Ann The Gran Community

Hi, I've been ME for alittle over a year now,I bought a singer futura 250 and boy did I get hooked!! SO recently i had the chance to purchace a Babylock bmp6 at a real steal of a price all goodies included. I had been dreaming of thismachined and never really expected to have one drop in my lap so soon! I watched demos on numerous machines and stores and this was what i wanted. Butttttt now I have it I'm so overwhelmed that I cant remember a thing about how to use it!! I've gone into ME overload and about ready for a break down, I just don't know where to start. Its like having my cake and eating it too,but now I have a tummy ache.

any suggestions or encorgements would be greatly appreciatted

Hello - Wow isn't it great when you choose a machine and you get a fantastic deal!!!???  The same happened to me on my Brother Innov-is 4000D.  I was thrilled too.

You mentioned that you did view demos in stores.  You might want to check if any of these stores offer a class pertaining to your Babylock machine.  I was offered a free all day class from the store I purchased my Brother from - although there was not enough time to cover all the features, it did ward off any fear I would have had to tackle the many features.

My first machine was a Brother PE-400D.  I was employed full-time and taking care of parents and tackling this embroidery machine seemed overwhelming to me also.  It took me another 4 years before I actually opened it up and started using it!!!!.  After 4 years, had it working, running, and embroidering within 15 minutes.  So foolish!! 

So, forget the ME overload, grab a beverage of your choice, pull out your manual, call your local store for a class and before you know it, you will have both the Singer and the Babylock humming away.

Good Luck and Much Fun!

Joan/NJ

Welcome to the wonderful world of ME and to AnnTheGran (ATG). 

Borden was so correct, just get that puppy out and embroider.... well, a puppy!  Overwhelmed is part of the package and creativity is its governing rule.  It is difficult to go wrong with your new machine because you already have had experience with a lesser model.

The machine will sometimes beep (or chime or nag) at you to tell you that you may have gone into the wrong place.  But, mostly, these computer driven machines know what to do, you just need some fabric, stabilizer and a design.  Do two or three test sew outs and you will have more than enough to go forward.

ATG has lots of great designs and I (she says modestly) have done some blogs to assist with questions.   These blogs are to share and I hope you will become a regular reader. 

Play and have fun, the beauty is built in!

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

I agree with Joann and Pat.  Check with your dealer and see if you get lessons with your machine.  I bought my machine in mid May.  The dealer offered unlimited one on one lessons.  I thought that was a great deal.   I just had my second lesson on Saturday, and it was well worth the hour+ drive and three hours of my time.  Funny thing..I didn't even plug in my machine.  We spent the whole 3 1/2 hours learning computer things and a crash course on hooping.

Jump in there and ask about lessons.  In the mean time, read the book, get familiar and just TRY SOMETHING!  Learning to thread it and wind the bobbin are a good start.  You won't have to have the teacher coach you

Stitches,

LaRue

I could not agree more. I know from personal experience that the best way to learn things is "hands on". Sit down with your manuals,learn where things are,how to thread it,spend some time "getting to know your machine".I was so excited when I got my first "new" computerized machine,the first thing I wanted to know is"how do I get those beautiful designs" on my machine!By sitting down and just sewing out the pre-loaded designs I learned so many things. Like how to hoop properly,what type of stabilizer and most important than anything,the fun of watching the design sew itself out! With the manual,I learned how to import the designs specific to my particular machine,how to remove and clean the bobbin case(very important),and how to care for the machine in general. The best advice is to jump in there and get your feet wet! Have fun,just so you know,if you come across any more great deals..........e-mail me! Have fun exploring your new machine.

Happy Stitchin'

Judy

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! How EXCITING and HOW much FUN you will be having!!!

You're fortunate that you have already had some experience on the Futura!!!! You're already ahead of the curve by admitting you are 'already hooked on Meing!!!" That is a huge step and an exciting one! Once you accept the fact that MEing is addictive it helps! :) 

   SO...you have gone into ME overload and ready for a break down...well scoot over ...I am right there with you!!!

I don't know if you are a 'him or a her' but if you can...do something special for yourself like get a massage.( If you live in a big enough city you can get them at a reduced rate at a school of massage.) 

        That is SOOOOO great that you got a 'deal' you just got on that machine you have wanted!!!

Know too that you will have the support from us at Ann's site! 

   We'll love to hear about your progress and projects!

:):)
Cathy in Oregon 

P.S. If you can FIND a cohort or group of ME'ers like that have just started in Central Florida that is a GREAT way to learn.

( I go to a local sewing room where I got lessons because I won Ann's machine, and I have since met ladies there who are SO willing to help me out plus there are ladies on AnntheGran's site you will help you every step of the way if you just ask.

Ladies, thank you all so much for your comments and encouragements!

Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner to say that ,but, you guessed it, I've been busy learning my machine. I even have my husband interested in this one(must be the size of the machine) you know men and big tools.he even finished a completed a design start to finish . It was great fun working side by side with him,we haven't done that in a long time as he's on the road for business alot.He teaches computer design woodworking equipment. basicaly the same as ME but with wood.

He's starting to see $ bills at the possibilites of this machine!

Cathy, congrats on winning anns machine,I dont think I have ever won anything in my life ,except a great hubby,four beautiful daughters ,11 grandbabies,  wait I guess I AM truly blessed!!Anyway it must have been fantastic winning something that could create such beautiful things.  Dj

You are very welcome! We love seeing great news like this! I am so glad you hubby has taken such an interest in this wonderful machine. It defiantly has possibility's ! Oh Lord , Why is it all men have that problem with Power Tools! LOL It sounds like you both are very talented!

You are very Blessed from what I see,nothing can replace a wonderful family! It sounds like you are having so much fun with the new toy! I am very happy for you!! Good Luck to you! and have a blast with that new machine!