Becky Andersen

I have always been a Pfaff girl but recently purchased the Crescendo. -what a difference is all I can say. I have been using it daily for 4 months and it is amazing. Yes, the laser light is useful. I have found that I use it for the half square triangles. I no longer have to mark them or any other diagonal lines. Nice for sewing binding strips together. There is a nice variety of stitches for applique too. I have sewn through some pretty thick fabrics with no difficulty. It is so quiet. Have not used the sensor pen yet. I like the manual and got the user guide as a "gift". Both are nice. I don't find the machine to be complicated and the buttons all make sense. the game changer for me was the upgrade that I was given with my machine. I did have to purchase the mulitfunction foot that went with the upgrade but it is wonderful. I touch one area of the foot and the presser foot lowers and it starts to sew. I press another area and presser foot lifts with needle down so I can pivot and I press another area and my threads are cut, needle lifts out of fabric and presser foot raises. That multifunction foot can be easily programed to do several things. Your choice. I really like the auto needle threader. So easy for these older eyes. I agree with others that the dealer is important when making a large purchase like this. My dealer is great but he is a little over a hundred miles away. He can talk me through problems usually but I haven't had any problems or questions with this machine. Lots of feet are available. I can't speak about the Viking Epic other than I have heard several people that are happy with the machine. I think we all have different needs and habits and things we like in a machine and I think some of the best advice given here is to just try using the machines and do things with them that you normally do and one of them will speak to you. Good luck with your choice. And if you have specific questions about the Crescendo I check this board daily and will respond.