Originally Posted by SheilaS

As a novice quilter, I am looking to update my 32year old Bernina. In the process of researching Husqvarna & Pfaff machines, I read that some of you are very put off these brands, because they are now manufactured in China. I am in Australia and have spoken to several retailers about the change of manufacturing site. There have been no problems with availability of parts or service and everything has been business as usual. One assistant at a large distributor told me that the owner (a qualified sewing machine mechanic) actually totally took apart a new machine, just to check on the quality of build. He was extremely impressed and feels there is no need for concern. So I am looking to buy either the Husqvarna Designer Topaz 30 or the Pfaff Creative 2.0. Having test driven both, I am having difficulty deciding. The Topaz has the bigger hoop, the Sewing Advisor, Sensor system and attachable walking foot. The Pfaff has the IDT (built in dual feed) and similar features and stitches to the Topaz?? The prices are within $A200 as the Husqvarna is on special at the moment. I would really appreciate any feedback that might help me decide!

Originally Posted by sewinglady104

I have a Phaff creative machine. It was one of the first machines that came out four years ago. I have had nothing but, trouble with it. The dealer gave three ladies new machines,when they had trouble, but he wouldn't give me one.Now he is out of business and If I have trouble I have to send it to Pfaff. i gave 8,000 for it and I wish I had gotten the new bernina. Oh, well if Pfaff is happy with it I guess I have to be also, but that was alot of money to dough out and have nothing but trouble. Good-luck on your choice.

Originally Posted by Navy Wife

Thanks for your thoughts. You're right about shopping around, some dealers won't budge on the price and others are willing to throw in different feet, embroidery unit case or even knock several hundred off the price. I'm hesitant about my choice because I don't have the best luck with things going wrong. The dealers are spread far and wide in my city and some just sell the machines (with follow up service & lessons), and others are actually quilting shops as well. So they provide a more complete service and alot more classes. Also, I was thinking of getting the quiltering extension table to go with the machine. I thought it might make free motion quilting a bit easier - does it? Is it worth getting?

The Pfaff creative 2.0 and 4.0 are the less expensive machines in the embroidery line. They lack some features of the Creative Touch. There is also the Expressions line which are not embroidery machines. The 3.0 has the wide harp and is called the Quilt Expression. If you will go to Pfaff.com all the machines are shown and their features and differences are listed. I'm sure Bernina has the same thing on their site, as well as Viking and Janome and any other brand of machine. There is one main thing to remember. Any brand of machine is only as good as the dealer you buy it from! Not just for repairs, but classes, information, and extras not included in the original package. Also, the dealer can help you with financing and even give you a better price than the one shown... but not always! No matter who you talk to, we all have our favorites and our opinions. You have to try them out, spend some time with the dealer talking about the good and bad points, and then decide which one is best for YOU. I love Pfaff. I bought my first one in 1989. I also have a little Janome which travels with me. I love it also! I've had very good luck with both as far as performance and durability. Someone else may not have had that experience!