Silvia75

Hi, I have been quilter for 12 yrs I am finally at a skill level where I am able to win ribbons at quilt shows. However, I am worried my 12 year-old Viking Quilt Designer 2 is not "good" enough of a machine to allow me to improve my skills. Do I need a modern sewing machine (over $1,000+) to get a better quilt or is it all in the sewer's skills?

justflyingin

I'm thinking the skill is what it is about, as long as your machine sews a good stitch and doesn't have tension problems. I found that having lots of room is helpful. My Janome 7700 has a lot of room.

citruscountyquilter

What would a new machine have that your current machine is lacking that would help you improve your skills? Variable speed, needle down, knee lift, larger harp/throat etc. Things like these are nice but would they improve your skills? After analyzing this I'd take some practice pieces of fabric and thread and go test drive some different machines. Take a sharpie and write on your test pieces what machine you used and then compare the different samples. Don't forget to make on using your current machine. Sometimes it's more a matter of wanting a new machine rather than needing one and that's OK too.

DebraK

If you want a new machine, go for it. I'm not sure I understand the "matching your skills to a machine" line of thinking., but I do understand the love of good tools.

GrannieAnnie

What skills are you trying to develop that include much more than regular straight stitches? (as in a $24 dollar second hand Brother)

Quilt30

The only reason I can think of to need or want a new machine to improve skills at quiltmaking is if the old one doesn't work and can't be fixed or if you do machine quilting and larger harp space makes it easier to do larger quilts. Otherwise a treadle machine does acceptable piecing.

ckcowl

Spending $$ does not improve your skills. People sewing on older than they are vintage machines are creating beautiful quilts. As long as your machine has a nice even straight stitch and you are comfortable with it I can think of no reason to replace it. When I bought my Viking designer one the guy in the shop told me I would never wear this machine out... I've sure tried :-) I can not imagine ever wanting to replace it, when I am gone I bet one of my granddaughters will continue to use it. Save your money for maybe skill building classes , patterns & of course fabric! ;-)

ann31039

One of my machines was made in the 40's and the other in the 70's. I had a "modern" machine, but did not replace it when it died. The older ones are great. Very quiet and powerful. Don't think you have to have a expensive machine with all the bells to do good work. All you need is a machine that works well.

Gannyrosie

The only machine I would want is a LA and since I know it's not in my budget. I'll stick to my DM and HQ for I'm not looking to put any quilt in a show. I love to quilt to see people happy and use and abuse them. But thats just me. Good luck on your choice for I see some many good opinions here in which I've taken to heart too.

ManiacQuilter2

I won a lot of ribbons even at bigger competition with my Bernina 1530 which I am still quilting on her. Not in competition any more because I am disable but I can still piece charity quilt tops. But you don't need laser light or automatic thread cutting to win unless you want to have one of those computerized long arm quilting machines that automatically quilts. I can understand in getting a larger throat. If you want to up your skills, I would suggest finding a class that will help you achieve that. They would most like be at major quilt shows. Good Luck !!