Roben

Things have been busy here, but I am trying to keep up! In between cleaning up storm damage, trying to get rid of stuff and looking for a new house (I'm tired just typing that!) the issue of my sewing machine has come to the forefront.

The short story: I bought my Designer 1 from a local dealer last year, had it in unsuccessfully 7 times for repair, and finally resorted to taking it elsewhere. It's been there over a month, and is finally ready for me to pick up tomorrow. The bottom line is that the machine was never gone through and was repaired improperly. I've written the area rep, and gotten back a "Sorry, I will discuss this with them" e-mail in return.

So, it's decision time. I am not willing to take either the Designer 1 or the Scandinavia I purchased new back to the original dealer, not even for servicing - which essentially means no warranty since the warranties don't transfer between dealers. At this point, I'm not concerned about either machine; the Scandinavia has been a great little machine (and has only been serviced by Viking corporate in Ohio), and the D1 has been properly repaired. The bill is only $300 because the second dealer thought I got a raw deal in the first place.

If I am going to sell the D1, now is the time since she's just been gone through. My knee-jerk reaction, especially after the rep e-mail, is that I'm through with Vikings, so I'm appealing to calmer heads here :D What would you do?

Janeen

Well, my embroidery machines are 'old' - a Singer XL1000 and a Brother 2003D, and I don't know what all is out there anymore - I've been too busy quilting with my OLD Singers.....

I'm very happy with both as far as emb machines go and have no plans to upgrade either.

If you are really happy with the one you have, don't use the D1, and don't think you will use it - go ahead and sell it (just don't ask me if I want it :oops: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: )

I've more or less totally dropped out of the "embroidery scene"... I was very active of a lot of lists and did digitizing etc but after awhile it's like everybody is just collecting designs and really, how many are you actually going to use?? how much are you going to use the machine for embroidery?
as long as the one does what you want it to do keep it, sell the other and use all the extra money for fabric 8) :lol:

nor'easter

I am a Viking owner (disclaimer), but it's almost 20 years old and has no bells, whistles, or embroidery features. I think I would end my relationship with the original dealer, if you have not done that already, and go over the area rep's head about the repair history of the Designer 1. I have heard of some good results from others who have done so. The bad news is, of course, that there are others who have had to do so. It sounds like the second dealer might verify the situation for you with Corporate, and that could be a huge advantage. It's worth a try before you make a final decision. If Corporate makes good on the dealer screw-ups, it might be worth giving them a second chance (Viking, not the dealer. The dealer is toast in my book!).

Roben

nor'easter, I think that is the worst part for me - I'm a 3rd generation Viking owner, and my Mom is still sewing on the Viking my grandmother bought. This is the machine that I've *so* wanted to love :cry: I'll take your advice about trying to go through corporate - I'm hoping the second dealer that did the repairs can help me navigate that maze :-) Otherwise I'm losing 23 years worth of warranty on the 400, and the rep's e-mail didn't say boo about that.

Janeen, I understand OLD Singers - my fav piecing machine is a Singer 758 :wink: Embroidery isn't the issue for me; it's having so much money tied up in a brand with a dealer that is giving me fits.

Deb G

I have a Viking that's about 15 yr. old and I love it. It doesn't have alot of extras on it but it's great for quilting and other sewing. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
I'd definiately go right to corporate with this. Good luck and let us know what happens.

reneebobby

Oh i would write them and send them copies of everything you have certified mail so you know who got it blah, blah, blah blah. Good Luck.

mountain deb

I have owned a Viking D1 for many years. I really got into the embroidery then and at times still do. I like the diversity of things I can do with this machine. But, I find I mainly use my machine for sewing and all those fancy stitches in my quilting ( I like crazy quilting ). I have had my machine in for maintenance / cleaning on a regular basis (a stitch in time theory lol ). Also, have you thought of lodging a complaint with the better business bureau?