anniesews

I don't know where you are located but in Michigan we have several sewing machine stores. I usually get a Viking and have good service if I ever need it. I have the very expensive embroidery machine and one under $700 that I also use. Viking products seem to be very dollar worthy machines and seldom need anything other than cleaning.

DawnFurlong

kellen46 - got a quick question since you have purchased the machine I am planning on purchasing. You mention spending an extra $100 to get the needle adjustment feature. On this same machine? I hadn't seen anything about this - so was wanting more information as I haven't yet purchased the machine. Having the ability to adjust the needle would be nice, but not a deal breaker.

kellen46

[QUOTE=jillmc;4900394]Thanks for all ! I did some stitching today on my old Bernina, and I just love the machine! Even tho she doesn't stop sewing when I let up on the foot pedal, and the decorative stitches no longer work......and a few other "minor" problems. I am going to search for a used Bernina. I already have a ton of feet, including a walking foot...so I hope I can use them on a newer machine. I am used to sewing on this machine, and the Janome 6600 seemed so complicated when the staff member was showing me how to change feet, change bobbins for FMQ, etc. I have posted a wanted ad on CL for a few weeks.....no luck so far, but I will keep renewing the ad. Perhaps the dealer has some used machines that were traded in during the holidays...........will keep you posted!

By any chance....is your old Bernina 830 Record? I have this machine and had this problem. It was not the machine but the foot pedal. So you might have an inexpensive fix. Take it in for a complete cleaning and diagnostic. I have a local Babylock dealer who will work on non computerized Bernina's. ( The Bernina Dealer is 3hours away over the mountains) He fixed it so good that the cams for the decorative stitches now do work and so does the motor speed. The cost was about $100. For some reason I have had to have the foot pedal replaced now two times. But since I bought the machine back in 1973 that is not too bad. It still runs wonderful. By the way the older feet will not work on the newer machines. I also have a 440 which is now my main machine and the 830Record is in honorable retirement and my back up machine.

janeknapp

I love my Babylock Quilter's Choice Professional that is like the Juki Semi-Professional... only straight stitches ... knee lift ... cutter ... threader ... needle up/down ... drop feed dogs and many feet. I paid $950 in 2005. It has a 9" throat. You can slowly step it through one stitch at a time or run it at the high speed of a long arm machine. I've done a queen sized quilt on it, but now use it for smaller quilts and microstippling using a #70 needle and #100 silk thread...love, love, love it for this type of work. I have a Nolting mid-arm which is set into a table where I push the quilt under the needle which I now use for bigger quilts. http://www.babylock.com/sewing/quilt...-professional/

kellen46

Look on the AllBrands site and it is the same machine with the extra feature at $699. I found that AllBrands was very responsive to emails and can help you with any questions. They are good folks to work with.

DawnFurlong

Thanks!!! I have seen that machine, will have to look closer at the extra features. I, too, have found AllBrands to be very responsive. Had a question about this machine. There responded quickly and were very nice. Can't wait to order mine! Just waiting to make my last payment on tires for my car - and that will happen in February. :-)

barb55

I'm with there with the Viking Rose, I have and it all these years, it's a work horse, and has never let me down.

GladGrams

I bought a Baby Lock this past Christmas for my use while home in the USA. I am "hooked" - talk about intuitive and easy to use, to say nothing of the quality and wide range of prices and models. I bought a Sofia 2 ($600) and am pleased with it. I will probably upgrade in a few years to a more sophisticated model, but this was like meeting an old friend with whom I could quickly renew a friendship. They are made in Asia, but at the Baby Lock factory to their specs.

Dordee

I have both Singer & Brother machines and love them both, but I do lean more towards the Brother.js

patski

You can buy a lower end Huskvarna, I have the high end and a low end machine and use the low end machine 90% of the time! I don't use all the fancy "bells and whistlles" after all!