Replies

1. 
   Momquilter | Apr 08, 2002 03:14pm | #1

   Liz:  I bought a Lily 545 6 weeks ago and loved it so much that I traded up a month later for a 555.  I had used other people's Vikings previously and was very impressed with stitch quality and ease of use.  The 555 is very easy to use and offers a huge variety of stitches, needle down/up, adjustable needle postion, and lots more.   Stitch quality is great -- I haven't had any problems with it.   I am a quilter and garment sewer and this really seemed to suit my needs.  Consider the dealer also -- are they helpful?  This can be as important as the machine!  My dealer is great -- they strive to be on a first-name basis with their customers, encourage you to call them anytime with your questions.  Also, check on accessories -- what comes with the machine?  What else would you need to buy?

   If I had the money I would have gone for a DII but that's much more expensive!

1. 
   SeoulSearch | Apr 14, 2002 04:12pm | #2

   Hello everyone,

   I'm new to this site and also in the market for a new machine. I currently own a Viking S215 that I got in high school (about ten years ago). It must be ancient because I haven't found it anywhere or mentioned on any site! I've worked on a Bernina before and liked it, but I do like my Viking. My one gripe is that in the past few years, the tension seems to be a little out of whack. I have a hard time adjusting it to the right setting, and then after a few rows of stitching or if I change stitches, I have to readjust the tension again. I took it in for maintenance but after a few months, had the same problem.

   My sewing level and interest has dwindled the past few years because of the amount of time I would put into a project. I'm looking for a machine that will keep up my interest (by saving time and being extremely user-friendly) and grow with my skills (right now I'd say I'm somewhere between beginning and intermediate.) I've made up my mind to get a computerized machine in the mid-range because I don't need a special embroidery machine.

   Here are my questions: would it be better to buy an upgraded machine or invest in a serger instead, while keeping my old machine (providing they can fix the tension)? Or would it be better to buy an updated sewing machine and go without a serger? I can currently afford one or the other but not both (my budget is about $1200 but is somewhat flexible, within a few hundred dollars). I am also interested in used machines if it's worth the savings.

   My sewing interests are mainly apparel and crafts. I would like to tackle home decorating next but have little interest in quilting or embroidery, although a few options like this would be nice (but are not necessary). I work on a wide variety of fabrics and am learning how to sew with knits.

   My last question is: fellow Viking owners... have you been happy staying with Viking or did you choose another line? And why? Were you happier with your Viking or your new machine? I would like to stay with Viking but if there are good reasons to look at other lines, I would certainly consider it.

   Thank you so much. I'm sorry for the terribly long post but I thought some information on my sewing background and needs would be helpful. --Kim

1. 
   LouiseBegin | Apr 15, 2002 04:29am | #3

   I don't know if there are any sewing machine dealers in your area but this worked out very well for me to upgrade by going thru a dealer and getting machines that had been traded in and the dealer had given them complete going over before they were resold.Most of the machines I came across had been traded in because someone was upgrading and traded their other machines in.At Christmas time DH got me a Bernina 2000DE serger that's a dream to work that way.It does not have the coverstitch that some of the higher priced ones have but is a much better machine than what I could have gotten otherwise for that money.I also know several girls who got sewing machines that had many extra bells and whistles because they were refurbished.It's worth shopping around to get the most for your money.Also by grabbing an assortment of fabrics and going to the dealers for test drives you will know which machines you feel more comfy working with.