Hi Everyone. I am interested in purchasing a sewing/embroidery machine. Preferably the higher end models. I would like feedback from persons who already have purchased and used them. Thanks, SewMore (if I could)
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Hi, SewMore,
If you can wait till the first week of March, you'll be able to get the scoop on these top-of-the-line machines. One of our editors has spent the past few months learning all about some of the newest combination machines, and will be sharing her findings in an upcoming article. We've got a pretty amazing line-up in our sewing studio here--I'm sure you'll be able to find one that suits your needs (or at least your every possible sewing whim or dream).
Carol
I can't wait to see that article!!! I know Viking will probably come out with a new TOL model and it will be so much fun to see what other manufacturers are doing. Hurry up, Threads!!!
I think you'll be inpressed. Some of the models are new, others are updated versions of earlier, classic machines to give them more features. I didn't work on the article myself, but from what I can see, these machines have more "convenience" features to make sewing even more efficient, and there also seems to be a jump in the type of design editing you can do on the machines themselves, independent of additional software. This is a huge boon to those who want flexibility in placing embroidery on projects, but don't want to invest the time or $$ in the software right away. Of course, the software you can get these days is pretty amazing, too. I really can't own stuff like that or I'd never do anything else! It is so much fun to play with.
Carol
I would really like to wait for the article but I don't think I can. I posted my
question so I could get some feedback before I purchased. I have a great
deal on a Designer 1 waiting for me, but I am a Bernina girl. I was wanting
some feedback on the Bernina 200E if possible before I bought. I have about
2 weeks left on my offer. I already have 2 Berninas and 2 Vikings. I have the
top of the line Viking serger (which I wouldn't trade for the world) and a lower to
middle of the road viking sewing machine (the Emma). More to the lower end for
Viking I guess. I love the Emma, it works great for an inexpensive machine.
I have Bernina's cheapie machine, the 1008 and Bernina's Virtuosa 160. I bought
the 160 because it had more bells and whistles (like needle up/down and knee
lifter for quilting) and it also has a lot of stitches. I like the 160, it does a great
job on whatever I'm sewing but the 1008 is just as good except it has no bells
and whistles. Like I said, I'm a Bernina girl but I'm torn between the Bernina 200E
and the Designer I. I would really appreciate a few personal opions consering
either of the two machines. Please respond. Thanks, Sewmore (If I could)
I took advantage of Viking's Christmas promotion for the Designer 1, piggybacking on the experience of a friend who undertook extensive research on both the D1 and the Bernina 200E. Absolutely no regrets! I did not test drive either before making my purchase. My decision was based on price point and accessories. I'd had a 180E and hated it (but wouldn't trade my 1130 for the world!)
I also bought the Designer 1 several years ago and have never regretted it. I also have the Viking Rose which was my entry level embroidery machine. I also have had Singer and of course the crazy Kenmore machine that was my first purchase that really drove me mad. I now have the Rose and the D1 permantly set up in my sewing room the D1 to handle all of the embroidery stuff and the Rose to handle the workhorse stuff. I often have them both going at the same time. I love the D1 because of the ease of downloading upgrades ( all of which are free) and installing them. That reminds me I will have to check if Viking has any more posted. Haven't checked for awhile. That is another thing I like about Viking I can send them request for certain features on the machine and if there are enough request for the same thing they will put it into action and post it. I originally purchast my Rose because an article in Consumer Reports rated Viking number 1 in ease of use and I can testify that I am self taught on the machine as well as the software that I purchased along with it.
I also have a Designer 1 and love it. I did not test drive the Bernina because I wanted the sensor foot that is on the Designers. I love sewing on the D1. I will wait until I am done with an embroidery project to use my D1 to sew even though I have another sewing machine I could use. I wish I had 2 so I had another one to sew on while the first one is embroidering. I think the D1 is easy to use and a lot of fun. The sensor foot might seem awkward at first, but once you get used to it you'll love it!
Cassie
my 2 cents worth = I have a bernina 1530 - its not an embroidery machine, but it is a work horse and I love it, but, I have a brother 8500 for embroidery and I have a Designer 1, there are a few things sewing wise that I think my bernina does a better job at, (than the designer 1) but , for the most part the sewing and the embroidery side of the Viking is a much finer machine than the bernina, the Viking does beautiful delicate heirloom work and the embroidery is fabulous, I can't compare it to the bernina embroidery machines since I don't have one. my brother is great for embroidery, but I would never sew on it, I don't like the sewing machine side to it.
Judy 7 of 9
I would say the Designer 1 will give you what you want. Bernina is a great machine but for the money you get more with the D1. Viking makes better buttonholes than any machines I've seen and there are a lot of features that you can add on depending on what type of sewing you want to do. I think the D1 is so versatile.
Thanks so much everyone for your valuable input. I have chosen the D1. I still like my Berninas but the D1 just seemed to have the features that I wanted for the money. My friend has had a D1 for about 5 years now, so I know she will be able to help me with any problems I encounter. She also works for the dealer I bought the machine from. I just purchased it today and should have it in about a week. After I try it I will post again to let you know how I really like it. My friend/dealer also talked me into buying the customizing software to use with it. I think that was also a good choice to really get going into the world of embroidery. Now I need another job to buy all the embroidery stuff I will want. Thanks again so much everyone.
Good for you. You won't regret your purchase. I know it seems huge but you'll have such fun sewing with that machine and all its possibilities. Best wishes.
Thank you sew much for your thinking and comparing for me! No I was not even in the market for an embroidery machine because I do not do well learning yet another new thing. I have a friend who will embroider for me on hers but after reading these posts I think the Viking is the one to look seriously at. Maybe for my birthday in November>>?
Don't wait until your birthday. Get it today. And I will tell you there are alot of great people out there that will help you with any problem that you may encounter with your machine. The D1 really is a very easy machine to learn and the customizing will keep you going for a long time. Good Luck.
Where will the article to be published in early March regarding high end sewing machines, be published or available on-line?
The article will be in the Apr/May issue of Threads, which should appear on the newsstand during the first week or two of March. We'll have an online-extra as well, but much more focused: this will be a video demonstrating some of the novel features of a selection of the machines--just a bit of a teaser for people who aren't aware of all the things these new machines can do.
Carol
Carol,
The online videos are the greatest! Thank you Threads,
Nancy
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