You should chose the machine that feels the best to you. I am a die hard Pfaff fan, and to contradict the sales lady, none of my Pfaff's have EVER been in the shop every 3 or 4 months for anything. I have owned Pfaff since 1992. The only thing I have ever done for them is regular maintainence. I was a seamtress for a bridal shop for 6 years using my own machines and then I worked for a quilt shop for 5 years, again using my own machines. They are hard working machine. I personally love Pfaff. The duel feed is wonderful when stitching anything. I can tell you all the good things about them. You have to decide the best one for you.

I have a 10 year old Pfaff. I've had it cleaned once this last year. It's been a real workhorse.

Buying a sewing machine is like buying a car. Get what makes YOU happy!!

I have a Viking Sapphire 830, which I got about 6 months agot to replace my old Viking 400. I love it. It did take a little getting used to. I still reach for the presser foot lever! LOL Many people are very dedicated to a particular brand. I would also consider the dealer you purchase from. I passed on getting mine at the Viking inside of Joann's (the most convenient place) because they are generally rude to me. I purchased from another dealer who also offers free lessons for my machine anytime (not just 2 lessons like Joann's offers). She's been very helpful to me and does what she can to accommdate my schedule.

Try out a few and go with what feels comfortable!

Oh, and my old Viking I had for about 15 years and was never in the shop! That's a big reason I wanted another Viking.

I HAVE A SINGER AND I LOVE IT!

I have a Viking Designer 1 and I love it. I have had it for 14 years and have never had a problem with it. I always wanted a Bernina until I saw the Viking. It was love at first sight. I also own the Viking Mega Quilter and love it . I don't think you will go wrong with the Viking.

I don't want to confuse you more but I have a Baby Lock, the Quilters Dream Series. They can be expensive or you can get the lesser priced and I know you would be happy. I've had mine for 1 year and it works like a dream and low maintenance.

So I spent about an hour with the Janome today. Loved the features, but still having issues with the quilting. No more feathering since I used the single stitch throat plate, but the top threads show up on the bottom of the quilt. Still not happy with that. Sales ladies said it was just a matter of finding the right tension, even though we played with it a long time and never found one just right. She also mentioned a bobbin box that has a separate bobbin tension you can set and then just pop that in when you want to FMQ so it always has the correct tension... But seemed like I was having to get these 2 accessories (bobbin box & throat plate) just to get the result that might be what I wanted. Anybody else had this issue?

Will spend about an hour with the Viking tomorrow, the dealership is closed on Sundays....

Thanks for the help so far!

Not so. In 30 years, my Vikiing has had issues only once. Yes, it was cleaned on a regular basis, and in general, taken care of. But problems - only one time, and that was age-related. I cannot speak about the other machines, but I know that unless you are happy with the way a machine sews before you buy it, you will not be happy after you buy it. I would hate to buy something from the LQS just because the classes are there, and be unhappy with the machine at home.

I hope you come to a decision with which you are happy.

It is all what feels good to you. My friend has a Viking and loves it.

I have two Singers, one Baby Lock and now two older Berninas. I've sewn garments and home dec for the last 40 years and now quilts for the last few years. I've sewn all the above on all of my machines. In my experience, the older Berninas and the older Singer win hands down. There's just something about those all metal, sturdy machines. Maintenance is a snap, too - de fuzz 'em and oil 'em occasionally.

We've all had different machines, different experiences. Bottom line, as many have mentioned, after trying out different machines, please get the one that works/feels the best for you and and from a dealer that can offer service, lessons and a good warranty for you. Also, you are the one that needs to be happy, not the sales person. Machines are usually a big investment, so do your homework and then make the best decision you can. Let us know what you decide. Have fun!