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Dream Machine??

Jobee | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

Looking for the perfect sewing machine!

My husband bought me a new sewing machine for Christmas..dear man that he is.  A Janome 4800QC.  I’ve really been eyeing the Viking Platinum series for some time and have sewed on an old Viking for years.  The store where he bought it will take it back (unopened as it is).  So now is my chance to get the machine of my dreams.  But now..which one is it?  I’m having a hard time sifting through all the information.  I am basically a seamstress, not a quilter.  Bu the idea of lots of stitches could be a fun side step.  Any thoughts out there?

Jo

Replies

  1. SEWSERIOU1 | | #1

    Stick with the Janome.  My understanding is the the Viking quality is not as good as the Janome and especially for the price. 

    1. Bernie1 | | #3

      I'm not sure where you heard about the Viking not being as good a quality as the Janome but everyone who owns a Viking would strongly disagree.  I guess it depends on what kind of sewing you like. Everyone has their own brand that they prefer - I happen to be a Viking girl - but I'd never say anything bad about the Janome since I've never sewn on one but I can tell you that Viking is an excellent product, is still made at their factory in Sweden, sews the most beautiful straight stitches and buttonholes I have ever seen (and I've test driven them all) and can't be beat for the quality of service. The Designer 1, which I own, is, IMHO, the best machine on the market and my old mechanical machine that uses cams that I bought 25 years ago is still going strong.

      1. SEWSERIOU1 | | #4

        It came from a man who worked on Vikings for 35 years.  He recommended Janome! 

        Edited 1/11/2004 7:46:12 AM ET by SEWSERIOU1

        Edited 1/11/2004 7:48:21 AM ET by SEWSERIOU1

        1. Bernie1 | | #5

          well, he's probably working for Janome now. A woman who used to work for my Viking dealer tried to tell me Viking doesn't take all the embroidery discs I wanted and it does. Of course my Viking dealer thinks Janomes are inferior, and the repair guy who works for her thinks the Vikings are the best product on the market. So I guess the lesson in all this is, use your own judgment. They're all good machines.

          1. SEWSERIOU1 | | #6

            He doesn't work for Janome.  He is retired.   I was just passing along information from someone who should know better than I do as someone asked for opinions. 

            Edited 1/12/2004 5:52:58 PM ET by SEWSERIOU1

  2. Bernie1 | | #2

    Viking's best model is the Designer 1. I'm not sure about the Janome - I think the quality of all the Viking models is outstanding. I've had Vikings for years and never had problems and haven't heard that much about the Janome, which I think is made in Japan. Pfaff also makes a nice machine but it tends to be a little pricier for the features. I am looking at a Pfaff as a machine I can travel with because it's so sturdy. But everyone I have ever known who owns a Designer 1 is very happy with it. You need to go into the stores and sit down with a few models to get a feel for them since it's a very personal (and emotional) decision. Bernina makes a great machine but I personally did not like the interface. Good luck searching for the right machine. You must might keep the Janome once you've tried the others.

  3. msmuskrat | | #7

    Hi Jo.

    Good luck on deciding on a new machine. It's a tough decision. I have a Designer 1 and love it. I have had 3 Viking sewing machines ( my first basic model, then a 550, still have it) and one serger (910) and they all work great. My MIL has the 4800 and two close friends also have Janomes and tell me that they really like their machines. The Janomes are quieter and have a smoother running sound. You have already been given the best advice, you need to test drive. See what features and stitches they have. Do the type of sewing that usually do but don't rule a machine out because it has features you don't think you'll use because you might grow into them. Check out the warranty and the dealer support, classes and such. It might end up just being a gut feeling decision. "This one just feels good."

    Cassie

  4. Merryll | | #8

    Jo--

    I may be late to the party on this one; by now you already may have chosen the perfect machine for you. However, if you haven't, I would suggest before you make any decision, carefully evaluate what type of sewing you do.  Do you prefer garment sewing?  Couture? What other machines do you have--sergers, etc.?  Will you be doing household projects--draperies, slipcovers, placemats, etc.?  Or do you adore crafts projects?  Embroidery?  Do you have small children whom you enjoy dressing?  Each type of sewing has different machine requirements. 

    I often think of the wonderful couture sewing teacher Bobbi Carr, who sews on an old Singer Featherweight. I used to have one, and it made the best keyhole buttonholes I've ever seen. If you aren't interested in embroidery or some of the other high-end features, why invest the extra dollars?

    I do garment sewing (some couture) and lots of household draperies, shades, etc., and I adore my two, er, three Berninas (including a serger). I appreciate a real workhorse that's as solid and reliable as I can get it. I have a 1230, an 800 and a 2000DE serger.  I've never had a problem with any of my Berninas, but whenever I have looked at new machines, I always begin by chatting up the repair people and topnotch sewing teachers. It's very easy to get carried away by features I'll never use.  I hope you'll come back and tell us what machine you ended up with. Good luck!

    Merryll

    1. Bernie1 | | #9

      Hey, Merryll: what is Bobbie Carr up to these days? She used to be at the Expos and had the best classes of anyone, but she doesn't seem to be around much anymore. I LOVE her videos and her Couture sewing book. She sewed in a Featherweight?

      1. Merryll | | #10

        Where's Bobbie Carr?  Bernie, I wish I knew.  I haven't seen her name anywhere in a few years.  Yes, I too think she was one of the best teachers around, and she did sew on a Singer Featherweight.

        Ten years ago I moved to Tokyo as a trailing spouse.  We lived there for four years.  For the first time in my adult life I wasn't working, and I was free to sew to my heart's content.  I took with me as many sewing videos and books as possible.  You know, the sewing classes I never was able to take.  Bobbi's book and video were among the best, along with Saundra Betzina's. Halfway through Bobbi's video, I discovered a flaw in the tape and I was crushed.  I returned it to her with a letter, asking if it would be possible to get a replacement.  I received the nicest handwritten note from her along with a new tape.  Since then I've always had a warm spot for her.  She used to host small groups of women in her California home for week-long couture sewing classes. She always struck me as a perfectionist and an inspired seamstress, and I loved how she continued to be inspired by the creativity of her students.  I'd love to know if anyone else has any news of her.

        Merryll

        1. MaryAnn | | #11

          Bobbie Carr closed her sewing school in San Jose and moved to Saint Simon's Island GA.  I believe she has semi, if not fully, retired from teaching. 

          1. Bernie1 | | #12

            Rats!!! She was one of the best teachers out there. I hate to think she won't be standing in front of a class anymore. But I guess we all retire at some point.

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