I have a Viking Sapphire 830. I LOVE it. I also bought it because my former one was a viking. The machine has a nice open throat for quilting and also lights on both sides of the switch plate. There are two models that are more expensive than the 830, but I do love this one.

Just had to catch up on all the suggestions. What did your daughter suggest?

Just read this all the way through, everyones suggestions seem to be right on. If you decide on the "box idea" you might want to include a few spools of embroidery thread and stabilizer (suggested by her Husqvarna staff if you go to them for advice) for her to use after she gets her new machine. Nothing is more frustrating than to spend lots of money on a machine and then needing "more supplies" before you can use it. If the daughter gets good info from mom then you can suggest to others to get her the thread, stabilizer and extra needles and bobbins (extra needles and bobbins for an embroidery machine is very useful)!

This husband has a tough decision to make. He has not corresponded back as yet and I think all of us in this forum have his wife's health in our thoughts, and his desire to make her happy with a new sewing machine a genuine gesture of love. All of us here in this forum, don't know how much time she has left or even if that is an issue...so let's all of us extend our wishes for quality time spent between them and hope we have helped him make a decision./ Lissa

My idea would be to make a Gift Certificate and let her select the machine she would like. Put in in a big box and wrap it. Know this is not the same as getting one on Christmas, but a sewing machine is such a personl thing with us...If you can't do the Gift cert. perhaps you can find someone who would do it for you.

Let us know what you do?

Helen

i just found this and haven't read all the posts. all i can say is not to use her current machine to upgrade to a newer one. there's nothing worse than losing an old friend, even to a new friend. aside from that, i agree with the others that she would like to pick it out herself.

Guy,

I don't have any suggestions, but just wanted to say I think your wife is going to be a very happy woman on Christmas morning and you're a very good Santa. I hope her health improves and that both of you have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Sandy

First off I hope your wife feels better and her health improves.

I agree with Bella, go to the dealer and get a brochure on the Husqvarna embroidery machine. Give her either a gift certificate or a blank check so she can pick out the machine she wants.
Buying locally will allow her to go to the dealer for lessons on how to use the machine.

Like Butterfly says don't necessarily make it contingent on trading in her current machine, she may not want to. But if she does all the better.I love this machine, the top of the line can connect to your computer and she can download embroidery designs from the internet.

You are a jewel to do this for her. WTG Santa, I mean Guy!!!

Just checking for updates.

hey----i have designer 1 has embroidery attachment but can see the designer 2 is a better machine. also , with her permission u could trade it up. i love my viking. also, janome is recommened by a lot of people dont know which of thiers to recommend but they have a good reputation. just make sure it has embroidery on it betty