Replies

1. 
   CostumerVal | Jun 10, 2008 01:57am | #1

   I just got a flyer from my sewing machine dealer today.  The Babylock Emore is discontinued and my dealer is selling it for $999 brand new with a warranty.  Call around, I would imagine that other dealers will be moving these out of inventory also. 

1. 
   TrishyBob | Jun 10, 2008 03:52am | #2

   Thanks for your response.  I have a list of places to call and plan to do that ASAP.

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 10, 2008 06:46pm | #3

   I bought my first embroidery machine 11 yrs ago, a "demo" Viking Rose, which has been an excellent machine and still is like brand new.  I bought the Designer I several years ago at full price, also an excellent machine.  I did get a warranty and free "learn your machine" classes plus help on the phone when I needed it.  I love my Vikings!  Most Viking dealers have a full or near full price trade up within a year if you want to start with a less expensive model and trade up.

   The software prices vary depending on which package you buy.  As you are new to this, I suggest you just need the basic.  The dealer can explain or you can go online to http://www.husqvarnavikingusa.com where it is explained.  Under "learning center" you can go through some tutorials for the different parts of the software. 

    I recently purchased the 4D software Professional Suite, which includes everything but the kitchen sink!  It is an excellent program, I paid around $1500.00 just for this software on sale.   I chose this as I want to digitize my own designs from sketches, drawings, photos, and clipart.  I also wanted to be able to split large designs to fit in my hoop, etc.

   The prices on the Designer machines will probably go down when the newest machine comes out.  I think it's scheduled to debut in July. 

   Hope this helps!  Good luck on your search.  Be sure to test drive and have them show you how to put the hoops on and off, how to hoop fabric and stabilizer right away.  That way you will not be overwhelmed and have to wait for the classes to practice and start enjoying your machine!  Mary

    

1. 
   TrishyBob | Jun 11, 2008 01:04am | #4

   Mary: Thanks so much for your input. It was very helpful.  I know nothing about embroidery machines and my first visit to a dealer was not very informative. I have several friends who have Vikings and they love them. I also have a friend who has a Bernina and she loves it. So I think either one would probably be a good choice.  I don't know enough to say which is the best and of course whoever you talk to will tell you that their's is the best. Unfortunately, we don't have many dealers in my area and getting to them is a long hard drive, so I was trying to do my homework first, so  I wouldn't waste my time on long drives. 

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 11, 2008 01:37am | #5

   If you go to the websites for Viking and Bernina and Pfaff etc.  look at the variety of models and write down the ones you are interested in.  I do not recommend the bottom line ones even in these top brands because they are made to the brand specs but manufactured in "other" factories possibly with "slave" labor?, and less quality materials.  Several people have been dissatisfied with these and the "model" is often discontinued quickly, which lowers the resale value.  (just my opinion)

   I would also suggest a dealer that has "authorized" whatever brand name you want repair service locally as it can get expensive and irritating to ship your machine for servicing from what I've been told. 

   then check out http://www.patternreview.com which has sewing/embroidery machine reviews.  There are two ways to join, free or as a "friends of PR" which has more benefits.  Several of us from Gatherings have gone there without having a problem, the site seems perfectly safe as I've been a member for a couple years this time, and once in the past.  Hope this helps.  Mary

2. 
   platexas | Jun 12, 2008 01:45am | #6

   I sold my barely used Designer 1 on eBay 4 years ago or so and got more than the dealer would give on a trade in for the Designer SE (which I bought). I think it depends on the seller. Of course, it's always safest to buy from a dealer because they have probably cleaned and tuned it up and may even offer some type of warranty.The potential eBay buyers asked me tons of questions and I tried to answer honestly. Before listing the D1 I had my dealer clean/tune it just in case there was a hidden problem (there wasn't).I think since HusqvarnaViking is coming up with a brand new top of the line machine on June 15 or so, you might be able to find good deals on D1's and SE's. I'm even thinking of getting the new one and selling my SE on eBay... to be determined, what with the economy etc.Good luck.
   Patti