I absolutely loved my Viking 500 and wore it out. It is sick now, but will eventually go to the sewing machine doctor for service and if affordable, will be repaired. I'm sorry that Viking is declining in quality, but then isn't everything. My Chevy built in Korea just blew the engine! I thought I was buying an American made car, silly me. Other than the Viking, I like Brother machines. They do a good job for me and are easy to service unlike the Viking which must go to a dealer for service.
I'd love to have the Designer +1 = it is a great machine!