At long last there's a sewing/embroidery machine for those of us who don't have thousands of dollars to invest. The Singer Futura CE-100 comes equipped to embroider 120 different designs and can be used to complete patterns from most available formats.

The incredibly low cost is due to the fact this model is powered by your existing computer. Although "computerized", there is no actual computer onboard. Instead, the machine relies on your computer, providing it has the operating system Windows 98 or better. Like all computerized products, this machine can be subject to any viruses hiding in your PC and while many users report great satisfaction with this model, many others have not been so lucky.

Since it is sold mainly at large discount stores and online, the customer support is limited. The instructions are somewhat sketchy and have also caused some frustration. If you select this machine, be sure to refer to the included CD--it holds needed instructions, as well as the operating system that must be loaded onto your PC.

One feature this model lacks that the more expensive machines offers is editing, which allows you to combine embroideries and make changes in the size of the patterns you select. For beginners, the cost of this additional feature can be very prohibitive. Thus, the excitement that CE-100 has generated has been huge. As an alternative, CE-100 can be upgraded to edit later for about $200.

Another option that provides editing capability is to select the upgraded Singer's CE-200 instead. In addition to embroidery capability, this model offers sewing functions. As a sewing machine, the CE-100 offers the convenience features that seamstresses have come to expect. You'll find 80 built-in stitches, a needle-threader, two types of one-step buttonholes, a one-touch pattern selector, a programmable needle up/down position, and a drop-down feed.

An innovative leap for Singer, the Singer Futura CE-100 is making affordable embroidery machines a possibility for a whole new group of sewers.

Pros: Embroidery machine at a fraction of the cost
Con: Requires existing computer or laptop, limited customer support

Warranty
25 years (limited)