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Which sewing machine would you pick?

I'm shopping for a new machine, and have narrowed it down to 3. All of them are a huge step up from the Wal-Mart Brother I've had for 15 years.

So, can you tell me which one you'd pick, and why? Thanks in advance.

The choices are:
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 2700 QCP
Elna eXcellence 740
Husqvarna Viking Tribute 140C

try them all out and choose the one you like best. all 3 are nice machines

Can't speak about any of the models specifically but I will say that I do love my Viking Platinum! Have had it for probably 10 years now, never had an issue with it at all.

I also have the Viking, nice thing about them you don't oil them you take them in once year for cleaning & they do the lube job!

I have a Janome 6600P and a Husqvarna-Viking Platinum and like them both. Don't know anything about the Elna, sorry.

I am partial to Vikings. However, I do agree that you should try each one before you make your decision. Also, please consider what is available in the way of support/classes. My favorite LQS sells Vikings and I know that they are always happy to answer a question regarding my machine. I will also say that they were willing to advise me (to the point that they were able) when I was still sewing on my old Singer. Find a dealer that you respect and go from there. :)

I'm in total agreement with Pam B. I love Vikings and having a good dealer to help you in the future is great. But you need to try the different machines and see what one you like best. Spend more than just a few minutes with each machine and really try it out.

Try them out and see which is best for you. I have the viking 140c and it is a wonderuful machine.

The others have definitely steered you in the right direction about trying the machines out and considering the availability of service, help, etc. I'm sure all three are lovely machines... please let us know what you ultimately choose!! :)

My pick is the Elna ..... I got one for Christmas .... and I could not be happier!!!!!
It is beautiful, purrs like a kittten, has a HUGE HARP, and comes with loads of accesories with all the bells and whistles!!
You can't go wrong!!!! :D

I don't have any of them. I'm happy with my Juki TL98QE and Babylock Jane. I only make quilts and do FMQ, all I need is a straight stitch machine and don't mind oiling them at all. I make 15-18 quilts a year and most are large quilts. Not many no - oil machines would last long like that.
Try them all out and pick according to what you need/want. Good luck.

I would immediately rule out the Elna. Elna does not have a good reputation these days for sewing machines (although some of the vintage Elnas are gems!). Both Janome and Viking have great reputations.

I am a Janome fan myself but try them all and make sure you have a dealer who will be there for you when an if you need help with your machine.

I love my Janome...I agree with mic-pac regarding the dealer. For me a good dealer that will help me after I purchase is key...

I love all of my Vikings. If I couldn't have Viking then I'd go toward the Janome. I have a Kenmore made by Janome and it's runs really great. That's why Janome would be my 2nd choice.

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I'm going to go with the Viking. I'll let you know how it goes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamabearme (Post 5048291)

Be sure you have good support with whichever one you choose. I love my Babylock but it depends on what you want to do with it also. I do everything with it except embroider. Have fun!

The Janome Horizon is a 7700 -- I have it. The Elna 740 is based on the Janome Horizon. Janome bought Elna a few years ago and is making now making many of them in the same factory so I have hopes the brand improves. Janome also makes Brother machines.

Put out the extra money and get a Bernina! It is worth every penny. See if any 440s are still available from the dealer, or get their replacement, the 500 series. The BSR can't be beat, and the applique and know lift features are great. I know many Viking converts!

I vote that you buy one that is EASY to operate and that you don't have to crane your neck to see the needle

I don't quilt. I come here every day because it is like visiting my mom who did a lot of quilting. I have a viking for 25 plus years and have never had a problem with it. I made all my daughters school clothes and grand daughters clothes. I love my machine and if I get another machine it would be a viking.

You should sew on all three machines on your list. Decide what kind of sewing you are going to do, which machine has what you need. Theres always one machine that just 'feels' right when you sew on it.

they all sound like nice machines but the most important of all is the dealer you can't go wrong with a nice friendly one who is always there with help when you need it and be sure to check out the classes there is always so much to learn on a new machine good luck on your decission.

all three are great machines. after my eyesight went bad my dh got me a viking because it had a needle threader. now most machines have that. i love my viking - have a good dealer and good people who work for her. there is the key for me - buy from someone who is going to be there with support and help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamabearme (Post 5048291)

Check out this site. According to the writer when you buy an Elna you are really buying a Janome, so I would narrow it down to the Janome or the Viking. Anyway if you are planning to spend $1000 or more - then you can't go wrong on either machine. It all depends on what you are most comfortable with.

http://www.evidently.org/2007/02/too-much-information/

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamabearme (Post 5048291)

I agree with the others try all 3 out but I would go with Viking, I have had Janome 6000-11000
The 11000 for the last 6 months I've had nothing but problems . In the that time I've used it all of 3 weeks. My sister has the viking I have used it & LOVE it.

Those are all good machines. I agree with everyone else here as to go and try them out and see just what each one is like to you. We all look for different things in a machine and what works for one of us might not work for you. You are the one who will use the machine and you have to enjoy it.

I had a New Home for 20 years and just recently purchased a Janome 6600. I'm very pleased with my new machine so far. I have never tried a Viking - kind of wish I had "shopped" a bit more - just because I'm curious now.

The Janome Horizon is a beautiful machine. On my wish list

I would research all the ones that you're interested in, and test drive all of them. I have a Elna Quilter's Dream and have been more than happy with it. I bought it used from a dealer, it had been a trade in. I do know that some machines have been recalled for various reasons, but don't know which ones or for what reason, which is why I say to research the brand and models.

I'd see on them all first before I decided.

I bought a used Bernina 1090 10+ years ago and we're still together. I tried out many machines before I found this one. None of them felt like the 1090. We get along beautifully.

I don't know about the Janome or Husqvarna, but I LOVE my Elna eXcellence! What a treat to use!

not familiar with these but have you looked at Babylock? They have wonderful features no other machines have. If you're looking for just a quilting machine, the Babylock Symphony is an excellent machine - cost around $1700.

But as others have mentioned, try them all out and see which one you like the best.

I have several friends who have the Horizon and LOVE it!!! I have the Janome 6600. It sews beautifully too.

I have no experience with these machines, but it might be worth knowing that my mom's Elna is still an excellent machine after more than 40 years. I don't know if they're still made to the same standards, but the company deserves some recognition for that kind of quality.

I have one viking from 1974 but don't use anymore it's too heavy going to sell in garage sale. I have 2 janome on is one step pd 200 and other is 6260 pd 900. I just put a new one for 900 on lay by it is comparable to my 6260 which I love. So I guess the Janome is for me

[QUOTE=mamabearme;5048291]I'm shopping for a new machine, and have narrowed it down to 3. All of them are a huge step up from the Wal-Mart Brother I've had for 15 years.

So, can you tell me which one you'd pick, and why? Thanks in advance.
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The choices are:
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 2700 QCP
Elna eXcellence 740
Husqvarna Viking Tribute 140C

I would try out the ones that you can get serviced in your town .
It is a bummer to not have anyone to go to if you have a problem, question or need servicing. I have had 3 Vikings and love them but have friends that love their Janomes. I don't know anyone that has an Elna.

I don't know what I did, but sorry for all the weird entry above.

I think you will find the Elna and Janome are both the same machine I have an Elna and do love it most of the girls at my Quilt sit and sew have Janome's and I haven't heard a single complaint . I know nothing about Vikings. Good Pickin!