Congratulations, Grad! I have Janome machines. My dealer sells both Janome and Viking and has told me that you pay more for the Viking name; in other words, you get more machine for your money if you buy Janome. Whatever you choose, please consider purchasing from a dealer ... one who can and will give you lessons and support, such as machine maintenance, answer questions, etc. A good dealer has a good rapport with the manufacturer and that's important.

I don't remember the warranties right off for each machine. But both dealers in town give lessons on the machines. From experience - my father bought a machine online that we've had the worst problems with - I'll definitely be buying from a dealer.

I appreciate all of the advice. It's given me a lot to think about. Pretty sure I'm leaning towards the Janome - I'm pretty sure I don't need all the bells and whistles of the Viking.

And thanks to everyone for the congratulations!

:D :D :D

I heard Vikings have a tension problem which is why I dropped them out of my consideration list. I don't know about the model in question, but you probably would want to google "Vikings" and "tension" to see what turns up.

Good luck

I'd like to thank everyone for their congratulations and advice! Today I bought the Janome DC3050 and can't wait to start playing with it. Unfortunately that may have to wait until tomorrow after I get my apartment cleaned up to appease the fiance who thinks I'm crazy. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :P :P :P :thumbup:

That poor boy better get used to how things are soon going to change. You are not crazy - you are a quilter. Rule #1 is: Quilting rules. Rule #2: All roads lead to quilting.

lol. (Easy for me to say: Married 32.5 years and DH is my quilting advisor)

Yay! I've had some time to play with my sewing machine. It's definitely going to provide for many a good time! :lol:

Me too, hoping you have many many great hours of quilting on your new machine!!!