Replies

1. 
   nancy_hosford | Jan 28, 2002 05:38am | #1

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   I am looking for a new machine. I have looked at Viking Designer 1, Janome10,000 and Bernina Artista 170qpe & 180 I would love to here from owners.

1. 
   [email protected] | Mar 08, 2002 11:28pm | #2

   *I have a Designer 1 and I love it. It was a bit intimidating for me at first because I had always sewn on an old, old machine that was nothing like this but once you learn it you will find that it will do EVERYTHING you will ever need in sewing. The thing that I think is so important in buying an expensive machine like this (or any machine for that matter) is to have a good dealer nearby. The maching has to go in to be calibrated now and then and you will have many questions also. You also should try to find a dealer who gives free classes to you after you purchase it. Then there should be other classes you pay for for certain types of sewing that you can take with a group that are very helpful to learn the different aspects of your machine and what it can do. I think the Designer 1 is the best out there. It is truly amazing and they really stand behind their product. Jackie

2. 
   prisonlady | Mar 21, 2002 01:17am | #3

   I have had my Designer 1 for several years.  I researched, test drove and researched some more.  I bought all the software which a big expense but I thoroughly enjoy all the bells and whistles of which there are many I have not utilized yet.  I am confident that if there is anything to be sewn, mended, decorated, quilted etc'ed, my D1 will do it for me.  Unfortunately,  I live in a rural area and over a hundred miles is far to drive.  I have not been bothered with bothersome little things and have only had it back to be calibrated when I bought the mega hoop.  The upgrades are downloadable from the web site.  The software allows me to change any format to my D1 format and the fact that I can use a regular floppy disk is great.  I guess you can tell I do like this machine.  My dealer was very helpful and with the help of an 800 number the calls were painless on the phone bill.  It was intimidating in the beginning as I was afraid I would "mess up" something.  It didn't happen.

   Good Luck 

2. 
   lyurick | Mar 24, 2002 06:10pm | #4

   I have bought machines from SewVac (they are an ebay dealer also) and have had extremely good customer service from them.. I sew mainly on Janome/NewHome machines but I bought a Euro-Pro Stitch Art machine used on ebay. I was very pleasantly surprised. This machines came with tons of feet ( as do all the Euro-Pro machines) and had a very nice stitch package that you don't usually see on mechanical machines. It runs very quiet and smooth. Judging from the design it appears to be similar to the Babylock/Brother machines. For an affordable machine they are rather nice.