I bought this same model last Sept. I really wanted several features that many machines have: needle up/down, needle threader, scissors, multiple buttonholes, many decorative stitches and some alphabets. I do use these and more than I ever thought I would especially the scissors - like every time I sew. The one thing I find so great is that when you press your foot on the pedal to go, the pressure foot automatically comes down by itself and you can sew right now. When you are in the needle down position and stop sewing, the pressure foot raises up a tiny bit but enough so you can pivot your fabric, if needed, then start sewing again. This one feature is so wonderful! I do like the wide space to the right of the needle. It's very easy to change feet. The last main thing I also wanted was the machine stops when the bobbin thread is almost out. Winding a bobbin can happen several ways from two or three different positions and you don't have to unthread the machine if you don't want to. It's easy to understand the manual, but I highly suggest you to take your class. You'll probably learn some new things. I took my class 4 months after I bought my machine. That was the first time my schedule and the shops jived. It was good tho, because I had some experience with how it works and knew what questions I wanted to ask.

I love my Sapphire 875! Its a great machine for making garments as well as quilts. It makes wonderful buttonholes
and has lots of great features, lots of decorative stitches, some of them can be made bigger, it doesn't have a presser foot lifter, its done with either the foot pedal or the button on the machine. It comes with a good assortment of presser feet, the longer throat is so nice for machine quilting. I've had it since 2009 and no problems yet. I used to sell the Husqvarna Vikings and of all the machines in the store, the 875 is the one I fell in love with.
Sharon W.

I forgot about the start/stop feature and the the speed feature..I use these alot-- can slow the machine down and then my grandchildren can use the start/stop button without using the presserfoot.........their poor little legs just aren't long enough ! Or if I am quilting a straight line from one end of the quilt to another I do not have to use the foot peddle.. did not think that would be relaxing- but it is :!:

Definately try it out. I have the 875 and really like it but the first one had to be replaced, the feet wouldn't stay down when I was doing free motion, they tried everything and couldn't fix it at the store so i got a new one!! that being said, I love the cutting, treader, all the stitches even though I only use a few, the speed control button and on and on. I would recommend that any machine you purchase that they can service it there for you.
good luck

I don't think you would be unhappy with either the 875 or the Horizon 7700. I have the 7700, but I also have a Viking Designer SE and wouldn't give it up for the world! Good luck with your decision. My friend bought the 875 and she LOVES it and is a new quilter. Hope this helps.

Josi in FL

I had the opportunity to work on the Bernina Special Edition series 8 yesterday, all I can say is WOW!. The ability to use the machine for quilting is mind blowing.....

I tried one out today and loveeeeeed it! I will be putting it on my wishlist immediately!

Update: Purchased!