Why not buy a used Bernina? I love mine!

I agree, sewing machines are a good example of " You get what you pay for". Can you justify the cost by how much you are going to use it? If you sew everyday, and want to "grow" into a machine, then get what you want and don't feel bad. It is an investment into your sewing hobby. There is a reason that Bernina gets the money they ask for their machines. I just bought a 820 and my DH did not even blink, as he knows it is top quality and I will get back my investment. When I bought my first Bernina 25 years ago for 1,000, I also bought a note book and wrote down every thing I had sewn, how much it cost, and how much it would have cost in a store. I paid for that machine very quickly, and that machine runs today as well as it did the day I took it home. As you can afford it and justify it, then get what you want and enjoy!

[QUOTE=lalaland;5103460]I bought a combo sewing/embroidery Brother Innovis 4000D for $5,000. What I regretted is I NEVER used the sewing machine, not once, and it was a really high end machine too. I used it exclusively for embroidering and I used it a LOT.

See you are out of the norm; most people who buy them say they got intimidated right away by the embroidery machine and only use it for sewing. I bought my Ruby last fall and promised myself that I would use the embroidery and not let it go to waste. I'm doing it; I just bought the 5D software so that I can start designing and doing portrait art and I love, love the cutwork needles. I have to admit that I've sewen very little on it. I do piecing and my older machine is so easy and I know exactly where the 1/4 is. I am sitting up my sewing room now and have put my Ruby in the main spot so she'll get used more for sewing as well. If I'm not embroidering anything that is.

I agree and I've taugth my kids to ask them selves first if they can afford something and if it's on payments (mine is) then can you afford that and then the second question is; Are you worth it? I hope for all that the answer to that is Always YES. It is for me. I've lived a hard life and will only be on this earth for a given amount of time and I want to enjoy the things that are here. I don't do alot outside of home and work so this is my one area that I like to enjoy myself and I get to be intouch with my creative side.

I wish I lived closer and I'd come and help you out. I want you to try a website that I found out when I bought my Viking #1; it has CD's you can order and they are packed with information and if you browse the site you can find alot of free stuff especially on the older machines. I don't think the site is updated anymore so as it helped me with my #1 I get nothing for my Ruby. The two ladies who were doing most everything dies and I don't think anyone else does anything. It's called sewmuch4retirement.com. Do you have any of the manuals for your machine? Like I said; it's too bad you don't live closer. Our Viking dealer here has monthly embroidery clubs for $40 a yr plus supplies and she'd also help you get up and going. Good luck and feel free on here to ask questions. Also; there are yahoo groups for most embroidery machines; have you checked there for answers. You might even be able to find a member in your area.

[QUOTE=vschieve;5114144]Treasureit,
If you like the Viking then you might consider trading it for the new Viking Quilter's machine. I am not certain of the exact design name for it but one of the instructors at LQS has one and loves it.

I think you are talking about the Viking Mega quilter; I love this machine. It is so easy to use; super fast. Strong, heavy built machine. It does need oiled but other than that it's not tempermental on threads or tensions. It only has straight stitch so if you need a zigzag you might want to check out some of the other Vikings that are also good for quilting with more stitches.

I have the Ruby and there is one machine that came out after it. I love my Ruby. I got a great discount thru my LQS because it was used; it was used a whole big 7 hours when I bought it. I also knew the previous owner and knew she'd taken great care with it. She's also the stores Viking repair person; she just decided she wanted the latest out.

When you go to Vikings website they now have things for Viking, Phaff and Singer. Who knows who makes what but as long as Viking keeps making them strong then I'll stick with them. And as long as I have a good dealer like I do then I can't ask for more than that. Except for to have my machine paid off.

I have one of the latest machines and it was made in Sweeden. Viking didn't sell out; they are having the machines assembled there. They don't make the parts there and Viking still checks for quality to make sure it stays high. I believe in buying American made whenever possible. I have a jeep and a ford; all american but I guarantee you that if research were done there would be parts on at least one of them that were made in China, Japan, etc. That's the way it is today. It's really hard to buy anything where no other country has had their hands on the product in one way or the other. We have to have faith in some of the companies that we buy for that no matter where they have things "assembled" at that they'll guarantee the quality will be the same. If not, then we had better all buy our FW, treadles, etc because that's what we'll be left to sew on and even alot of them have been made overseas.

Point in case; how many of you drink diet sodas? They all have aspartame in them, which has formalcahyde in it. Aspartame was made overseas by a country that won't use it in their diet drinks; they use Stevia. This is a verifiable fact. We are affected constantly by things that have been made/produced in a country that doesn't have a good track record.

I didn't spend mega bucks, but it was a huge purchase for me when I found a used Janome 6600. I had looked everywhere and had lots of helpful advice for everyone on this board. So when I went to a dealer, armed with sandwiches to try out stitching, I knew what to ask, what to look for and what to expect in pricing. What I walked out with that day was a machine that is wonderful. She does everything I ask and more! Someday I will upgrade to a LA. You have to know right from the "gitgo" what you expect the machine to do and if you can justify the financial outlay of money. If you just want it and have no idea of ever using all the different options, then yes, you will most likely end up with buyers remorse.

Wow you got a super DEAL on the Horizon !! Dealers here are still asking $2600-2800 for the 7700 ... I'd love to get one but not ready to part with my 6600 !!