Computerized sewing machine roundup

What's New, Nov/Dec 1999 by Patton, Carol

JEFF WASN'T PARTICULARly interested in taking Family and Consumer Sciences classes. He thought he would have to hang out with a bunch of girls who were sewing aprons. When he walked into the classroom, however, he was surprised to see sleek-looking computerized sewing machines lined up against a wall. A display case showcased some projects that had been created with these machines. Maybe this class wouldn't be so bad after all.

Today's sewing machines are sleek workhorses that combine the best of computer technology with speed, versatility and ease-of-use features. This winning combination can be used for projects such as:

Varsity Jackets with Sports Logos

Quick Fleece Blankets

Bean Bag Chairs

Photo Album Covers

Coathanger Dustcovers

Decorative Towels and Pillow Covers

- Embroidered Wallhangings

Placemats and Napkins

Family Tree Sweatshirts

School Welcome Banners

Embroidered Table Toppers

Quick Serge Swimsuit Coverups

Embroidered Blouses

Gardening Aprons

Embroidered Scarves

Let's take a look at how consumer needs and desires have influenced computerized sewing machine technology.

Baby Lock USA

Baby Lock's Accent, a computerized embroidery-only machine, stitches multicolor embroidery designs up to 110 mm. The machine features built-in help messages and needle threader. It also has a jam proof quick-set bobbin and upper thread sensor that stops the machine when thread has broken. This makes doing embroidery almost mistake proof.

Additional features include an LCD touch screen panel, stitch density adjustments and mirror and editing functions. Built-in stitches, which include letters, numbers, frames and simple designs, can be expanded with the Accent's embroidery card selection. Most Noteworthy Feature: Built-in help messages.

Baby Lock USA, Box 730, Fenton, MO 63026; 800/422-2952.

www. babylock.com.

Brother International Corporation

Brother's new Pacesetter PC8500 supports the latest technology for fine sewing and professional style embroidery. The machine's features include an 11.8" x 5.1" embroidery area, pattern scaling, 60 built-in embroidery patterns, four monogram fonts and rotation by five-degree increments. It also offers a touch screen display, a wide selection of sewing stitches and an 8-way straight stitch feed and 4-way zigzag stitch. An easyto-install knee lifter is provided to help manipulate fabrics during quilting or free motion embroidery. Most Noteworthy Feature:

The extra large embroidery area.

Brother, 100 Somerset Corporate Blvd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807; 800/422-7684. www.brother.com

Elna USA

The Elna EnVision 8007 is a machine offering both sewing and professional-style embroidery. Its touch-computer screen, which allows a user to make selections by simply touching the screen, displays everything from bobbin winding to a reminder to drop your feed dogs. A large embroidery area enables you to create elaborate designs. Other features include four built-in fonts, a needle thread sensor, automatic needle threader, built-in thread cutter and snap-on feet. Also, the EnVision 8007 is compatible with current Envision Cards, which are cards that have embroidery designs on them that can be inserted into the machine. Most Noteworthy Feature:

The touch-screen computer display.

Elna USA, 1760 Gilsin Lane, Fenton, MO 63026; 80018483562. www.elnausa.com

Janome

Janome's Scan 'n Sew PC is a compact scanning unit with an LCD display and Scan Card drive that connects directly to your personal computer. Used with Memory Craft 9000, 5700 or 5000 sewing machines, it scans any design of your choice, from a school logo to a picture of a flower to a signature, in one step. The machine then combines and manipulates images, checks finished designs in true colors and prints out templates for perfect design placement. The size and design combination can also be altered to meet the user's taste. The Scan 'n Sew PC comes with on-screen stitch patterns, thread colors, size and rotation options and mirror image options.

Most Noteworthy Feature:

It can scan any custom design. Janome America, Inc., 10 Industrial Ave., Mahwah, NJ 07430; 800/631-0183. www janome. com

Pfaff

The Pfaff Creative 7570 offers 500 decorative stitch programs and 30 stitch designs that sew up to 60mm wide. Its advanced electronics feature IDF - Pfaff's Integrated Dual Feed System, twin needle sewing, sew slow, automatic tie-off and a bobbin thread monitor. With Creative Fantasy Cards, you can sew multicolored embroidery patterns, dozens of designs such as monograms, sports or holidays or even create your own customized card. Plus, optional PC-Designer TM Software provides the creative link between the 7570 and your home computer. The machine also lets you vary color or size, rotate patterns and combine or create mirror images.

Most Noteworthy Feature:

The number of stitch design options.

Pfaff, 610 Winters Ave., Paramus, NJ 07653; 800/9973233. www.pfaff-us-cda.com

Singer

Singer's Professional Sew-Ware software, compatible with the Quantum XL-1000, offers unlimited design options and interfaces with IBM-compatible computers. It enables you to scan designs, import or digitize clip art and create original designs using 14 different fonts and built-in motifs. Also impressive is its multiple hoop mode that aligns even large designs perfectly. The drawing mode creates any kind of shape in any color and provides a ruler for accurate measurement. Sewers can easily preview designs before sewing.