Replies

1. 
   Bernie1 | Sep 17, 2004 10:57pm | #1

   Karen: I am not good with computers but I love my D1. Warranties on used machines are  usually up to the dealer. I did not find it hard to learn the D1 at all but you do have to take the classes. Also, the video is good to refresh your memory and the manual is actually quite helpful as opposed to the one that came with my older machine and was just a bunch of xeroxed pages. When I have questions I go back to the video and my dealer is always there to help, too. I don't see why your dealer took the Platinum off the shelf - it sounds like a personal choice not to carry the line.  Anyway, I have never regretted my D1 purchase.

1. 
   Karen2 | Sep 20, 2004 07:22pm | #4

   Thank you for your comments. Everything seems a go for the Viking Designer 1 except, perhaps, the price. Karen

2. 
   SewTruTerry | Sep 17, 2004 11:09pm | #2

   The D1 comes with the standard type of feet and then a few more, standard foot, zipper foot, quilting foot, edge joining foot, the open toe foot, and the overcast foot.  I don't think that the warranty will transfer but that is something to ask the dealer.  As far as service record I have had my D1 into the shop only 2 times in the 4 years that I have had it and it was for the same problem the bobbin winder.  But when you realize that I run my machine as many as 8-10 hours a day 5-6 days a week and always have to wind those pesky bobbins it is not bad.  Of course the first time was completely free as it was fully under warranty.  The second time it cost me about $50.00 for the part and the labor was thrown in by my dealer as he knows how much I use  the machine.  Also the dealer if they are worth a grain of salt will also offer you free classes on the machine so that you know how to use the machine and will be as excited about it as you can be.

   I think it would be best for you to get a new one as that way you will definitely have all of the warranties and there is no way to know what kind of problems that you might inherite.  I know a woman that bought a used Janome from her sister mind you and can not get the darn thing to work.  Thinks it might be because her sister left some magnets in with the machine when she packed it up.  I told her that I would take a look at it soon and see if I could help her with it.

1. 
   Karen2 | Sep 20, 2004 07:29pm | #5

   The service record sound outstanding, particulary considering the hours you put in sewing. Your idea of purchasing a new machine is probably the right one. Karen

2. 
   cynbrown | Sep 27, 2004 05:40am | #7

   I had a D1 however I could not use it for more than 2-3 hours without an error in stitching.  The problem was most noted with the embroidery features.  Which D1 model are you using, and how long have you had it?

1. 
   SewTruTerry | Sep 27, 2004 07:47pm | #8

   There is really only one D1 I bought mine about 4 years ago.  What kind of error are you tolking about regarding the stitches after 2-3 hours of sewing?  Do you mean that the thread starts to break or the bobbin? 

   I can tell you that several years ago at the Sewing and Crafts Expo I was sitting in a class taught by Jim Suzio and he told everyone not to have your D1 or other computerized sewing machine for that matter plugged into a serge protector that is also plugged into the same socket that, say your fridge or other appliance is plugged into. Apparently you can have power serges from another source such as A/C, although the serge protector will protect your machine from lower levels of energy output, it will not protect against increase of power such as when the A/C shuts off. Therefore you can get stitch errors when stitching out bigger designs.

   If you are getting alot of thread breaks or other types of errors you should stop the machine and clean out the bobbin case as a lot of time the lint will build up very quickly and will cause problems. 

   Hope this might help.

3. 
   Dotska | Sep 20, 2004 06:05pm | #3

   I have a Designer 2, virtually the same machine as the D1, with fewer things built in.  I just used the sensor buttonhole foot for the first time.  It was fantastic!  No extra marking and measuring, and no playing with stitch balance.  I've never made a buttonhole so nice and so fast. 

   And easy...After you attach the foot, your infodisplay shows stitch length and width (that you can change if you'd like), and buttonhole size in millimeters.  Change the size to match your button size.  Put your fabric under the foot and go.  Easy.

   I purchased my D2 because I've wanted a top of the line machine for 10 years and could finally afford it.  I also wanted the Embroidery digitizing capability.  I sew a variety of items (historic costuming, quilting, embellishments, home dec, and everyday stuff) and wanted a machine that I could really use as a tool.  With all the features and stitches, it is still a very solid reliable machine that runs smoothly, doesn't jam, and makes sewing a real pleasure instead of a struggle.

   My decision to buy the D2 over the D1 was purely financial.  I didn't have the resources to go all the way.  The D2 is upgradable to all or most of the D1 features by adding "D-cards" which have collections of stitches on them.  They aren't cheap, but I probably won't ever buy all of them, just the ones I know I'll use.

   For embroidery, the hoops are also pricey, so you just have to decide how much you will use each one versus the cost.

   I don't think computer experience is necessary to operate the machine unless you are really getting into the embroidery.  The more you get into that, then computer experience is extremely helpful.

1. 
   Karen2 | Sep 20, 2004 07:44pm | #6

   Good for you on making very acceptable buttonholes. That is very encouraging news. I'm hoping my computer experience will aid in use of the machine. The machines are pricey, but the Designer 1 is my choice so far. I just wish the cost was a little less. Karen