Birmingham City University

Tell us a bit about your business

"We are the embroidery workshop in the Textiles department in fashion and textiles at Birmingham City University. We have students from Foundation, Degree and Masters courses using our workshops for their various projects."

When did you start working with Stocks?

"We first started working with Stocks in May/June 2023"

What is the latest piece of equipment you have purchased from Stocks?

"The latest equipment from Stocks is Coloreel to be used with our new ZSK Sprint"

Why did you choose this equipment? What do you think are its main advantages?

"We were excited for this new technology for students to experiment with using one thread with lots of colour options. Having the choice of colour without having to search for the perfect colour thread and then having leftover thread that is wasted. Having the freedom to choose colours without the restrictions on time, money and availability of particular colours."

Is there anything you’d like to see in an upgrade or don’t particularly like about it?

"We would love Coloreel not to be so temperamental with humidity and the software to be easier to use. We are still in the learning stage and haven't really had students designing on it yet after which we will know more. At the moment we are not able to use it much due to low humidity issues."

What type of work is it used for?

"It will be used mainly by textiles/fashion students, including students from some of our other courses."

Does your latest machine work in combination with your other machines?

"The coloreel will work with the ZSK machine which is also a new purchase from Stocks."

Why did you choose to purchase your equipment from Stocks?

"We purchased our Brother machines from Stocks, this was the first time we bought from Stocks. We had a good experience, all the staff were knowledgeable and helpful, and the service was good.
We looked into different machines, and we found positive feedback about the ZSK, after lots of research and enquiries we purchased the ZSK Sprint, and after discovering Stocks sell coloreel, it made sense to get coloreel from Stocks."

What would be your advice to others thinking of buying equipment from Stocks?

"Stocks is a good company, even asking other professionals in the industry, they had good things to say about Stocks. It's handy meeting the team at various shows to get to them beforehand. They have good communication and give honest advice."

The ZSK Sprint 7L with Coloreel at Birmingham City University