Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: debteach
Date: 05-04-2007, 10:53 PM (1 of 34)
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Hello Everyone, I am brand new to sewing and just started taking a sewing class. I have never even touched a sewing machine in my life! I can use the machines in my class but I would like to purchase my own as I have 2 year old triplet boys and have a feeling that I will need to sew a lot in the near future. Can you ladies please give me some insight as to what type or brand of machine I should get? I know that some of the features I am looking for are speed control, needle up/needle down (although I don't really know what that means I was told it's important to have in a machine), free arm, automatic button holer, and needle position (what does that mean?). Can anyone please suggest a machine. Although my boys are 2 they were 4 months early and are not without problems. Only 1 is walking, 1 is still crawling and wearing holes in the knees of his pants and the other (well a wheel chair will be his mode of getting around). I need a machine that can keep up with a least 2 busy boys and 1 that gets crawled all over. One that can be put on the kitchen table when they are asleep and tucked away in the cupboard during the day. Any insight you can give me would be appreciated. I have no idea what I am doing or even where to go to get a machine. Thanks, Deborah |
User: debteach
Member since: 05-04-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-05-2007, 08:15 AM (2 of 34)
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We all have different favorites. To find what is best for you, you might want to visit some of the shops, explain your needs and test drive a few machines. I know it sounds time consuming but it really isn't when you compare it to the frustration of having the wrong machine. When you shop for a sewing machine you should shop for the dealer as much as the actual machine. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: lendube
Date: 05-05-2007, 01:59 PM (3 of 34)
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Hi Deborah, A lot will depend of course on your price range. I'm sure you've found that you can get a machine for $99. and you can get one for $10,000 and up. Sounds like you need a good basic sewing machine with "standard" bells and whistles, if you know what I mean. I wouldn't say that the "needle up/down" feature is necessary. It's nice to have and I like it a lot but I never had one till recently. All it does is leave the needle either up or down when you've stopped sewing the piece of fabric or whatever. The "needle position" feature is one that you should really try to get. It allows you to keep the needle in the middle or move it to the left or right. This is very handy when sewing zippers or when you just want to sew very close to an obstacle of some kind. It give you better manuverability and control. Go to the consumer sites online and you can compare prices and read reviews too. If you tell us what your price range is maybe we here can be a little more specific. I have an embroidery machine (that's also a regular machine) and an old Singer and I love both but I know that's not what you're looking for right now. I wouldn't know what to suggest, sorry. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 05-05-2007, 04:35 PM (4 of 34)
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I haven't got needle up/down but I have to admit I'd really like it. It would be useful doing appliques or sewing curves. That said I'd probably only spend an extra $50 or so on a machine in order to get it. It can be done by hand. Freearm should not be an optional item. You WILL need it if you're sewing for little boys. Anytime you need to deal with tubes of fabric (particularly smallish ones like cuffs on arms and legs on pants) it is essential. But can you even get a machine without it these days? As to the position control for the needle I don't think I have that as a separate feature - but some of the stitches do that for me. It probably would be nice to have it as a manual control but I'm not sure how much extra I would pay for it. I also don't have automatic buttonholes (only manual) and would definitely love that. I tend to avoid doing buttonholes if I can. When you go to buy the machine (and a dealer is definitely the best way) tell them what you've been using in your class and ask what the differences are. If you've learnt to do something on a machine that has a particular feature (like automatic buttonholes) then it would be a pain to have to adjust your thinking to a machine without that feature. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: lendube
Date: 05-05-2007, 09:19 PM (5 of 34)
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www.freepatterns.com I clicked on this advertisement (first time since I've joined) that I saw at the top of the page in this forum. I was so impressed, registered and signed up for a couple of their newsletters one of them being "501 Sewing Secrets". I got the first one (1 in a series of 8) today and had to think of you immediately, Deborah, since this Part 1 was all about the features you might want to look for in choosing a new machine. I can't copy and paste the whole thing but it was very informative and interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing more. Sewing machine tips and a brief history -- Part 1 of 8 Welcome to 501 Sewing Secrets, an eight-part educational series filled with interesting and helpful sewing information. Each part brings you new sewing ideas and options to help beginners and experienced sewers alike. We'll cover sewing machines, hand sewing, tools to use, fabric, colors and so much more. Here's a sneak peak at the titles of all eight parts ... Part 1 - Sewing machine tips and a brief history Part 2 - Sewing machine basics -- needles, feet and more Part 3 - Pressing matters and pincushion ring pattern Part 4 - Sewing tools galore Part 5 - Thread and helpful sewing tips Part 6 - Fabrics and more helpful sewing tips Part 7 - Fabric colors and stuff about stuffing Part 8 - Sewing glossary and excuses to buy more fabric You might want to check this site out. Looks good to me and I'm usually so skeptical. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-05-2007, 09:21 PM (6 of 34)
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Pauline, I don't know what machine you have, but I found out by accident that my Janome would move needle positions by the stitch width and length adjustments buttons.. I think I later found it in the manual, but I had overlooked it at first.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 05-05-2007, 09:45 PM (7 of 34)
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Mine is a Janome Libby so I'll go and have a quick look at my manual. I still occasionally find things in there that I didn't know or had overlooked - usually because I didn't understand enough of the background first time I saw it.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: debteach
Date: 05-05-2007, 10:15 PM (8 of 34)
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Thank you for all your replies. I went and looked at some sewing machines today and I have to say that I keep leaning towards the ones that at least do lettering so that I can put the triplets names on things (they know me by voice at the embroidery place). I found a machine at Joanne's Fabrics it's a Husquavna Viking Emerald 183 and my friend said I could trade in her old sewing machine and get a $200.00 credit so the machine has all the features I want but would cost me $800.00. Isn't that a little expensive for someone just starting out? It's a lot of money but then I am a type a personality and jump into something with both feet. I wouldn't invest that much if I weren't serious about learning to sew. What do you ladies think? I then looked at Brother sewing machines and the quality wasn't as good. Perhaps I'll go look at Singers tomorrow. What do you think about the price I am considering spending on a machine? Too much? Be honest ladies... Thanks, Deb |
User: debteach
Member since: 05-04-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 05-05-2007, 11:03 PM (9 of 34)
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It is expensive for a machine if you were just going be interested for a short while and then lose your enthusiasm. I bought a fairly basic machine without any real idea of what I wanted to do with it - put it aside for about 3 years and then got into sewing properly. The extra features would be lovely and I know I'd get a lot of use out of them. It's coming up to the time to upgrade but I haven't yet prepared the ground with dh enough yet. Back then the thought of $800 would have seemed excessive - now I'm thinking it sounds quite reasonable - especially if you're quite sure of staying interested. BTW - what a lovely friend you have to donate her machine for this purpose. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 05-05-2007, 11:07 PM (10 of 34)
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Deborah, sewing machines are a lot like vehicles as they come in all makes and models and prices. My concern about buying from a fabric store is that there is little support after the purchase. Checking with a good dealer who offers classes on how to use the machine and will provide a warranty, service and support is important. Lots of times (at least in my community) most dealers will sell a previously owned machine with a full warranty. That way you get a lot more machine for your money. Even beginners should buy as much machine as they can afford. You will want one that does a variety of stitches, one step buttonholes, a basic monogram, and comes with a variety of presser feet plus an easy fill bobbin. Take your time when shopping as most of us have owned our machines for many years. A machine that gives a quality stitch, a neat buttonhole, and offers a variety of presser feet is worth its weight in gold. Hope this helps. Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 05-06-2007, 07:42 AM (11 of 34)
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Marty, Around here many Joann Fabrics stores have a Husquavna dealership right in the store. It is separate from the Joann store and even if you are just buying needles or something small, you have to buy them from that "store" rather than the regular Joann. So it is the same as buying from a dealer with the support, lessons, everything. But........at the two I have had just minor dealings with over inexpensive machines I found rude staff and poor service. I'd never buy a Husquavna anywhere for that reason alone. To be fair, I'm sure it was only the places I was at, not company policy. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: debteach
Date: 05-06-2007, 11:27 AM (12 of 34)
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Again, great advice. So, I looked in the phone book and found two places here in Orange County (Calif. that is). All Brands Sewing Center and Singer Sewing Center of Orange County. I will go looking again today after church when the triplets are napping. Just one question... is bad to buy a previously owned or refurbished machine? I'm not really thrilled with the idea of that, I want a brand new one but I wasn't sure if I should totally rule out the idea of refurbished or preowned. If they are like cars I wouldn't buy a used a car because once I get them paid off I keep them! For about 10 years or more. Should I consider the same with a sewing machine? Deb |
User: debteach
Member since: 05-04-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 05-06-2007, 12:30 PM (13 of 34)
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About buying a refurbished or preowned...if you had some sewing experience I think it may be OK since most sewing machines would be traded in because the owner wants to upgrade to a machine with more features not because they are lemons. But I would ask whether you get a warranty with the machine and whether you get lessons and help should you have problems. And if you already knew how to sew, you could probably figure out how to use the machine. When buying new machines, I know that my dealer (as most dealers do) give you lessons on how to use the machine. When I got my new machine a few years ago, even though I had been sewing for many years, I was told that she would give me lessons until she felt that I was totally comfortable with using the machine. I also was able to come back at any time to ask for additional help should I not remember or have problems using a feature, etc. I don't know whether you would get this type of service if you bought a refurbished machine. As you are a new sewer, IMHO, the service from the dealer should be one of the main factors when choosing a machine. I can say that was what I was looking for last Christmas when I bought my niece a sewing machine from a dealer in her home town. I dealt with them by phone and visited the store. I wanted to ensure that my niece would have lessons and a good place to go should she be "stuck" since I'm not close to provide any help. As Dorothy said, I was buying the dealer as well as the machine. Good Luck in your search. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: temom
Date: 05-06-2007, 02:19 PM (14 of 34)
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Deborah, I have a Husqvarna Viking Platinum 770 (It has since been replaced by the Platinum 775). I absolutely love it. One thing that I really appreciate and use all the time is the sewing advisor. Based on the type of fabric I am using and what I want to do, it tells me what kind of needle to use, what pressure foot, & what tensions to use. I bought it as a brand new sewer, and fell in love with it. I have had it a little over a year now, and truthfully, I doubt that I would ever trade it in for an upgrade. If I want a bigger/better machine, I will get it and sell my used machine independently. The only thing I don't like about it is how much I paid for it (it went on sale less than 10 days after I bought it for a few hundred dollars less and the dealership wouldn't do a thing about it). Now, when I bought my serger, I test drove an inexpesive brother that a friend had, then went and test drove the viking & huskylock sergers. I went with the brother for $200. I felt that it would be good for my needs, and it also had good reviews. Good luck to you, and have fun! Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
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From: lendube
Date: 05-06-2007, 04:32 PM (15 of 34)
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Another for the Husqvarna Viking. I have an embroidery model, #1+. I love it to pieces. It also has the Advisor and it's very helpful. The two dealers in my area are both good. I don't think $800. is unreasonable if you're sure you're serious. If you don't even know how much you'd like sewing I'd say go for a cheaper, basic machine that's still good quality. That way you can upgrade and still hang on to the cheaper one as a back-up. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: debteach
Date: 05-06-2007, 06:09 PM (16 of 34)
I was looking at the Viking Platinum 775 this morning on line because of the sewing advisor and can't get a price on it. I am not sure they sell it at the dealer by house as well. Is it considerably more expensive than the Emerald 183? I am pretty sure that I will stick with the sewing thing as I have been looking for classes for over 3 years and finally found one. I never say I am going to do something and not do it which is why I think my hubby is supportive of this decision. My last journey was to lose weight so joined Jenny Craig and Curves and lost 56 pounds in 6 months. I am a type A over achiever personality which probably won't go so well with sewing as I want every project to be perfect.
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User: debteach
Member since: 05-04-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 05-06-2007, 07:26 PM (17 of 34)
So just start with really simple projects. That way you'll get your basic skills honed but still satisfy your expectations. I have to say though that as the mother of 3 two year olds I would have thought they'd have beaten any perfectionist tendencies out of you long ago. 
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-07-2007, 04:09 AM (18 of 34)
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I love all 3 of my different brand machines for their different features but you might want to check out the Janome made Kenmore models at Sears. These machines run less in price than the very similar models with the Janome name. I have one of the computerized models with over 365 stitches and 2 alphabets (Block and Script) upper and lower case and numbers. The stitch combinations are great and programmed combined patterns can be elongated up to 5 times and there is stitch recall that remembers your stitches even after the machine is turned off. There are newer Kenmore models now even with more stitches and more styles of alphabets. The machines go on sale constantly and you would probably be spending between $300-$500. The seven piece feed dogs help to sew all fabrics extremembly well. These machines are so quiet you can even sew at night without waking your boys. I have a Pfaff, a Viking Interlude and my Kenmore and I use my Kenmore for my night sewing because it is so silent. My Viking sings and my Pfaff purrs. I do hope you can check out the Kenmore models either on line or in a Sears store before making a purchase. I do feel they offer more features for the price and they have the famous Janome quality. Possibly you can check some Janomes if you have a dealer close by also but these machines will be more expensive. The smaller Janome Jem models are easy to tote around and have some nice features. If you really like Viking, I hope you see the new Sapphire models. They are large and lovely and have wonderful features. Being they are so large they are not machines that you would probably be getting out and putting away often. Good luck on your choice of machine. I hope you find a machine you love and use often. I sewed for my 6 kids and the youngest of my 6 were twin boys which also gave me 3 boys in all with 3 girls. I now have 26 grands of which 6 are great grands. I picture you making many tee shirts and enjoying your kids and sewing for them. Best wishes. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-07-2007, 08:36 AM (19 of 34)
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My sewing machine was a refurbished show room model from a quilt shop -- a year old but used a lot in classes I think. I got a great discount and a warranty just like on a new machine. I went back to the same shop for my serger and lucked into them finding one used to teach shop owners how to use the new model. Again, great discount and like a new warranty. They are both Pfaffs but I would think other brands have the same offers. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 05-07-2007, 11:03 AM (20 of 34)
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"But........at the two I have had just minor dealings with over inexpensive machines I found rude staff and poor service. I'd never buy a Husquavna anywhere for that reason alone. To be fair, I'm sure it was only the places I was at, not company policy. " Dorothy you are right that it was the individual and not Viking but there is really no excuse for that behavior. What I suspect happened was it was a model that they are forced to carry because they are in JoAnns and really don't want to carry it. Viking forces some dealers to open up in JoAnns. (This was the final straw for me with Viking. When they said I had to open in a Joanns 2 blocks from my main store I refused.) This can leave the dealer scraping for competent help and often they have to settle for what they can get. The dealer that did succumb to the pressure was a very stong dealer that had done well for years. When forced to open in JoAnns she lost so much that she not only had to close that store but ended up filing bankruptcy on the original store. So indirectly Viking may be responsible for how you were treated. The dealer may be there by force and unable to get or afford competent help. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 05-07-2007, 11:24 AM (21 of 34)
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Deb, none of the better brands will allow their prices to be posted on the web. You will need to contact your local dealer. This is partly to protect you and the dealer ie. if people went into a shop in Ca. and wanted them to match AR. prices that dealer would not be in business for long because his cost of business is so much higher. Once he was out of business you would have no one to go to for classes and other help. At the same time if you saw the lower prices in another state you might be tempted to go there or have someone you know buy it and ship it to you. Again your local dealer would soon go out of business and you would be stuck with a machine and no support. The better companies would rather you not buy their machine than to buy it and not have adequate support.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-07-2007, 05:04 PM (22 of 34)
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I do think Viking has more price variations than most companies. I could have purchased my Viking Interlude 445 new in box for less on line because it is a discontinued model. I did purchase it for $200 more used at my local dealer who was rather angry that I could have purchased it on line new and for less even though he had no new ones and could not get them because the Interludes were DC'd. The new Sapphire models are priced locally at $1499 for the 850 and $1299 for the 830 and there have been posts by owners purchasing the 850 for under $1000 in Florida and another post from someone who purchased her 850 for under $1200 in NY. I also wonder if when these people made their purchases if they had to deal with the usual dose of rudeness that is put out by Viking salespeople here where I live. BTW, it is my understanding that the Platinum 775 model is discontinued with the introduction of the Sapphire's and is presently hard to find if interested in purchasing one, so if you find one I would gobble it up. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 05-07-2007, 11:43 PM (23 of 34)
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Klynne the dealers gripe should be with Viking for having a policy that allows discontinued machines to be sold on-line... not the customer that takes advantage of the bargain. Especially if he didn't have and couldn't get one. Pfaff won't allow any new machine current or not or used machine that is a current model to be sold on-line as they want to make sure the purchaser gets good local service. The penalty for such a sale is loss of dealership and Pfaff will not honor a warranty on any machine sold on-line. Sounds like you need to hunt for a dealer that recognizes that he may have lost the machine sale but can hope for "add-on" sales by making you feel welcome. Otherwise he loses all the way around. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-08-2007, 06:07 PM (24 of 34)
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Tom, can you tell me why it is that some machines that are discontinued can be sold on line yet local dealers cannot even "get" any discontinued models for a buyer? In other words, these models can be obtained by Internet sellers but not by local dealers that should have better access to the brand. BTW, I was told that a dealer can lose a license to ship a Viking out of state for a sale. Very strange rules when certain models cannot be even purchased locally because they are not even made available to local dealers once the model becomes discontinued. I would think that dealers would be first to have access to the discontinued items and maybe sell them at a reduced clearance price. Just to add to my grumbles, there is a "new model" machine that is out of stock in my state that I like and yet in another state where my brother lives, I just found out today the machine is $500 less but they will not ship it, it has to be picked up in the store. This store will even reduce the price to match prices and I do know of someone that purchased it for another $100 less in that state. Locally, I went in to purchase this expensive machine with my credit card in hand. There were no more in stock and I was then ignored by all the sales people where I have bought several machines in the past and I asked how do I order one. I was told that I needed to put 1/3 down and they all walked away..as if they thought I did not have the money with me. I was going to pay off the entire machine when I when I orderied it, but I walked out the door instead. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 05-08-2007, 08:10 PM (25 of 34)
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Klynne it is true that a dealer can lose his dealership for shipping a machine out of his territory although Viking has a reputation of turning their head if it is a large dealer doing it. Pfaff makes no exceptions. Janome threatens but seldom enforces. Singer never did enforce and now its OK. Only an Authorized dealer can get machines from Viking. People selling on-line are either not dealers or are selling discontinued machine. Any dealer can get discontinued models as long as Viking has them. What happens is when they are reduced because they are being discontinued some dealers buy up all of them they can. This is why some will have them while others can't get them. (I did this with the Pfaff 2046 last year and may do it with the 2170 this year). Another way machines get on the "net" is when someone buys out another store. I just bought out a Viking and Janome dealer so I now have a number of those machines even though I am no longer a dealer for either. There is nothing to prevent me from selling them on-line. However, Viking's warranty is to the original purchaser only (that is me since I bought them from the dealer). Once I sell these machines even though they are still in sealed boxes the purchaser will have no warranty from Viking. So in good conscience I can only sell them locally so I can stand behind them. (My customers have no problem with that since they know I was doing his repairs for him anyway). Anyway this is how John Doughet and some of the other on-line dealers get machines they are not authorized to sell. I keep trying to remember who your Viking dealer is. I know the Pfaff and Singer dealers in your area but can't remember ever meeting the Viking dealers. (Arizona was in my region when I was Regional manager for So-Fro). I wonder if this holds the record for the longest post. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: temom
Date: 05-09-2007, 07:00 AM (26 of 34)
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Deb, how is the sewing machine adventure coming along? Do you have any favorites yet? Narrowed it down? Made the plunge?
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-09-2007, 12:54 PM (27 of 34)
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Thanks for that info Tom. My local dealer for Pfaff and Viking are one and the same and has been here for generations. A nice family runs the company stores. It is too bad that many of the hired staff are so rude or give wrong info about their models that has sent me elsewhere to make my purchases. There are some good sale people also and I have purchased several machines and sergers from them for my large family and probably will again..depending.. Deb, if you want a Viking with the sewing advisor you might want to check out the discontinued Interlude 445 now selling for less than original price. The Interlude model under the 445 is the 435 and it does not have the sewing advisor but the 445 does, plus more stitches, and a buttonhole for leather and it also comes with the teflon foot for leather sewing. The 445 also has a taper stitch feature, mirror image and stitch programming. This model can use the sensor buttonhole foot but the foot needs to be purchased separately. One of the Platinum models took the place of the Interlude 445 and is practically the same machine with the same stitches etc. and now some of the Platinums are being discontinued for the large Sapphire models so the Platinum's should now cost less also. I hope you find a machine you love. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: patce
Date: 05-18-2007, 09:43 AM (28 of 34)
| A Bernina dealer now has a lot of inexpensive starter machines. Another thing to remember, the better machine dealers will allow you to trade up, within a certain length of time.I've met several sewers who have a top of the line machine, from doing just that.I 2nd whoever advised a good dealer.They are worth their wt in gold .JMO PL |
User: patce
Member since: 05-22-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-19-2007, 02:15 AM (29 of 34)
| Yes, my dealer has a trade up policy where if you trade up within a year of your purchased machine you will get the full price that you paid for your machine..but this price goes against the MSRP of the new machine. Even if the machine you are trading up to is on sale..you still have to pay the MSRP if you trade in your machine. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: debteach
Date: 05-19-2007, 05:37 PM (30 of 34)
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Hi Ladies, I finally took the plunge and bought my sewing machine last weekend for mother's day. I took a look at the Kenmore at Sears; in fact I looked ALL OVER Orange County and decided on a cheaper model of a viking. I thought that it would be a great starter model. I bought the Huskystar Viking C20 which still has the lettering and everything else and was on sale for $399.00. I bought it at a JoAnn's with a Sewing Shop inside so I got one lesson on how to use my machine and I get another 2 hour lesson in June. They have a lot of support to help me through my sewing journey and I can always upgrade later. I just felt that with my boy's special needs it would be too irresponsible for me to spend over $400.00 on a machine right now. It had everything that I basically wanted with a cheaper price tag. I am going to enroll in another sewing class at an adult school closer to my home on Monday nights so I will have 2 classes over the summer and an extra chance to get better. I have been working on the same apron every Wed. night for 4 weeks now! I want to finish so I can move onto another project. All in all I am very happy with my purchase and have no regrets! Any thoughts?? Deb |
User: debteach
Member since: 05-04-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 05-19-2007, 08:09 PM (31 of 34)
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Congratulations! Looks like you followed everyone's advice and checked out a lot of different machines before deciding to buy. I'm glad that you are getting sewing lessons to help you along the way and dealer support is crucial. Sounds like you got just what YOU wanted. Happy Stitching! Marty |
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293
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From: temom
Date: 05-19-2007, 08:34 PM (32 of 34)
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Congratulations! Vikings have an excellent reputation, so I'm sure you will absolutely love your new machine  If you are looking for a simple, fun project for your boys, you can make them a flannel pillow case. To start the Christmas season last year, I made my kids a flannel snoman pillowcase, but used the Alphabet from my machine to put their names on the hem, placed right across a snowman's tummy. Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: debteach
Date: 05-20-2007, 12:19 PM (33 of 34)
| Thank you. I was looking for a simple project for them where I could stitch their names. I will try that for my next project. |
User: debteach
Member since: 05-04-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: patce
Date: 05-21-2007, 08:19 AM (34 of 34)
| Glad you found the machine you like for the price that works for you.I had a good Vikin g/poor dealer,but the machine was nice.Never learned all it could do. Anyway....whatever brand works is the way to go. Enjoy,PL |
User: patce
Member since: 05-22-2004 Total posts: 4 |
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