Sally J

I just looked at a 830 at my Viking store it was more than $899 so that seems like a good price. I have a D1, a Emerald and a Viking Serger and have never had one in the shop to be fixed, just occasional service. The extra throat size would be great. I do all my own free motion quilting on my D1 and the machine makes it easy. I love the pressor foot raising without having to lift it, makes it really easy.

donnalynett

I have the Sapphire 855 and I love it. I do my own quilting on it however I will mention it does not like to quilt with Coats & Clark thread so I only use that brand to piece and then use Connecting Threads Essential thread to quilt. I paid $1700 for mine two years ago.

Hulalulu

I learned something very important before buying my machine -- you can be only as good as the tools you use! Having had a less advanced, less expensive machine, this became evident. Now have a 870Q -- and work in the shop where it was purchased -- three years ago -- LOVE the space to quilt --have quilted 75" square quilts without folding -- just drape it across support in front of my quilting table. Feet are more expensive, and H/V uses an "ankle" you are obligated to buy their feet -- the 1/4" with flange is a must! The edge joining foot with a flange in the middle is wonderful -- great for doing bindings -- set the flange at the edge of the binding, and then just move the needle over. The expensive feet are free motion and walking foot -- since both are attached with the ankle off, you can use other brands, tho the techs will tell you not too! The interchangeable walking foot (has two attachable feet) is WELL WORTH the extra $$ -- it's about $20 more here, and a steal at that price -- the foot is a bit larger and just works so much better than the regular walking foot. Remember to read the directions carefully -- and adjust your foot pressure, which some other machines may not allow you to do. A work table is a must for big quilts, so another expensive, tho' there are some youtube videos which show you how to make your own. As far as service -- one a year definitely! and at $59 you are getting a steal-- that's one Big Mac a month! The machines are heavy -- but still haul it to class over the lighter older machine. Whatever you decide, a good tool is worth it's price -- while a "cheap" tool will have limits you learn about very soon.

amandaplants

Buyer Beware!!! I along with my mother have Viking machines, we purchased them 2 years ago, both of us had trouble with the machine. I returned 2 of them and my mother 3 before we got machines that would work right, they would not give us our money back either! Viking was bought out a few years back, so do some more research before you buy. We got ours from a Joanns as well. They may send them out to get serviced and it takes weeks to get back, also, they sold us a warranty on the machine, and it was a huge waste of money. Your best bet if your going to buy a good machine is go to a dealer that fixes machines on site.

krysti

Thank you all for your responses; you've all been very helpful! Right now the biggest issue for me is budget; unless I can get the 5 kids to go without eating for a month LOL. Before I buy, I will go to a dealer and ask a few more questions and ask about repair policy/warranty info and such, and of course test drive the baby. Don't want to test drive of course until I have worked it into the budget, otherwise I would just make myself sad. Will let you know if that day ever comes and I get one, or if I end up with something else. Thanks again for your help!

cmilton

I have the 835 and the SE. *35 not as easy to use as the SE. Manual seems confusing, just me. love the SE.

pandamommy

I have 3 Vikings and love them. One is older non computerized that my DD has now. I use my D2 for most things. bought the 875 last year to have for fmq. then my BFF bought a used LA so she has done most of my quilting. The new vikings are no longer made in Sweden---they are made in China. I bought my 875 about this time last year. It was a floor model that was being cleared out to make room for the new China ones. I just hope that the new machines continue to be as good as the older ones. The one thing about Vikings is that they are all enclosed and are not to be oiled. When I bought one of my first machines, the advice my Mom gave me was "buy the most machine you can afford."

marylouisebooth

I have had the V 830 model for over 13 Years. I love the machine, Have never had any serious problems, just get it service ever 2 years or so. Love, It.