Brother’s new V-Series machines—the DreamWeaver Innov-is VQ3000 sewing & quilting machine; and the DreamWeaver XE Innov-is VN6200D sewing, quilting, & embroidery machine—have some amazingly innovative, industry-first features. Here are just a few:
Advanced Droplight™ Embroidery Positioning Marker
Trying to guess where to drop the needle is a nightmare of the past with V-Series! Use the embroidery foot with LED pointer to easily see your needle drop position. No more guessing or raising the needle up and down to test. It is also helpful while using the stitch forward and backward keys.
MuVit™ Digital Dual Feed System
The new MuVit™ Digital Dual Feed can powerfully feed fabric from the top AND bottom. This digitally-controlled, direct motor driven accessory foot was designed for difficult projects which require special handling – so you can rest assured that your ability to move it smoothly is just a touch away. Adjust the speed of the belt right on the LCD display screen. This makes it incredibly easy to sew precise, uniform stitches on a range of fabrics like leather, faux fur and silk.
Sew Straight™ Laser Vision Guide
One of the biggest challenges for quilters and sewers is sewing straight. This built-in laser gives you the straight and narrow to a straight line. The laser light moves in half millimeter increments within a 14mm area, and can be positioned on either side of the foot. A must-have feature for quilters doing piecing, edge joining, pintucking and for aligning multiple lines of stitching.
V-Sonic™ Pen Pal System
You use the sensor pen to place your embroidery pattern automatically by touching the desired center and upper portions on the fabric. For precise corners and borders, touch two points on the edge line of the pattern’s embroidery square field to align it easily. It also helps to set placement points for sewing.
A new Brother software upgrade will provide precise alignment tools through use of the Snowman™ and the Innov-eye™ Camera System on some models of Brother machines. When the software upgrade is added to the machine, the included Camera Pattern Alignment program will add new capabilities to make design alignment even easier.
The secret to having continuous designs line up accurately has always been in getting the fabric hooped correctly. The new camera pattern alignment program lets the camera work with 2 snowmen and the software does the work of making each design match up properly. Designs can match at 9 connection points and the points can be adjusted by sliding for a completely new look.
How does this magic work?
Select this icon on the screen of the machine:
A new screen will open. Select the point on the grid where the next design needs to attach:
Stitch the first design.
When finished, the machine screen will guide you through placing the 2 snowman markers where they need to be. It will scan the snowman locations. Remove the fabric from the hoop (DO NOT REMOVE the SNOWMEN) and rehoop the fabric for the next design segment.
Select the point on the grid where the next design will attach to the previous design. The machine will scan the snowmen.
Choose the new design (it doesn’t have to be the same as the one used first). The software will align the new design to the previous one.
Stitch the design (if you are planning to add additional designs, select the icon again prior to completing the stitching of this design. Select where the next design will line up to the design you’re about to stitch. This will let the software know you are planning to add to the design).
The Continuous Border Hoop is not just for borders! If you like easy hooping then this is the hoop for you.
If you have ever struggled getting the hoop together nice and tight; or if you enjoy working with specialty fabrics such as leather, velvet, some silks etc; then you owe it to yourself to swing by your nearest Quality Sewing Store and take a close look at the amazing Continuous Border Hoop from Brother.
The hoop is a clamp hoop. Lay the fabric in place on the soft non-marking base, and press one side latch. Then it is an easy task to make certain the fabric is lined up as desired, just check the alignment lines on each side of the hoop and press the other side latch to secure the fabric. The top side of the hoop has a rubber grip that will hold the fabric securely and will not leave any marks or “hoop burn.”
Brother Quattro Software Upgrade Premium Pack III including the Continuous Border Hoop
Who needs more software? Many people struggle with the ones they already own. PE Design® Plus is a breath of fresh air for those who want good, really-easy-to-use software. The included tutorials will make learning a simple task.
One of the features that makes it so very special and different from other available software is that it includes the entire PhotoStitch™ program from PE Design® NEXT.
PE Design® NEXT has always been considered the benchmark of excellence in photo stitch programs. The stitch-outs are very realistic. The program will produce fantastic stitch-outs by just letting the software do the work of making the choices. It also includes many tools that are handy for those who want to make changes. It is easy to learn to use and there is an excellent training video on the Brother Sews YouTube site. The video demonstrates how to use most of the excellent tools and provides some useful tips to get the very best photo stitch:
There are 35 fonts that are instantly recalculated when resized. Underlay may be added and density (number of stitches) may be adjusted. The arc transformation for creating circles is also included.
There is an excellent auto-punch program that will turn simple clip art into an embroidery design in just seconds. It offers a choice of fill and outline stitches.
There is a design library of included designs. Designs can be imported and exported in most machine formats. The realistic preview mode and a sew simulator help determine if the design will stitch as desired. The stitching order of a design allows rearranging which part of the design will sew first or last. Designs may be resized with or without recalculation of stitches (this is useful when an existing design has too much or too little density.)
The program can also display thumbnail pictures of the designs in a file and show the details, ie: dimensions, colors, stitch time and much more. Brother hoop sizes are in the software, and additional hoops may be easily added. The print feature provides printing of actual size templates.
This software is compatible with nearly every machine available. It is easy to use. Best of all there are so many features you will actually use. Stop by one of our locations to learn more and pick up your own copy of this wonderful software!
Did you see the crystal-encrusted sewing machine that Brother will be awarding to this season’s winner of Project Runway?
This machine was unveiled today at the Brother Convention and will truly be a “shining” symbol of the winner’s achievement.
Wouldn’t it be a fun machine to have?
It makes me wonder how long it took to place each of the stones with such precision. The lettering on the machine is readable and even the buttons are all dressed up.
So if you are wondering what machine they dressed up for the event, this is the Project Runway Limited Addition NS40. In its original form, the NS40 models a fashionable shade of subtle pink and it has functions and features that make it easy to create beautiful designs of your own. With 40 built-in stitches, one-step auto-sized buttonholes, and smooth free-motion sewing, this machine can just about do it all.
In addition to the NS40, there are 6 other machines in the Project Runway line. Prices for these feature-packed machines start at a very affordable $300.
The newest addition to the Project Runway machine line is a great serger that is very easy to thread and runs very smoothly: The 5234PRW. I really like this machine! It has a free arm and even comes with a generous, extra-large extension table that also opens up to hold whatever notions or feet you may want to have on hand.
You can see all of the machines in the Project Runway line on the Brother website.
Who knows, maybe one of us will win a machine like this someday!
A good tool is valuable; a great tool makes the job easier. A great tool always saves money in the long run because it saves time and frustration.
I bought my Brother PR 600 in 2004 and have always relied on its workhorse ethic. It has always been ready to tackle any job. In fact recently I was asked to complete an order for a shop that couldn’t complete in time to meet a deadline. The only issue occurred when the customer questioned why some hats were “cleaner and more precisely stitched” than others. The shop owner was quite distressed to find out that his customer preferred the hats that had been stitched on my machine!
The Brother PR1000
My machine has paid for itself a dozen times over. I have never seriously considered a different machine (even though I will confess to looking). New features became available, but I’ve never been seriously tempted to upgrade until now.
The new beauty that has caught my eye is the Brother PR 1000. It isn’t just the beauty of the design, the larger hoops, support table, new software integration features and new accessories that make it attractive. Isn’t that enough? Hooping an item consistently perfect is always a challenge, so I am confident the Innoveye™ camera will save me lots of rehooping time. The new hat hoop embroiders up to 14” wide – ear to ear without rehooping. This feature will also be a big time-saver for me. I can do the cap front and 2 side designs without rehooping!
Link: lets one computer control up to 4 PR 1000 or PR 650 machines. Each machine can be working on a different task with up to 100 designs in queue.
Name drop: names can be typed or imported from a spreadsheet. The software will place them in the proper position in the design and save them all in one quick process. I used to do this task manually and I had created a routine to be efficient – this tool has reduced my design prep time by 90%
Database provides printing a catalog of designs for customer viewing and selection. (This is huge because different design color and font choices may be printed–to be viewed by group members prior to a decision.) It has a special page that can be printed with all the design and item information included for easy filing in your records.
It also includes manual and auto digitizing, photo stitch, impressive resizing capabilities, editing and much more.
Time=Money. Saving time in my work process will create more income for my family. I will be taking a PR 1000 home to join its older “Brother” in my sewing room. I’m looking forward to using the exciting new features.
Stop by one of the Quality Sewing locations and see this beautiful machine in action – it truly is amazing!
Have you ever been to an Anita Goodesign Embroidery Party? If you haven’t you are missing out on tons of fun! What better place can you imagine than a room filled with beautiful top of the line embroidery machines surrounded with happy and excited sewing & embroidery enthusiasts? All gathered together in one place to learn and be inspired by one of embroidery’s best, Steve Wilson from Anita Goodesign!
In Everett, this past week the Anita Goodesign Embroidery Party was two days of total fun. There were seven projects to enjoy and everyone left with a CD of all the designs used so we can make as many as we like. Of course, all of the projects were great, but a couple of my favorite techniques that we learned were Three-Dimensional Flowers, a Christmas Stocking completely in the hoop, and Shaped Edge Tea Towels.
Steve brings so many wonderful samples for us to see, touch, and be inspired by, every where you look there is something beautiful. He also gave us a sneak peak of the designs that will be coming out in the next few months—they are really neat!
One of my most favorite things about this Party was getting to meet wonderful folks who love to sew just as much as I do. I came away so energized and inspired. Check out the fun we had in the video below:
PE Design Next is an easy to use, complete software package that includes: Photo Stitch, Auto digitizing, Digitized fonts plus all the True Type fonts on your computer, Easy editing of existing designs, Resizing with recalculation of stitches, Full manual digitizing tools and much more. If you already own PE Design Version 5, 6, 7 or 8, the good news is you just need an PE Design Next upgrade to have all the new features of Next.
All these exciting features come in a new easy to use format. All the tools are quickly available at your fingertips through use of the “ribbon” style that is familiar from other software programs. The important editing windows stay open for easy access – unless you decide to close them for even greater work space. There are 10 full tutorials to make learning easy. An included design library provides 500+ designs and a template library includes 225 easy to use templates.
Brother’s Photo Stitch has always been the best in the industry for doing photos as embroidery. It is very simple to use and creates beautiful results with the click of a mouse. It also provides sophisticated editing tools for those who would like to use them.
The automatic resizing with accurate recalculation of stitches is a great tool that does a superb job even when adjusting
It is easy to “remove overlaps” when stippling around a design so the stitching does not cover your beautiful design
programmable fills or motif stitches. Motif and programmable fill stitches are built-in, but if you want one that is not available in the program it is a simple matter to create it yourself using the integrated program. My personal favorite stitch is the stippling stitch, because my stippling looks perfect when I do it in the embroidery hoop! The stippling can be varied to nearly any size. It is also possible to add a motif stitch spaced throughout the stippling for an exciting new look.
100 digitized Fonts. This includes 5 small text fonts that are digitized to stitch out perfectly at about 1/4”. All regular & true type fonts can be used in making monograms which work nicely with the included monogram decorations. There is even a special program (Font Creator) that will actually “digitize” a true type font the way you would if you were manually digitizing it. With this tool all of the true type can be made to stitch out perfectly. An outline may be added around any font with just one click on the keyboard. The outline can be one of many different types of stitches. The fill of the letter may also be changed to many different styles including motifs, programmable fills or even for use as an appliqué.
Auto-digitizing is a quick way to get a great design. The software digitizes it so you can see how it will look when finished and you still have full editing capabilities to make adjustments as desired. The powerful editing tools can also be used on designs that come from other sources. Just how many times have you thought “Oh I would love that design if …” well you can use the editing tools to make it be exactly the way you want it. Full manual digitizing tools are included in case you want to try your hand at that.
This complete program offers tools for all levels of embroiderers from beginner to advanced commercial digitizing. All the tools are available in one package. Stop by your Quality Sewing location for additional information about this excellent program.
Laura Ashley has always been a name that was connected to excellence and quality in every aspect of fabric and garment or home decoration products. Brother machines are also known for their excellence and quality, so it was a match made in heaven when Brother began to offer the special Limited Edition Laura Ashley NX-2000 machine for the sewer who desires excellence in their sewing.
The Brother Laura Ashley NX-2000 Sewing Machine is one of the most reliable, easy to use sewing machines in today’s market place. It has a large opening to facilitate working on quilts, home decor items or even bulky garments. The AHA (Automatic Height Adjustment) ensures smooth even feeding and perfect stitching even when hemming blue jeans. The lift and pivot feature with the automatic presser foot lifter makes many difficult projects so much easier to complete. A large extension table and presser foot knee lifter are included for handling bulky projects.
Perfect 1-step buttonholes are a must for garment sewers. 12 different buttonhole styles, in most sizes can be achieved by simply inserting the button into the buttonhole foot and letting the machine do the work of creating the perfect sized buttonhole (it even includes the necessary “ease” for the button to slide through properly)!
The three alphabet fonts in upper and lower case stitch out beautifully. These could be used for quilt labels, name tags in jackets or to personalize any item…Wouldn’t it be fun to stitch “I love you” in a garment hem or facing, just for the recipient to be reminded of your love?
The Laura Ashley NX-2000 machine comes with a wonderful assortment of 14 accessory feet. It also comes with the bobbin work bobbin case for sewing with heavy decorative threads. There are even some patterns to help you get started with bobbin work. The circular stitch bundle with the ability to stitch perfect circles from 30mm to 130mm in diameter while using most decorative stitches is included. Circles are so very popular right now and it is great to be able to stitch them perfectly each time. The adjustable braiding foot and the 3 cord cording feet are included with the circular stitch bundle for even greater versatility.
It has intuitive screen navigation with clear pictures of the stitches as you select them. It has the ability to put any utility stitch setting into memory to save forever or until your needs change, then it can be easily “reset” or changed to something different. This is a huge time saver when trying to get that perfect needle and stitch setting.
Now is a great time to drop by your nearest Quality Sewing Center to see a demonstration on the AHA, perfect buttonholes and all the included items that come with the Limited Addition Laura Ashley NX-2000 machine from Brother.
Add texture, depth and individual style to all your projects
A new spin in decorative sewing is Bobbin Work. Bobbin Work allows sewers to use various threads, yarn and ribbon that can’t pass through the eye of a needle in decorative stitches to add texture and make them look hand stitched. Wow, my grandmother would really have appreciated this!
It really is an easy process, simply wind the heavy decorative thread on the bobbin. Insert the bobbin into the special bobbin case and stitch on the back side of stabilized fabric. Using an embroidery thread that coordinates in color with the bobbin thread in the needle, will yield a superb look.
It is helpful to fuse or use spray adhesive to attach the stabilizer to the back of the fabric. Then it is possible to draw lines or designs to follow when doing the decorative stitching.
The Laura Ashley Machine from Brother includes a special bobbin work bobbin case and door cover. The bobbin case has a tension system that makes it work beautifully with the heavy threads.
Decorative Bobbin Work and crystals accent this table topper creating a unique conversation piece
The special bobbin door cover helps keep the bobbin seated just perfectly and prevent any bouncing around that might occur when using heavy, uneven threads.
The Brother Quattro upgrade and the Baby Lock Elissimo upgrade also includes the special bobbin work set. It also includes 14 beautiful embroidery designs that can be stitched with the decorative threads or even narrow silk ribbon.
Embellishing the outside edges of the floral pattern with Bobbin Work creates an intricate border around the flowers that appear detailed and hand sewn
The best news of all is that now both Brother and Baby Lock have put together bobbin work sets that fit most current models! These kits are an economical way to add exciting new stitching styles to most any Brother or Baby Lock sewing machines! The heavy threads give the look of hand stitched. Stop by one of the Quality Sewing locations and ask to see a sample of the bobbin work stitching, it really is fun! Heavy thread yields the look of hand stitching!
For even more information on bobbin work, check out this informative blog from Threads.
Quilters often struggle with keeping an accurate ¼” seam. Garment sewers have always known that being just a tiny bit off the seam line can really impact the way a garment fits. That must be the reason that last pair of slacks were a little too tight!
Fortunately for all sewers there is a perfect answer to accurate seam widths. Edge sewing is a precise method of sewing that is available on the Brother Quattro. Any seam allowance from 1/16” to 1½” can be achieved accurately by the InnovEye™ edge sewing feature. Sure the seaming is convenient, but wait until you see the precision in topstitching. Just in case you like to stitch along a curved edge, it can do that too.
Edge sewing is very simple to set up. Select the icon on the Quattro’s screen and directions will instantly appear.
The special V foot and the edge sewing sheet are both included with the machine. There are even extra copies of the special sheet just in case one gets misplaced.
After the items are in place press OK and the machine will ready itself for perfect seaming. Slide the fabric under the foot and watch the screen, when the screen displays the desired seam width put the presser foot down. Start sewing. It is not necessary to guide the fabric. The InnovEye system will keep the fabric at a precise seam width for the length of the fabric. Perfect strip piecing is a snap with this feature.
Did I mention there are a variety of stitches that will work with the Edge sewing feature? You really have to see this feature in action to believe how exciting it is. Come by any one of the Quality Sewing Stores and let them demonstrate this amazing feature for you.
Edge sewing is very simple to set up. Select the icon 
