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My husqvarna dealer told me that the "H" class series were the low end of their machines...She said that the stitching was adequate but not as good as the higher priced machines...I have a Platinum and love mine...If your budget allows I would see what types of deals your dealer can give you and go for one of the higher end machines...
Kitty
So which one did you go with? I'm considering the Hclass 100 as my main machine - I'm new at this too. I like that it's computerized and has all the features that I could ever want, but I'm concerned that it might be too small for quilting which is something I'm getting into.
I would go one step above the H class 100 . I am from a family of Viking owners we have about 11 between 4 of us. we all love them . As to the H class 100 my dealer/repair person is not a huge fan of that one, as he thinks they are not quite the high quality as the others in the line... but added its new and he has not been able to assess them from a repair stand point. Viking at one time had the best warrenty , check out the warrenty on any machine you consider.
I have an Emerald 183, my first machine. Thinking about upgrading to a Sapphire, but not sure. I've had the 183 for about 3 years, and I've not had any issues with it. It's been getting a workout lately, now that I've dipped my toes into the quilting world (whereas before I just used it for minor repairs, hemming, curtains, baby clothing).
Buy the best machine you can afford now. You will grow into the features of your machine as you become experienced. You might as well learn on a better machine and not have to trade up as quickly.
I have a Viking 550. It's about 14 or 15 years old and I have sewn clothes, quilts (including denim ones), patched heavy canvas work pants, made kids clothes and all the curtains for my house. Have never had any problems with it and it's only been in the shop once just for a check up. Nothing was wrong. Vikings are really good machines. You won't go wrong buying any one of them.
Families are like old quilts....although they tend to unravel at times...each can be stitched back together with love.
I did the entire interior of a boat - marine canvas - on my Viking Rose. Find yourself a good dealer that's NOT in a JoAnn's.
I have the Viking #1 with embroidery, the mega quilter and my latest Viking Ruby; love them all. Not sure where you are on the east coast but make sure the dealer is good. Mine is in Carrolton VA and has free monthly embroidery classes and they are very knowledgeable about all of the Viking machines. All of the staff in the store are really nice and I like going there. These are things to keep in mind. We have a Bernina dealer here and I wouldn't buy there because of the staff and management are rude and I wouldn't want to have to deal with them too much. Is this a basic machine or does it also do embroidery. I got mine used but I knew the previous owner and I did go thru the dealer so I got the classes and warranty and it only had 7 hours of use. The previous owner just decided right away that she wanted the latest one out so she got it. Lucky me. I know their new Topaz 20 is 1900. I knew I had to have larger hoops than most with 4x4 would have gotten me bored really fast. I use the largest one the most so I made the right choice for me. Vikings are really good machines; talk to your dealer/store.
Judy
The only machine I sew on is my Viking 6020 which I bought new in 1969. When my children were young I made everything from their undies to their snomobile suits on it, including jeans and jean jackets. It is nearly indestructable and I can do all the cleaning and service on it myself. If the new Viking machines are made half as well this one it would sure be my choice.
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