I am considering buying a new machine and have been looking at Viking. In the past I have had a Singer and am currently using a Kenmore, which I have had for about 20 years. I am looking to upgrade and I like the amazing things the new machines can do (especially the threading function). I don’t really want or need embroidery functions, yet it seems that all the machines offer this.
What would you recommend for someone who is an advanced seamstress, who would be doing mostly garment sewing for herself and others? I gravitate towards Viking because we have a dealer here in town and all the other top machines have dealers at least 50 miles away.
Thanks!
mimi
Replies
I have sold, repaired, and sewn on many brands of sewing machines. There are several excellent brands out there. I would highly recommend the Viking especially since the dealer is close by. Any experience that I've had with Viking is that they are very supportive - of course that depends on your dealer too. My Viking (Husqvarna, because I live in Canada), sews everything from the most delicate to very heavy fabrics (like broken purses!) Seeing as you are an experienced sewer, you'll love that versatility. If you can afford it, go for the embroidery (which I don't recommend for inexperienced sewers)! I always said I would never have an embroidery machine, but ended up selling them in a shop I had. When I closed down and moved - guess what - I kept the embroidery machine! I can't live without it, now!
Thanks, that is very helpful!
mimi
I LOVE MY VIKING AND IT IS MY SECOND MACHINE, I ALSO HAVE A VIKING SERGER THAT I LIKE. IF YOU HAVE A DEALER IN TOWN, THAT IS ALWAYS A GREAT ADVANTAGE.
NANCY
Nancy: The only thing that makes me hesitate is the price. Do you feel that the money was well spent?
mimi
Hi, I also am a "Viking" girl. Before I bought my Viking machine and serger I had a couple of Kenmore machines that I used for 30 years. I still have my Kenmore and am planning on giving it to my oldest granddaughter as her first machine. It is an excellent machine but the Viking is MUCH better. When I looked at the Vikings I just agonized over the prices and finally my husband said that I deserved it and should have it if that is what I wanted. I have never been sorry.
HTH, Mary
Oh yes. It is so user friendly. It was 22 years ago when I got my first one and it still is. When I purchased my first Viking the dealer had Bernina too. My husband and I both thought that the Viking was much more user friendly and that has proved to be true. One reason I didn't buy the cheaper Brother was that I didn't feel that it was as easy to use. I think that the lack of agravation(my husband calls it the curse factor) makes it worth the price. Decide what you must have in a machine and what you really won't use and go from there.
Nancy
Nancy: Thank you, that is really helpful. My campaign for a Viking has begun!
mimi
I am a Home Ec teacher and have 26 vikings for my student models, 3 Viking sergers and the Designer 1 at school. All are very easy to use and have very few problems. I was a New Home user and still am at home, but if I ever quit teaching, I will definitely buy a Viking. Having a local dealer is a definite plus. The service and help from my local dealer has been invaluable. I also have a Bernina Artista at school and I like it also, but I don't find it to be as user friendly and that dealer is not nearly as helpful. Interview your dealer and see what she has to offer you in terms of classes. Good luck. You won't regret it.
Marilyn: It is really impressive that your school district would purchase Vikings for school use! When I went to school we considered ourselves extrmemely lucky to have Singers (ok it was a really long time ago). I think my daughter had Singers when she took home ec about 10 years ago; it is taught in the middle school years (grades 5-8) only here.
I am going to start dropping large hints that I want a Viking for Christmas :)
mimi
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