Reviews By sewing fan : Date March 18, 2012
Wonderful idea, doesn't work even on glass. The first machine I tried to stick it on had sort of a texture to it and the suction let go very quickly. I have other machines that have slick surfaces. I cleaned all the surfaces, the pin place suction cup with alcohol to remove all grease and fingerprints, the suction cup released itself and dropped onto the table in less than one minute. I even tried to stick it to a mirror and to window glass - no luck.
Reviews By S. Sauer : Date December 3, 2011
I was really looking forward to having my scissors right on my machine. The magnet is really strong and holds the scissors wonderfully. But when I tried to stick it to my sewing machine it feel off within 10 seconds. I tried it in different spots on the machine to see if it was user error, but it will not stick to anywhere on my machine. I don't know if it's just my machine. I will keep it to help pick up stray pins because there is nothing wrong with the magnet at all. Love the concept but wish it would work how it is supposed to.
Reviews By Marcia R, Marple : Date February 4, 2013
Cannot get this magnet to stay attached to either of my sewing machines. It is a great idea but not functional.
Reviews By Peggy : Date September 19, 2013
I just came back from my local quilt shop with my second one of these and was going to post about this marvelous tool on my quilters forum. I can't believe the 4 previous reviews. My experience is totally opposite. I did have one problem getting it to stick and then I added one drop of olive oil and wiped it off and it stuck very well from then on. The first one stuck with just a drop of water. You really have to get in there and push until you see the suction take hold. But I love these things. I have one on each side of my sewing machine (Janome) and put pins on the left and my small scissors on the right. As I sew along and take the pins out I put them up and out of the way on the magnet and don't have to think about my pin cushion getting in the way of the quilt. The scissors stays right up top and out of the way where it is always handy to clip threads. I think the key is to really push in until you see the suction taking hold. BUT it also comes with a little clear stick pad if you can't master the push. If you put in a little effort this tool will reward you richly. These make a great little thank you gift for a quilter friend or a stocking stuffer as that time comes around.
Reviews By Denise May : Date July 6, 2012
If you want to try your hand at a little bit of machine embroidery without investing tons of money in a machine, the PE500 is the one for you. (Amazon was offering it at 50% off, at $299 a tremendous incentive to buy.) This embroidery machine comes with a medium-sized embroidery hoop, 2 pre-wound bobbins, 3 spools of embroidery thread, 3 stabilizer sheets, a small scissors, plus the usual Brothers grab bag of essential sewing machine tools. There are only 70 designs pre-loaded on the machine, but you can do monogramming in your choice of 3 different alphabet styles and acquire more designs via embroidery cards or transfer them from your pc via the cable that is included in this package. Many more designs can be obtained from Brother's ibroidery website. Unlike a couple of other Brother sewing machines that I've used in the past, bobbins wind smoothly and evenly with a minimum of fuss.
Having problems? With a push of a button, help screens are easily accessible - right on the machine itself!
This machine is a delight to use, but if it doesn't stitch first check the upper threading. The tension at point #2 (diagrams for all threading are painted on the exterior of the machine) can be tricky. If you have the presser foot down, there is a good chance that your thread isn't on the right of the little metal bar. There actually is a take-up bar at point #4 that is recessed into the machine (Shades of those old Singers in Home Ec classes from eons ago!) and the thread must pass from right to left when it catches in there. Well, at least we don't have to actually push the thread through a little round hole anymore. If it still refuses to sew, gently remove the hoop from the embroidery unit and check the bobbin at the same time that you cut all the trailing threads underneath.
Reviews By Robert Welborn : Date August 12, 2012
I have had this machine for about 3 months now and I actually like it better then my Brother PE770. I like my PE770 cause it can embroider up to 5x7" designs. The Brother PE500 has a maximum embroidery size of 4x4". I had it working within 5 minutes of taking it out of the box. I had my PE770 for 2 years and it was never opened when I got this machine...I was scared to take it out of the box. After using the PE500, I couldn't believe that I was intimidated my machine embroidery. The PE500 has a self threader that has worked for me every time...my PE770's threader has never worked for me yet. The only thing I don't like about the PE500 is that you have to connect it to a computer to load designs...it has some nice designs preloaded on it already and a few fonts too! The memory in it is capable of holding 12 more designs that you load onto it...if you want more, you have to delete some. All The Brother machines use the .PES format, and once you get this machine, you will go crazy searching for designs.The PE500 is so easy to use...
Reviews By Mary NSC : Date May 24, 2012
I M having the best time with this machine It is so easy to operate I am not a sewer but sence I have gotten this machine I cant STOP be sure to search for PES FILES and make sure you only get the 4 X 4 designs any bigger will not show up on your machine.
Reviews By Christine C. Reutimann : Date December 7, 2012
Got the machine and on the first day was making professional looking monograms. Easy to use with all of the presets. Haven't ventured on to the downloading from the computer side of things. I see a PE-700 in my future with the bigger hoops. Got this one for now because the price was right.
Reviews By Erik Munnell : Date October 2, 2013
Little girl loves having this as her night time blanket. Soft and comforting to a little one when going to sleep.
Reviews By Plein Jane : Date January 23, 2007
This machine represents the most incredible value-for-money on the market today. It is very, very easy to use, and the manual is exceptionally helpful. It comes with every foot and accessory you could ever possibly need. In fact, there is nothing more you can buy for it. Compare that to the other sewing machine manufacturers, which give you only the most basic feet and then you must purchase everything else separately. If you have been hankering for the convenience of fully computerized sewing, automatic needle threading, push-button sewing, and lots of fun stitches, don't hesitate. I highly recommend this machine. I've owned very expensive machines from all the top manufacturers, and would not recommend it if the stitches were not beautiful or if it were loud or junky. This was given to me as a gift (I'm ashamed to say I would probably have walked right past it because of its low price) and I love it so much, I have gone on to buy the Brother serger here on Amazon, and also a $999.00 Brother Innovis, which is another tremendous bargain. I was really pleased to see that even the more expensive machine uses the same bobbins and feet as this one, and this has many of the same features. This $200 machine comes iwth virtually all the same attachments as the $1000 one.
This is the machine that some of the larger sewing and quilting expos are using in their workshops now because they are so lightweight, easy to learn, and reliable. High end Berninas and Vikings are just too complicated for people to sit down and learn at in a classroom setting, and they are way too expensive. This machine is the Featherweight of the 21st century, with tons of stitches and fun built in.
Reviews By Victoria Wright : Date August 14, 2009
Every time I describe this machine to sewing friends, I start and end with "It sews like a dream." And it does, so far, if it's not stressed with too many layers (and I haven't even tried denim yet). But this machine is not, I suspect, a workhorse. It is audibly annoyed at thick layers, like French seams, although so far, it does, with encouragement, sew them together. I love the reverse-stitch button. I love changing stitch types and sizes with the touch of a button, and I really love that it even tells me what presser-foot I will need (although I am not looking forward to changing the feet). And it sews like a dream.
Reviews By T. Zielke : Date May 3, 2008
I bought the machine for the price and the features, but I have to admit, I was nervous after reading some of the reviews that told about all the problems that they had right away. But I figured it had to be better than my 35-40 year old Kenmore. I want to state right away, I am very happy with my purchase thus far. I've had some problems (read below), but I have managed to figure some things out. But, if you are looking for a good machine to quilt, this machine has all the features you will need, and it's priced so you can actually afford it. 2 other points to know, Amazon has a good return policy and from what I have heard, Brother has a good customer service history. These were 2 other deciding factors for me.
So here are my first impressions. I thought I was going to get a 1/4" foot that is shown in the instruction manual. I didn't. If it was supposed to be in the box, I'd love to hear from someone to let me know. I also read in the reviews that some people got a instructional DVD. I didn't get this, but if I was supposed to get it, I'd like to get it. The hard cover does not allow you to keep the machine plugged in to use it, so it's not going to be useful for me, except when I want to store it long term. I cover my machine whenever it's not in use with a quilted cover that I made for my old machine. Luckily, it fits my Brother.
The instruction manual is very helpful. I followed it from front to back so that I could learn everything I could. When I finally got ready to test sew, the tension was really messed up.
Reviews By A Stitch in Time : Date April 8, 2010
I had been checking out several machines. This was a big purchase and I wanted to make sure that this machine was what I wanted for my embroidery needs. I did read all the reviews and searched the internet for information on the Brother PE770. Priced several machines and found the best price on this machine at Amazon.com.
The machine shipped and I got it a few days later took it out of the box checked out the instructions and started embroidering with in the hour. I truly love it and would recommend it to any one with out or with sewing experience. This is is now my second Brother machine. Good Company with good products.
Reviews By KatzDrm : Date June 8, 2011
Basically, I purchased the Brother PE770 without knowing ANYTHING about embroidery machines. I purchased the machine and the "Grand Slam Package", thinking that it had everything I needed in order to get started, from Mr Vac & Mrs Sew on Amazon. I absolutely LOVE the Brother PE770!!! I still haven't read the instruction book (As Mrs Sew will attest to, because I emailed her when my stitching was pulled too tightly to the back and only showed the bobbin thread on top. She replied very quickly, "...the bobbin is inserted counter-clockwise", and voila, problem solved!) The Brother PE770 uses hoops 5x7 and smaller, though it can use the larger, 3-stage hoop, for making multiple designs without re-hooping. The machine runs smoothly and without fault. There are many designs already on the machine, though I have downloaded additional designs from the CDs included in the Grand Slam package as well as from embroidery sites. I load these designs onto a flash-drive and the Brother PE770 reads the flash-drive easily. The threads offered by Mr. Vac & Mrs. Sew are all vibrant, beautiful colors. I have done a LOT of embroidery since purchasing the machine last month, and I still have not found a need to purchase additional colors. Gotta go...
Reviews By R. Lint : Date February 27, 2010
So far I am having a blast with my new machine. It came well packaged with all the extras in a fast timley manner. The possiblities are endless with this machine. I was able to take it from the box and get started. I am a begginer with embroidery. To fully appreciate the possabilites I am enrolled in a class in my area. I am very happy.
Great seller A +
Thank You.
Reviews By motherearthling : Date February 8, 2010
I say overall because Brother needs to work on their instructions. It would help first time users if they made a DVD to explain certain functions. This is my second Brother, the first is a sewing machine,so I knew my way around a little. I am very pleased with the machines themselves. I love the designs and have had no trouble with the on board features. That part was easy.
But the 15,109 Embroidery Designs that came as a gift is another story! I can get them to download on my USB card but not to the machine!!! Of course the instructions are very limited to beginners on computers. They assume you know what to do when your computer doesn't recognize the file names and how to change them. I need to find a help forum to guide me a little more.
Reviews By Quilt Diva : Date June 8, 2011
This is lubricant for the motor bearings and for gears.........do NOT use it as machine OIL. Amazon has been notified and had corrected it once but it is back.
Reviews By A. Geffre : Date March 13, 2012
I had been to every store that sold sewing machines in my area looking for machine grease for my 1970's (inherited) Singer machine. This is what was looking for. It is meant for the gears and machine housing. If you need to smooth out the needle motion/feed dogs, look for the oil. (I found that everywhere).
Reviews By Platinum Capital : Date December 8, 2012
we use this for lubing our featherweight sewing machine. it was recommended by singer for our 221. it stays where you apply it.
Reviews By Faithful Servant : Date December 2, 2012
I have never seen the lubricant before and noticed that it was for the bearings and things like that. I have a friend who can take care of my machine so it's nice to have the correct fluids on hand.
Reviews By Annie Noumi : Date July 7, 2013
Not many video tuts included, and vid quality poor. YouTube really is a wealth of information for sewing technique tuts.
Reviews By Smartshopaholic : Date July 26, 2011
I like that it has a long nozzle I able to reach the hard spots in my machine without the need to open the case except for the bobbin case and attachment, I use cotton swabs to apply the product.
Reviews By Christine Mislang : Date July 19, 2012
I've used this oil on all of my machines, a brother embroidery, singer quilting and brother serger.
Using these machines for hours a day wears down the lube/oil on the sewing arms rather quickly. This oil has held up fabulously. I only have to use a single drop then spread it with my finger and the machines sew like new.
The long nozzle is wonderful when having to get into a tighter spot to drop a bit of oil, precision control is the name of the game. I hate having oil on things it shouldn't be on.
Reviews By P. Selph : Date November 16, 2010
Bought this item quite a while ago in the hopes of putting a few drops onto my squeaky video card fan. Well, turns out the fan was on it's last legs, not just out of oil. And we're going to assume that I didn't drive it to death by pulling a Frankenstein in the first place. Anyhow, I only need a few drops for that task... but then there were squeaky hinges, stuck drawers, etc etc.
Reviews By GUSR19 : Date May 3, 2012
I bought this to use in my laser printer ! The scanning system tends to run out of lubrication from time to time, and only a very thin oil will allow it to spin up to speed before the diagnostics time out.
Reviews By Paul D Goodwin : Date April 22, 2013
As a beginner, I need all the help I can get. This was a much needed item in my quilter's inventory.
Reviews By S. Kibby : Date March 17, 2013
The walking foot fit my Janome machine great, and worked very well. Made quilting much easier. If you quilt get a walking foot.
Reviews By J. Jenkins : Date November 9, 2011
Nothing wrong with the item, just the wrong style. My machine needs the high shank style, this one arrived low.
I ultimately purchased from a different seller & returned this one.
Reviews By CommonSense : Date July 5, 2009
Received the light promptly and was happy with the price and free shipping(saved $12.00 over buying locally- ~25% of purchase price.)
The light is easy to install and instructions are good. Despite the time I spent deciding on where to locate the light, I wish I had placed it differently on my machine. The only suggestion I offer would to be include a little of the glue-dissolving substance in the light kit, in case of error. I'm not happy about having to locate a particular product to fix my misplacement of the light(using anything else might damage the machine surface).
Over all- definitely a good product and good service from seller.
Reviews By Wayne Devery : Date September 10, 2009
Love the bright light over my sewing area. It is flexable so I can move it wherever I need the light.
Reviews By Sapphire lover : Date July 6, 2010
This bendable light is fantastic! I just wish there was this kind of light on your sewing machine. The light that is available on my machine, I could hardly see what I was doing.Was using an Ott light over the machine but it still wasn't as good as this bendble light. You can see everything distinctly. Mine came also with adhesive clips to control the cord to keep it out of your way. It will be the best dollars spent especially if you sew a lot. It is also detachable so you can use it on other projects that a lot of light is needed. If you are wondering should I buy this and spend the money I say go for it.
Reviews By Steven R. Roth : Date January 8, 2012
This little light is a mixed bag of good and could-be-better.
It's made in China. The packaging is very difficult to open, even with sharp scissors.
Generally: The base is intended to stick on a flat surface using an attached 3M adhesive pad of some sort. If your surface isn't flat, you will have to improvise. I suggest that you look into Amazon's assortment of 3M "Dual Lock" products for an alternate, and more versatile, fastening means. The light comes from a single self-focusing LED. At 8" from the surface, the uniformly-illuminated hot spot is about 3" in diameter and there's a cone at greatly reduced intensity of about 10" dia. This is therefore best suited to task lighting of very small areas. Additionally, the head is small, only a little over an inch long and about 3/4" in diameter, so it's not too difficult to position it where it will light up what you want without getting into your line of sight. They include six small adhesive clips to route the power wire over (presumably) your sewing machine.
I like: the gooseneck is nickel-plated steel (so keep it dry) and mostly stays where you put it, as long as you're not expecting very small radius bends. The light itself is reasonably bright. Whether it's up to the claimed 50 lumens is debatable, as I have no way to measure it other than comparing to flashlights and their alleged outputs. Unscientifically, I'd say that this might be more like 25-30 lumens, but YMMV.
