I have the StellaireXE1 that I bought in 2019 and I love it. Yes, it is worth every penny to me just for the sheer pleasure of being able to use the great features. I primarily use it for sewing for my grandkids, family and friends. Recently, I bought the upgrade kit to bring my machine up to the same level as the 2 version. Only difference is that my machine is blue and white, instead of gray and white like the 2 versions. I don't feel I need to make items to sell to "break even" on my machine. I don't sew to make money. It is strictly for my pleasure, and owning and using my Brother Stellaire gives me plenty. I drive a 14 year old car, and would rather have my machine than put the money to a vehicle.
Great review. Thank you. I am a hobbyist who has been sewing since I was a 7th grader. Learned in Girl Scouts and am now a 60-something retiree. I have a Brother sewing/embroidery machine that I am having so much fun with. I look ar these bigger fancier machines in the stores but can't justify in my mind spending that kind of money on them. Of the features you mentioned, I would say the only one that really attracts me is the 2 point focus. I can imagine how that would be a benefit to me. As for the size and weight of these machines- I know!!! It's crazy. I can't see hefting up a 37 lb machine. Once she's set up, she's staying right there until she gives up the ghost! Except, someone has to lift her into the car when she goes in for cleaning and servicing, never mind taking her to a class or stitch in.
When your digitizing program is obsolete and cannot be run on the computers you've upgraded to out of necessity, that's when in-machine digitizing works.
YOU ARE GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO YOUNG LADY…for me not worth the price plus I no longer care for the look of Machine Embroidery…and yes I’ve owned and operated domestic Embroidery/Sewing Machines…So I know from experience…what’s good for myself…Again I am so GRATEFUL for Your IMPUT and KNOWLEDGE…and Helping Share so that People can make wiser choices….❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I like the idea of the embroidery only machine. I agree that wifi capability is unimportant (to me). I prefer to use a transfer device. Why? Because years from now I can still transfer files the old school way like I do on my ULT which uses memory cards or computer floppy disk. Kinda cool. USB is ideal because it is universal. No special software needed to communicate with the machine. Just plug it in.
Wish you would show how you take a Harbor Freight laser and attach it to your sewing machine to make something comparable. You suggest this in this video.
I’m looking for either brother stellair or baby lock Altair. I’m trying to understand minus Disney designs what does the stellair do more than Altair. It’s confusing
Skyline S9 is a smaller machine with a few less features than the Babylock. The Horizon is a more comparable machine, but it too has a slightly smaller embroidery window of 9.1” x 11.8.” It does, however, offer a larger 9mm stitch width.
I have the StellaireXE1 that I bought in 2019 and I love it. Yes, it is worth every penny to me just for the sheer pleasure of being able to use the great features. I primarily use it for sewing for my grandkids, family and friends. Recently, I bought the upgrade kit to bring my machine up to the same level as the 2 version. Only difference is that my machine is blue and white, instead of gray and white like the 2 versions. I don't feel I need to make items to sell to "break even" on my machine. I don't sew to make money. It is strictly for my pleasure, and owning and using my Brother Stellaire gives me plenty. I drive a 14 year old car, and would rather have my machine than put the money to a vehicle.
Great review. Thank you. I am a hobbyist who has been sewing since I was a 7th grader. Learned in Girl Scouts and am now a 60-something retiree. I have a Brother sewing/embroidery machine that I am having so much fun with. I look ar these bigger fancier machines in the stores but can't justify in my mind spending that kind of money on them. Of the features you mentioned, I would say the only one that really attracts me is the 2 point focus. I can imagine how that would be a benefit to me.
As for the size and weight of these machines- I know!!! It's crazy. I can't see hefting up a 37 lb machine. Once she's set up, she's staying right there until she gives up the ghost! Except, someone has to lift her into the car when she goes in for cleaning and servicing, never mind taking her to a class or stitch in.
I have an Ariel. The only reason I might upgrade is for the larger hoop. You did an excellent job discussing the features. Thank you.
The Altair is fabulous. I do strive for perfection on everything I make.
When your digitizing program is obsolete and cannot be run on the computers you've upgraded to out of necessity, that's when in-machine digitizing works.
This was a great summary, thank you!
YOU ARE GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO YOUNG LADY…for me not worth the price plus I no longer care for the look of Machine Embroidery…and yes I’ve owned and operated domestic Embroidery/Sewing Machines…So I know from experience…what’s good for myself…Again I am so GRATEFUL for Your IMPUT and KNOWLEDGE…and Helping Share so that People can make wiser choices….❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I like the idea of the embroidery only machine. I agree that wifi capability is unimportant (to me). I prefer to use a transfer device. Why? Because years from now I can still transfer files the old school way like I do on my ULT which uses memory cards or computer floppy disk. Kinda cool. USB is ideal because it is universal. No special software needed to communicate with the machine. Just plug it in.
Wish you would show how you take a Harbor Freight laser and attach it to your sewing machine to make something comparable. You suggest this in this video.
I've made note of your comment. Thanks for mentioning this to me.
I want either one of those machines.
I’ll skip the Disney embroidery designs…
Pass. I do not embroider so I would not be buying them anyway. Thank you for your review.
I’m looking for either brother stellair or baby lock Altair.
I’m trying to understand minus Disney designs what does the stellair do more than Altair. It’s confusing
It is basically the same machine. Just different exterior looks and different designs included.
Brother has a sale going on for the XJ2
How does these machines compare to Janome Horizon 15000 or Skyline S9?
Skyline S9 is a smaller machine with a few less features than the Babylock. The Horizon is a more comparable machine, but it too has a slightly smaller embroidery window of 9.1” x 11.8.” It does, however, offer a larger 9mm stitch width.
Autodigitize is only successful for really simpel designs.