Same here.....I just need to find someone who can do a one on one with me quite a few times...but other than that I love the machine

I have the same machine and don't really use the embroidary either. If I had to do it over again, I might not have gotten it but since we can't time travel yet...I still enjoy my SE . There are a lot of features that I jabsolutely love.

Another thing you may want to look at is the cost for servicing/cleaning. If I would have known how much it would cost for service-I'm used to cleaning and oiling my old machine and only taking it in when I had a problem.

See if you can play with the different brands and get a feel for the bells and whistles. The high end machine will be the clearance one in a year or 2. Find a dealer you like, play with the machines. Keep an eye out on Craigslist, I've seen some pretty high end machines for sale recently.

My Mom bought a very high end Viking 6 months ago, and if the truth be really told , it more machine than she needs or is comfortable with. I think if I asked her .. if you could have all of your money back she would say yes. Its not a bad machine , its fabulous .. just way more than she needs. All those bells and whistles get her a bit confused sometimes... and I think she just wishes it simple straight forward like the older mechanical machines. She does have a computerized machine prior to this one, but this one has the embroidery and its a whole new learning curve.

I bought a Bernina Artista 200 as soon as it was for sale. As a new machine, it had problems; but eventually, with upgrades, the problems were solved and although the machine is well over ten years old, it sews like a dream. At the time, the machine seemed very expensive; but it has been worth every cent. I love that machine!

I bought a Janome 11000SE for $5000 about three years ago. I love it and use it almost every day. The only thing I didn't figure on is how much money I spend on embroidery supplies and equipment (software, upgrades, extra hoops, threads, etc.) Sewing/quilting is not a cheap hobby:-)

No regreats here. I really love my Viking Diamond, I guess it depends on what you need in a sewing machine.

I splurged about 4 years ago and bought the Brother Duetta for Machine Embroidery...I thought I would never want their Quattro. I also came across a Pfaff CV 5.0...and I was told that this was "the machine"...
I would buy another Duetta, never buy another Pfaff and probably not buy a Quattro. I don't use all the features, but they are nice to have...if you use them.
I mainly piece, quilt and machine embroider. I don't do zippers, hems nor special stitches. Wish they could do a machine for that!
Kirsten

I also purchased the 10001 Janome. and love it. Use it every day and emb a lot. I also have the 9000 Janome which I purchased 15 yrs ago and it is still going strong. but everyeone has different idea on what they want or will use. Try several out and make sure you have a dealer who will be a big help in case something goes wrong.

I bought the Pfaff CV and have regretted it ever since. I have had it 3 years and probably don't even have 8 hours sewing time on it. I have been trying to sell it for the past year.

I have never regretted my Bernina 440 that I bought as a demo. However, a friend got an 820 and has had real mechanical issues with it. She just got it back from the dealer(took forever) and now is going to sell it. Dont buy any machine that does not come with a local dealer and technician.