Hello!

I am very new to machine embroidery, but I’m finding that everything I do is turning out pretty sad looking. I ran a test of different fonts today and none of them look anything like what they do in embrilliance. I haven’t touched any tensions on my machine, but I did start with a fresh bobbin and spool of thread. The sweatshirt had cut away stabilizer and a water soluble topper (idk if I even need it, but I thought it couldn’t hurt.). I’m using a ball point 75/11 needle. It wasn’t a brand new needle, but I only started using it yesterday.

Any ideas what is going wrong?

Hey, so my mum has recently got back into embroidery/ crafting and I’m looking to put together some gifts in the £200/£300 price range! UK based if that makes a difference.
I have very little knowledge on the topic so please excuse if any of this isn’t correct!! Can’t attach photos of her set up as I’m sure she’s in this group haha - but she has a good organisation system already (like wall mounted thread holders). She’s embroidered for well over 10 years so has a lot of essential items. Also sews too.

I think she has the Brother Innov-is 700E and recently got a Scan N Cut (not sure which model). She has a fairly large Gunold thread collection. Makes a lot of home decor and appliqué.

What items would be most valuable to receive? More hoops, backing material, fabrics/felt, threads? Or accessories like good quality scissors, needles etc?
Anything you think is good for someone starting out with the Scan n cut?
Any inspo for what you’d want to add to your collection would be appreciated ☺️ TIA