T-Anne

For a sad chuckle - I went to a machine usage class for my new machine and there was a woman there who bought a top of the line brand machine with everything on it. She has never sewn before, never took it out of the box when she bought it six months prior to class. When they got it set up and the instructor told her to turn it on, she pushed the button, it made that sound where the needle is setting and she started screaming "I broke it, I broke it". I hope she can make friends with her new machine. Poor lady.

BellaBoo

If I can afford what I want, then I buy what I want. The most important thing other then price is dealership references. Don't go by what the dealer says, go by what the dealer has done for other customers. Speak up and ask for customer references. A great dealer will say anyone that bought from me!

sewnsewer2

I have a bernina 640 and LOVE it!

oldtnquiltinglady

Please PM me regarding this particular machine--I bought what I think is the same and have some questions on using the floppies, etc. and embroidering--and haven't found the time to go to classes offered by a dealer an hour away; she is hard to nail down to a specific time--and she charges $45 an hour. I don't mind that in itself, it is just hard for me to break loose long enough to go that far for a half day of classes. So, when you get a chance and want to discuss it with me, I have some questions about using the floppies. The lady I bought the machine from was a teacher, so there are literally a million in her stuff already made up if I can just learn how to load them and alter them to the thought in my mind of what I am trying to make.....

bearisgray

Buying a sewing machine may have some things in common with buying a computer -

The dealer asks questions like "What are you going to use it for?"

It may be - at that point - the customer really doesn't know - so it is hard to give an intelligent answer.

oldtnquiltinglady

Please PM me. I recently bought this machine used from a lady who was a teacher, so I have a blue million of her floppy discs that I could use if I knew how to adjust/etc. (even get into the program for it). I have tried for over a year to get to the Viking dealer nearest (65 miles away) and she charges $45 an hour for lessons. It is really hard to nail her down for a learning session; and I cannot use the machine until I get some lessons. I am a very good seamstress/quilter and own a Gammill LA machine. If you think you can help me at all, please get back to me.

TanyaL

I spent about $4000 on mine and I have regretted not getting a higher end one. We've have some unexpected financial down turns and I probably won't be able to get another one now, but I wish I had bought at least a 6 needle embroidery machine instead.

yellowwroses

I have bought 2 diamonds and the 440. Sold my old one and bought the delux. Love all my machines. Had remorse for a few seconds.

Silver Needle

Love my Bernina and have no buyer's remorse. It is only a 640 but I like the wider feet and feed dogs as I still do some alterations. I have no interest in embroidery and am professional LA quilter so don't fmq. That said, I must admit I am really enjoying piecing on the vintage treadle we just purchased.

romanojg

I spent 4,500 for my Viking Ruby slightly used (7 hours of previous use) and I love it. Great machine and I'm so glad that I got this one with the large hoops and it can do so much. I also get great classes and my teacher listens to us and comes up with special extra classes to learn the things we want most. We get monthly classes but she just did a special monthly class where we used the cutwork needles to make a table runner. We also had the Viking educator come to town and for $10 we got an all day class with lunch and 2 snacks and lots of education and made a monogramed towel. No looking back for me. I hope you have the same kind of luck. Just remember to try out the machine, make a list of what you want. Like for me I wanted an embroidery machine with large hoop capabilities and lots of features and easy to use for when I didn't have a teacher at hand. Make sure the LQS/dealer has a good attitude and you feel good talking to them. If you get bad vibes no matter how much you like the machine, go somewhere else or at least find somewhere else to get your classes/services. Support is a big must have when buying a machine.