Replies

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Feb 27, 2008 11:13pm | #1

   I bought an Elna a few years ago because I was looking for a SW with a larger harp for quilting as well as general sewing. 

   I also have a Babylock and like sewing with both brands.  I have not had any problems.  I don't know Viking and Janome machines.

   Bernina.....I don't think anything can come close.  It's the best, but has pricey accessories.

   When testing machines, also "test" the dealer.  I have run into quite a few "pips" and went right back to my old dealer and bought the brand he was selling.  He went from Bernina to Elna to Babylock.  I have owned all three, but this dealer has been key in my decisions.

1. 
   rodezzy | Feb 27, 2008 11:29pm | #2

   Thanks for your reply, I will do as you tell me and "test" the dealer, even though I don't quite know what you mean by "dealer".  I guess that you are not buying directly from the brand makers of the machines. 

   I guess that's the same as buying a machine from JoAnn fabrics.  JoAnn's would be the "dealer".  Right?

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Feb 28, 2008 07:39am | #3

   I was not telling you to do anything, only making suggestions.

   No, JoAnn Fabrics is not a sewing machine dealer.  JoAnn is like Walmart or Costco.  They sell sewing machines, but they will not help you with demonstrations, lessons or servicing of the machines they sell.

   The Husqvarna/Viking vendor that you will find in a JoAnn Super Store is a sewing machine dealer.

   A "dealer" is authorized by the distributor to sell and service their brand of sewing machine.

1. 
   Betakin | Feb 28, 2008 10:08am | #4

   Well, it sort of "depends" on the Joann's store if the sewing machine dept is run by a dealer or by say HV Viking. In my town an independent Pfaff/Viking dealer owns several stores plus has the dealership in 2 Joann stores. Demo's, servicing and classes on machine instruction plus other sewing classes are given in these dealer owned sewing machine depts in Joann's as is full dealer support. Feet, and accessories can also be purchased there.  I did purchase a Viking with them and many feet. They also do trade ups and take trade in's on machines.

   The sewing machine departments in the Joann's stores in "other cities" in my state are run by HV Viking and not an independent dealer. Prices are also not the same between the Joann dealer run depts. and the Joann Viking run depts. They run sales at different times etc. I don't know what the corporate run departments offer.

   As for Elna, I have never owned an Elna sewing machine but I do own an Elna Coverlock/serger and I do love it. Janome now heads Elna USA and has made many of the Elna sewing machines for years and I think these are machines of quality. Elna is now introducing the new 9500 model as shown in the link to their website and also has some new serger's with cover hem and top cover hem. Since the USA Janome take over, distibution has changed. Tacony no longer distributes Elna models.

   Edited 2/28/2008 2:15 am ET by Betakin

1. 
   rodezzy | Feb 28, 2008 08:16pm | #5

   Thanks to everyone for their input.  Good information. 

2. 
   busybee | Feb 29, 2008 07:56pm | #6

   Hallo Rodezzy,

   Just homed in on this thread ! I have had an Elna Heirloom for about 5 years and am very pleased with it. Over the years i have had Pinnock ( australian ) Bernina and Janome. As has been saidBernina has the edge but is very expensive on the attachments and it was a very burly heavy machine. I loved the Janome but the " computer inside " packed up" long before it should have done. ( I,m sure I was unlucky but I went for Elna.Elna have many attachments  but if it is top loading like mine all the Janome feet fit. Indeed a little bird told me the two companies are one and the same !!  So ......... The only thing Elna stipulate is to make sure you get their brand of bobbin. Certainly no problem here in Uk.  Do hope you get settled with something you are pleased with.   Winifred ( Busybee )

3. 
   rodezzy | Feb 29, 2008 09:02pm | #7

   Thanks for your response.  Will file it with the others and consider when shopping this year.  I am going to get a new machine this year.  Giggle!