quilter2

Today I looked at a Viking Emerald Model 203. Does anyone have this machine? if so do you like it or if anyone has any opinions on Viking machines would like to know what you think. Thanks

katier825

I had a Viking 400 for about 15 years. It finally gave out and would have been a few hundred dollars to fix. I decided to get a new one and bought a Viking Sapphire 830. I've been very happy with the Vikings. I had a Kenmore before the first Viking and it was ok, but prefer the Vikings. The Sapphire is so different, it takes some getting used to, but I am pleased with it. I did look at the Emerald, but it was only $100 more to get the Sapphire, and with the bigger throat, I decided to go for it.

Just be sure to test drive the features you will most likely use, not just the pretty stitches. You'll get a better idea of whether or not you like it that way.

Good luck!

Hunnib

I don't have any experience with your particular machine but I have the Viking Designer SE and I wouldn't trade it for anything....well, except the Designer Diamond. I also have the Viking Huskylock 936 Serger.

butterflywing

i have the viking #1+ or whatever it's called. it's downstairs and i have no memory left. but i do remember this. i have it since it's inception, about 15+ years, and i love it. never had any serious problem that wasn't me-caused.

Gilla

In 1969 I bought A VIKING 6750. I sewed everything on it, my clothes, husband's suits, etc. I still have it, it still works and I use it whenever the other one is busy.
Last year I bought a Viking designer 1, I like very much. The D1 is not as sturdily built as my old one, but it is good for what I need. I've had Singer Quantum (in my closet) that is no comparison to my Viking. It also lost the ability to embroider some of the designs and would cost a fortune to fix.

My two cents worth. If you can get that machine at a reasonable price, get at least some training on it, also repair for some time, go for it. But, watch your dealer. Some are not as good as others.

butterflywing

thanks, gilla. you unclogged my brain somewhat.

viking designer #1+.

Somebunny

I love the Viking machines. I got one when I gave birth to my first son, let someone borrow it a few years ago, and never got it back, but it is still going strong after 20 years. I bought a 30 year old viking to replace it and it is going strong too. But my baby is my new Viking Designer SE my dear mother-in-law gifted me with. A gift from heaven. Vikings seem stong, solid, and able to go the long haul. I'm sure there are other good quality machines, but there are a lot of inferior machines. Get what makes you happy. Good ones are better than a car and lasts as long as a house.

quilter2

Thanks everyone, seems like a Viking is a good machine. I've only been quilting since March so I only use the machine for my quilts, take them to be machine quilted. Just not sure if this may just be too much of machine for what I do. This model is on sale for $799.

muffins

Have the Rose, SE and the last one being the mega quilter. Had the Rose for approx 7 years, the SE about 1.5 years and the mega about 4 months. They all sew so nicely. For the money I think the mega quilter is great buy. I do my own quilting with it and it does a fantastic job. It's not computerized, and very easy to maintain . Four places to oil and easy to get at, and easy to clean. It's for straight stiching, and has three wonderful features. Just look at it and see what you think. I would say the throat accepts a king size quilt.

nellebelles

I have had several Viking machines--a Designer 1, a Designer SE and a Sapphire 870. I no longer have the D1, but still use the SE and the 870. I love all of them! The 870 is really great with the bigger throat area. Makes quilting a large quilt a breeze! Right now, I use my 870 as my primary machine, and will use the SE more for embroidery. I haven't done much embroidery yet, but plan to sometime in the future. I actually don't do any machine sewing right now and won't be for the next three months--recovering from foot surgery! :?