ImagesMagUK_March_2022

EMBROIDERY www.images-magazine.com 52 images MARCH 2022 Telling it like it is: Embroiderymachines for first-timers Mog & Bird: Barudan Elite Junior Single-Head Embroidery Machine from Barudan UK Two companies explain how their first-ever industrial embroidery machines are working out for them Nora Ikote and Gee Kalnins, owners Tell us a bit about your business. We launched Mog & Bird back in 2019 when we noticed that in Hertford and surrounding areas other printing companies were lacking a very important standard in their business – quality. At Mog & Bird quality is everything. We always recommend our clients choose quality garments. They obviously can be more expensive, but in the long-term it turns out cheaper as they are more durable and will last longer. The same principle stands for our printing and embroidery services. After purchasing our own embroidery machine we are able to be sure that every garment is decorated to a high standard of quality. What machine did you buy when starting out in embroidery? We received a quote from Lisa [Craddock] at Barudan UK on 21 June 2021 and, a couple of weeks later while on holiday, we spontaneously decided to pop in to see the embroidery machines in Barudan’s showroom in Derby. Lisa welcomed us and without any aggressive sales tactic briefly explained and demonstrated the single- head embroidery machines we were interested in. We chose to buy the Barudan Elite Junior single-head embroidery machine. It was delivered on 27th July with free training. What makes this machine particularly appealing to a business such as yours? Initially we were looking for a good quality, secondhand embroidery machine, but unfortunately there is no such a thing. Lisa from Barudan told us that at least 150 people are on a waiting list for secondhand machines – it can take up to a year to have one available. That says a lot! Barudan machines are built in Japan – that says a lot as well. As a start-up in embroidery we wanted to spend our time running the machine without worrying that something would go wrong. We think all start-ups should invest in machinery that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance so they can focus on learning and production instead. How much did it cost? We paid £13,140, which included a machine stand, the three most popular size frames, two cap frames, and two days of training and delivery. We think that it’s worth every penny. What are the Barudan’s main advantages? It has a touchscreen control panel by the side of the machine that is very easy to operate. It also has laser alignment with two tracing options, shape and square; it embroiders through thick materials; and it produces very neat stitching. Is there anything you’d like to see in an upgrade or don’t particularly like about it? The only thing that could be improved is the loading times for bigger files. What’s it like to use? Our ‘Barracuda’ is bullet-proof, a solidly build machine with low maintenance. It is like driving a Japanese drift car. The only thing that you have to keep in mind is to keep it lubricated. What sort of work is it used for? We work with all kinds of businesses, but at the moment the most demand is for merchandising. Our runs vary between 20 and 200 garments, depending on the type of garments and design placement. What attachments do you have? We have a cap frame that allows us to change from flats to caps in a few steps. Once you’ve learnt how to do that, it is simple. By using a cap framing station, caps can be framed quickly and easy. Embroidering caps is a great addition to our services as it is not something that every embroidery service provider offers. What would be your buying advice for others who are new to embroidery? Start-ups should invest in a good quality and reliable machine such as Barudan. As beginners in this game, start-ups should focus on production and business development rather than continuously maintaining machinery. Barudan also has great aftersales service from Lisa. www.mogandbird.com Nora and Gee on the day their Barudan machine was delivered