Layers of Meaning

Industrial Strength Embellishing

The embellisher by any other name would look the same: Needle Punch Machine by Mitz 8 Needles Raku-Raku and the industrial strength needle punch machine. They also have some examples of the machine used on knit fabrics, including felting done from the back (a crisper edged design) or the front (a fluffy flower). It would seem that the market they are aiming for is ornamenting sweaters by a commercial clothes manufacturer.

In Australia, Pierrot has introduced a 5 needle felting machine. "Pierrot does exactly the same as Babylock's Embellisher . But for half the price" (an aside: 5 needles are not 7 needles, and even with currency conversion, $750.00 sounds close to list price in the US for an Embellisher)

I also came across a fascinating "needle punch machine" which appears to be used to join layers of fabric. There is a brief reference to creating patterning on velour. I think typically, these are used to produce items such as needle punch batting or needle punch felt, blankets and carpet. What struck me as most interesting was the needles. Babylock charges $3.00 each. If these are the same needles, it would seem that there should be a cheap outlet for them somewhere.