ImagesMagUK_November_2021

EMBROIDERY www.images-magazine.com 50 images NOVEMBER 2021 Telling it like it is: Embroiderymachines C&C Printing: Merlin Pro GS-1502 Twin Head from GS UK Four decorators tell us how their recent embroidery machine purchases are working out for them Joy Clements, director Tell us a bit about your business I’d previously worked for an embroidery and signmaking company when I was still at school and went on to study contemporary design and manufacture at South West College. This journey really helped me gain a good knowledge of the machinery in this creative industry. I subsequently moved on to another company that was solely signmaking, but I always pined for a bit of embroidery work again. I started C&C Printing in 2019; having returned from my travels and finding myself unemployed, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to start out alone, thankfully with the support and help of my previous and now retired employer, Anthony Stephens. When did you buy your machine? In February 2021 I purchased a Merlin Pro GS-1502, a 15-needle twin-head embroidery machine from GS UK. Even with Covid and travel restrictions this was a relatively straightforward process. Why did you opt for the Merlin? I had previous experience using another brand of machinery, but I found it hard to justify the price with being a relatively new business. On a whim I contacted GS UK about the Merlin machinery and my first impression was how straightforward and easy they were to talk to. I often feel as a young person in business, we can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to purchasing machinery that is a considerable cost. But with GS UK this was not the case; I dealt with Annette and couldn’t recommend her enough. She was at the end of the phone every time I had a question and was always willing to help. I ultimately chose a twin-head machine with the idea that I would just outgrow a single-head too quickly; I’ve already thought of purchasing another machine with the embroidery work taking off so well. What’s it like to use? The machine is easily serviced and access is very easy as well. The only thing I’d change would be the trace function, which doesn’t actually trace the outline of the design, but rather does a block trace. Apart from that, it’s a genuinely great bit of kit that has helped my business expand and grow. One of my favourite features of the Merlin is that the machine can tell you the time it will take to complete a design at the current speed, which helps me allocate time and resources effectively. The machine also comes with a wide variety of hoops, larger attachments for badge work and large embroidery pieces, and a full cap system including two frames, making it very easy to set up. What sort of work do you use it for? We use the machine at C&C Printing for a variety of items, mainly workwear and for sports clubs, with run sizes from one garment to 50+. I work with a lot of new businesses who are starting up and I’m more than happy to get them kitted out, we’ve all been there! Do you have any tips on how to get the most out of it? I can’t say I’ve any magic tips for running your machine besides ‘what you put in, you get out’. So, look after it and service and oil it regularly and you’ll be as sweet as a dime! Do you have any advice for others looking for an embroidery machine? For anyone thinking of buying an embroidery machine I can’t recommend GS UK enough, they have a wealth of knowledge, including software and hardware. They also supply thread, backing paper etc, which made getting set up even easier. www.instagram.com/cc.printing Joy of C&C Printing says the Merlin Pro GS-1502 is “a genuinely great bit of kit”