Category Archives: Inspiration

Create with Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine


Posted by tlcinspirations

I absolutely love my Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine. I guess you can consider this post a “review” of sorts. I just wanted to share my personal experience with what I consider to be one of the best sewing machines in regards to function and value. I have been sewing for years, and have always been fascinated with embroidery. So, when I discovered the Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine, at a price that I could afford, I couldn’t resist. I think all embroidery is beautiful, whether it is by hand, machine, or free motion. If you haven’t seen a machine do embroidery, it’s enthralling to watch it transform a blank fabric into a colorful, simple or intricate design! This is the first computerized machine I have owned, and I was a little intimidated, but it’s amazing!  Technology never ceases to amaze me.

My Experience:

It has been 2 years since I purchased the Brother SE 400, and I have used this machine on multiple layers and thickness without any problems, as it easily sews over thicker fabrics, as well as sheer and knits, without stretching. Setting up for embroidery is easy, with beautiful results! I love that it is easy to thread (see our video “How to Thread a Sewing Machine”). I no longer contend with bobbin issues, like I experienced with other machines. The LCD Touch Screen makes it so easy to customize my stitches, and settings for all of my projects. One of my favorite features is the direct USB connection to my computer for embroidery. I have a Apple iMac computer, and there are very few options for Macs and Embroidery software, so the USB connection allows me to easily access any embroidery design and load it to the machine! A USB option is not available on many other embroidery machines.

The Brother SE 400 does it all, and is the perfect machine for all of your sewing, quilting, and embroidery projects. It’s not a high end sewing machine, but it has a lot to offer for the price. See at Amazon.  I know there are many functions that I have not used or aren’t aware of, but I will continue to explore the many options on the Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine.

Some of MY Favorite Features:

  • Easy set up and operation
  • Embroidery (Easy Set Up)
  • Stitch Width Slider Control (When using the foot pedal to control your sewing speed, you can set the slider speed controller to change stitch widths during sewing!
  • USB connection to connect directly to my computer (this is best feature for me, as I have a Mac computer, and most embroidery software is not compatible with Mac.
  • Automatic Threader (invaluable since my eyesight isn’t what it used to be)
  • LCD Touch Screen ( just touch to customize your stitches, and settings)
  • Drop In Bobbin, with easy winding.  (I haven’t had any bobbin issues with this machine, so far)
  • Automatic Thread Cutter ( love it!)
  • There are 70 Preloaded Embroidery Designs (easy acces to your own collection, on your computer with the USB port)
  • 67 Built In Stitches with 98 Stitch Functions
  • 5 Preloaded fonts
  • 25 year warranty

Create with Embroidery:

What’s included with the Brother SE 400:

Feet: Buttonholer, Overcast Foot, Monogramming Foot, Zipper Foot, Zigzag Foot, Blind Stitch Foot, Button Fitting Foot, Embroidery Foot

 Accessories:  Seam Ripper, Bobbins (4+clip) Needle Set, Twin Needle, Cleaning Brush, Eyelet Punch, Screwdriver, Touch Pen, Spool Caps (sm, med, lrg) Extra Spool Pin, Foot Controller, Scissors, Embroidery Bobbin Thread, Soft Cover, Manual, CD, 4×4 Embroidery hoop

There are many other “feet” and accessories available for this machine, such as a side cutter.  Bobbins are a special size for this machine, and are also available at the Brother website or Amazon.

Final Thoughts:

I don’t really have any complaints about the Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing machine. I have sewn on thick layers of fabric with ease, created embroidery designs, sewn blind hems, made bags with zippers, sewn on knits, and denims without any problems. The one drawback on this machine is the 4×4 embroidery hoop. I sometimes wish I had a larger embroidery space of 5×7, but 4×4 has been adequate for most of my projects. You also learn how to manipulate designs, and add to your designs, as you practice, so the smaller hoop becomes less of an issue. I would also have liked more built in font choices, but I purchased additional fonts with Embrilliance Essentials (embroidery software for Mac users).

 

If you are on a budget, and looking for a sewing machine that is computerized, and expands your creativity into the world of embroidery, this embroidery sewing machine combo is a great choice.

 

Tune in to our YouTube Channel for upcoming Embroidery tutorials!

Warmly, Bonnie


A Stitch of Hope


Posted by tlcinspirations

With Valentines Day around the corner, what better way to share love than to use your creativity to help some special children feel  l❤ved and supported?

 

Put Your Passion to Work!

If you are interested in putting your sewing, knitting, or crocheting talents to work for the good of others, I invite you to join the current “Littlest Warriors” (Project 16) at Craft Hope. We have participated in past projects and found it to be a great way to give back something creatively.  If you haven’t heard of them, please learn more about Craft Hope on their website. Jade Sims is the founder of Craft Hope, and continues to bring crafters and causes together to create items that are needed during crisis. Haiti, Birds rescued from the Oil spill, dresses for little girls in a Mexico shelter, and sock monkeys for the littlest burn victims, are just some of the successful projects at Craft Hope.

 

Cancer Breeds Warriors

The Littlest Warriors is their most current project, and they are asking for handmade beanies and bags for children that are facing a challenging journey with cancer. The children can carry their bags, filled with all their favorite things for their hospital visits, or treatments. You have the option to fill the bag with items that would delight any child (please use good sense, and keep safety in mind). Cute, unique, funky beanies are also desired (all sizes from babies to teens). And, don’t forget they need items for both boys and girls. It’s a great opportunity to create “stitches that count.” It doesn’t matter if you make one item, or 20, they are all needed, and wanted.

 

I hope that you will consider creating a special beanie or bag for a child that is so brave, and so appreciative.  The deadline is March 12, so there is still plenty of time. You can find all the information you need at Craft Hope.

 

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~ Dalai Lama