. I wasn't told during my free lessons after purchasing the machine that specific bobbin thread was needed for embroidery. Is it ONLY with embroidery or with routine sewing also?

Can anyone tell me what is the best size needle to use for embroidery? Or does it depend on the type of fabric?

 I have an Innovis 4000D.... a lot of machine for a beginner, but my husband doesn't think small! What a nice guy!

have had my PE700 since last august and like  my D270, it does not like rayon thread of any brand-  loves poly and cotton of any brand, though sometimes lint is an issue.  what amazes me is that I've had awfully good results with really cheap brands of thread on the same exact designs that were a disaster with my good expensive threads.  love my baby though, and I'll use whatever thread works best

 I have a PE700 that I got about a month ago and 3-270D's that I have bought over the past 3 years.  I love them all!  Brother makes it so easy to learn to use their machines.  I tried a Singer Quantum a couple of months ago and sent it back VERY quickly!   It was VERY confusing to use.

Anyway, I use both Rayon and Poly threads and do have better luck with the Poly.  A lot of times it depends on the complexity of the design or perhaps how well it was digitized.   I learned my lesson on inexpensive threads, too.  I have had some really bad messes from them.  I use a variety of brands, but only use quality threads.

Brother is a dependable name that I trust and appreciate. 

I don't know how long they have been in business, but no one stays in business if they do not listen to the clients and respond accordingly.

I am sure that the other manufacturers are great as well.  But, when I say "Brother" no one asks me "who??"  That goes a long way to my appreciation of a long standing corporation.

When you think about ME (machine embroidery), the manufacturing community gave us something that allows us to be creative and gives us so much joy.  Thank you to all ME Corporations, but especially Brother, because I am a fan.

NOTE TO RNH:  What a beautiful avatar!!!!  I will be doing a blog on needles at a future time.  In the meanwhile, needles depend on what you are working on.  It is necessary to buy 'embroidery' needles, and you do need to buy one that is sensitive to your material.  For instance, if you are working on a knit, you need to use a ball point needle.  I will go into detail in my blog.  For now, I use a 11 needle.  Ann has a great 'variety' pack http://www.annthegran.com/Product.aspx?t=1&i=7305  which has 80 needles for approximately $20.  That covers a lot of sewing!

 Pat