Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Nov 10, 2006 09:56am | #1

   Test drive just as if you were buying a car! Bring in fabrics that you want to use. I have three computer Husqvarna/Vikings and love them all.  Also, two of them have interchangeable feet.  They are a good "fit" for me.  The dealer has great customer service, great repair dept as I take mine in once a year for cleaning and a check up, they upgrade the machine for free or I can do it online, they offer as many "know your machine classes as I need, answer questions on the phone at times (what stabilizer to use with a specific fabric, will this foot work for that technique, etc), extended warranties, computer classes, etc.  They carry all the supplies locally.  They take trade ins, etc.

   You can go to patternreview.com and read the machine comparisons.  You can go to the websites by brand if you google them.  Think about what features you want.  I found that all the top of the line brands were comparable.  They just have different names for the same functions and such.  You do not have to buy the top of the line to be thrilled with your machine.  Compare apples to apples.

   I did not want to have the computer next to the machines so wanted one that operated on it's own.  The ones that operate off of your computer will cost less.  I think floppy disks are becoming obsolete but some machines can be upgraded for the memory stick for a price.  You may be able to find a brand new machine that was the top of the line last month or last year for thousands less.  Embroidery hoop sizes vary, some have to be purchased seperately.  How many accessories you get or machine cases, designs, boxes of thread, etc will confuse the price also. 

   If you want to quilt, check the machine logistics. 

   Most dealers have anniversary deals or holiday deals that are great.  Good luck, ask lots of questions, and have fun. 

1. 
   Sunnie | Nov 10, 2006 04:18pm | #2

   Hi Mary - Thanks for your quick answer.  I think you are right about test-driving the machines.  I guess I was looking for the 'easy' way without doing the foot work.   I have heard some people who are frustrated locally with the Viking dealer, however,  I will go see for myself.  I would like to do some quilting, but not enough quilting to get a quilting-only machine.  Also, I love to do general sewing.  I do have an Elna Air Electronic, which is about 25+ years old.  It is, however, a workhorse of a machine.  It does nearly everything I need but embroidery.  (I bought a buttonhole attachment which does a great job.  The buttonhole you make in several steps is not my idea of fun nor is it accurate!)

   Edited 11/10/2006 8:22 am ET by Sunnie

1. 
   blondie2sew | Nov 15, 2006 04:44am | #3

   Hi Sunnie,I totally agree with Mary and all she had to say! I just wanted to add that just make sure you have a great fit from the dealer you will be buying from. And if you are already not getting warm fuzzies from many people with that dealer I would take that to heart!! (That doesn't mean there isn't another Viking Dealer that will be great, just beware of that one)This is a huge investment and you need to get the service you expect!!I would really check out all the machines and write down pros and cons to all.... keep a running note. Yes, they have the dealers have their opinions and I have mine about my machine that I love love love, but yours maybe different!! Make your list of all and match it up with what you want out of the machine and then see who has the better fit. And like Mary Said if it is one of the more expensive ones they always have specials sometime during the year!! Be patient and have fun this will be your new baby so shop accordingly. But remember your old one will still have a purpose and you won't ever stop using it!! Hope this encourages you too!! Research is the key.Connie

2. 
   CDee | Nov 15, 2006 08:52pm | #4

   I know what you mean with all the brands out there.  I would make sure that you have a list of other features that you want on your machine and what features are "nice to have" if you find a machine with it within your budget.  

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/15/2006 2:49 pm ET by cdee

3. 
   fabricholic | Nov 16, 2006 06:01am | #5

   Sunnie,

   I would also, write down some specs about your PC and take them with you.  What programs does it have; Windows 98,  Windows XP 2002 version, how many GB's, etc?  I would suggest more, but I am not very computer literate.

   Marcy

    

    

4. 
   nani | Nov 19, 2006 10:57am | #6

   There are several really good brands out there for computerized sewing machines, perhaps after test driving them all, be sure to consider the dealer's reputation and service. They should offer you free classes to help you really get the most out of your machine.  I just bought a Viking Designer SE, and aside from wanting one since they first came out with the Designer series, I bought it because the dealer was local and the service impressive. 

5. 
   BoWrinkle | Nov 21, 2006 02:41am | #7

   I love my Viking Designer SE.  I am an engineer and from and engineering perspective, this machine has the technical capabilities of doing so much more than the other machines.   I enjoy sewing and embroidering on this machine versus another brand that I owned in the past.   The Viking website was very helpful in making my decision because it contain much information on capabilities and specifications than the others.  The availability of the capabilities versus the other brand websites also told me that this machine is far superior than other machines.

   MY recommendation is to create a list what items you will be sewing and embroidering most and what items you want to be doing in the future.  Review the websites on each machine and list the capabilities of each.  Compare, compare.... I always say be an educated consumer and research before you buy.   

1. 
   NovaSkills | Dec 01, 2006 09:18am | #8

   Aha! Another engineer Viking owner. I have a D1 and love it, but I admit I don't do as much embroidery. What kind of engineering do you do?

1. 
   lizzieann | Dec 07, 2006 05:16am | #9

   Hi girls...I too have a Designer 1 and Designer SE also a Rose and my first machine was the basic but a viking..I have also owned a Elna and a Singer.. You can locate a Viking Dealer all over the place...I have since left the dealer in the town nearest me and headed towards the other town...about 2 hours from me for a dealer...reason being....price and who would deal with me...My original dealer wouldn't deal with me...and believe me there is room for negotation...I purchased my SE for approx. 2000. less.. Now if you are gonna look for a SE or Designer 1 look for a dealer that has a survey machine for sale...they were used for approx. 2 hours to help in the surveys for new updates that the company sponsors to get the consumers opinion on what we want and need then they take that info to main company and talk about it...keep your ears open for that also look for sales at the end of the year....they need to unload the older machines to bring in the new ones...well any how just some info when buying a machine...thanks

6. 
   spicegirl | Feb 06, 2007 01:04am | #10

   For what's its worth  ----  I just upgraded my embroidery machine.  Media stick, auto trim, larger hooping, price and dealer knowledge/sociability were my criteria.  Instead of using a card or disc, the USB media stick allows you to down load your selected designs without a direct hookup from computer to embroidery machine.  The media stick is about the size of a Bic cigarette lighter.  I visited other dealers, then called my old dealer.  His price for the Baby lock Ellegante, which I purchased, was lower than Husqvarna or Bernina.  This gentleman has been in business for over 35 years and his staff sold me my Bernina and Fun lock (serger) many years ago, but you never know unless you check....