I'm a newbie here although I've been reading this board for a few mobths and think you are all wonderful! I've learned so much already.

I've been making quilts using a White sewing machine. I think I'm now ready to take the plunge and buy a much better machine. My local machine shop has a Vikimg Sapphire 850 on clrerance for $1299. I can also get an intergrated sewing platform for half off for $600. So my total cost would be $1899 plus tax. He's giving a tax credit until April 16th that I can use for sewing supplies or accessories.
I would really like to strat machine wuiltining. I've been trying it on my White and it's not easy to move the fabric through the throat.
Is this price a good deal? it seems like it to me.

I think you should check out other machines, make a list of what you would like on a machine. Don't buy the first thing you see. You never know what else is out there. As far as the price I do not know anything about this particular machine so no advice on that from here. Marge

I don't know anything about the particular machine you are talking about, but, I know for machine quilting the largest the throat opening, the better and easier to quilt on. My Juki TL98QE has a 9" throat and I quilt queen size quilts on it, will be quilting another next week. So look at the throat szie before buying any machine, and wear gloves with rubber nubs to make moving the quilt around easier. Just my opinion.

That is a wonderful machine and a great price. They retail in Canada for $2100 when not on sale. One reason for the great price is that Husqvarna Viking Sapphire has updated that series of models to the 835, 855 and 875. The newer edition has a few changes but is not that much different and they are definately made for quilters. Check the available features carefully to get the model that you need. I know that the only the 870's have the automatic thread cutter which is a feature that I really like but it may not be that important to you. Take some cut fabric to the store and sit with your intended machine and make a block of two. You'll soon be able to determine if this is your new sewing partner. Remember that it will take time to get used to some of the new features. This particular machine for example has no lever to raise or lower the pressure foot (step on the foot pedal and watch what happens). This is machine that you will enjoy and I think it is good value for your $ but try it first.

I paid 1100 for the 830 when it was new and it dosnt have the embroidery like the 850 so I think it is a good price.

I want a new one, but I do not have a huge price range to be able to afford that much money ... still trying to decide what all I want in a machine ...

nice machine , good price, I have Viking Designer 1, and 1+. I think they are worth money. love mine.

$1299 is an okay price for this machine. What is the integrated sewing platform???

More important than price is whether your dealer services the machine and gives classes on it. Do they service the machines there, or send them to Viking corporate? The Sapphires are computerized, and while they can sew beautifully it's well worth it to have a dealer you can rely on when the going gets tough.

I'd rather spend more and buy from a good dealer than get a good price and find I have no support. You might want to check other machines, too, testing them with your own fabric - for piecing and for machine quilting.

Janet

I have the new 875.... HEAVEN is all I can say!

I bought my Sapphire 870 about two years ago; it came with two classes that I can repeat at anytime, thank goodness! Originally, not wanting to spend such big bucks, I'd bought the Sapphire 830. Hated it. Didn't do much more than my old BabyLock. So, I returned it and spent the money to upgrade to the 870. Much better machine, definitely made for the quilter.

As Shelbie said earlier, there's no pressure foot lever. DROVE ME NUTS!!! Almost returned the machine. I could never line up the fabric correctly for that quarter inch (I used to slightly lowering the 1/4" foot and using the edge to position the fabric.) Then someone said to me, "your machine has a throat plate with metric markings. Why not order a new plate with inch markings?! Did not know I could do this! Ordered one, got it about a month or so later.

Now, with the new throat plate and by using the needle to position my fabric, I'm good to go. The needle technique I figured out on my own -- pressure foot up, slide fabric underneath it, use the hand wheel to lower the needle just above where you want to sew (very handy when doing applique where you're not using a 1/4" seam). Now I'm happy.

One more point, the 870 (and whatever model now replaces it) has automatic tension. That, as Dawn says, is HEAVEN!

I'm also not familiar with an integrated table thingy. Do you really need it for that price? Why not forgo the table and apply the money to a better machine? just a thought...

Best of luck with your purchase.