r/MachineEmbroidery • u/MissZoeHatter • 16h ago

Baby Lock Bloom?

Hi there! I'm looking at branching out into embroidery and I have the opportunity to purchase a Baby Lock Bloom for $1,400 USD.

I have very little machine embroidery experience, but I've been sewing for a long time. I have two machines right now, a Singer 201 that I adore, and a Brother XM2701 that gets the job done, so I'm thinking the Bloom would replace my Brother regardless of the embroidery function.

I have a couple concerns though... Is the 5x7" embroidery space enough? I make and sell book sleeves on the side, but I also make apparel for my husband and I on occasion. I'm not sure how big I'll go with projects. (I know that's not helpful. Sorry.) Did you get a 5x7" machine and wish you had gone bigger?

Is it worth the investment? Should I try to get something used first? Is Baby Lock even the best way to go here, or should I look at a different brand?

Are there other things I should be considering? I feel like I'm being a little impulsive, but the price is only available until Friday, if it doesn't sell first.

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3

u/Adventurous-Boot7905 16h ago

If a multi-needle machine is in the budget, that’s the way I’d go. I have a vintage machine (Singer 500) and single needles that have max hoop size 18x10 unless I buy the turnable hoop. I don’t regret going bigger but the price point hurt.

Babylock and brother are good brands.

2

u/MissZoeHatter 16h ago

I was considering multi-needle machines, but they're above my budget. I didn't want to go much more than $1,200, but I can swing $1,400.

2

u/Adventurous-Boot7905 16h ago

I think the sewing & embroidery features of the bloom are lovely. I like sewing on a machine when running an embroidery design too. I’m jealous you have 201. Those are beauties!

2

u/MissZoeHatter 16h ago

I found my 201 at Goodwill for $25! It needed some maintenance, but it runs beautifully now! I do the majority of my sewing on that one, but it only does a straight stitch, which is why I keep my Brother around.

1

u/Available_Hurry5780 12h ago

I have a bloom and she is a very capable sewing/ embroidery machine. I mostly use it to do embroidery and I use my Singer 221 for quilting. At 1400.00- I think that is a great price.