vschieve

How old are your Pfaffs?

vschieve

Whatever you do don't buy the Pfaff CV 5.0; it is full of flukes and many that upgraded it to the 5.5 are relieved but I hear the CV 5.5, the latest is great and trouble free. That is my dream machine but will probably stick to my Pfaff 2170 for embroidery and if I wanted another Pfaff I was thinking Pfaff Quilting Expressions 3.0 or 4.0. I do a lot of FMQ on smaller things but sure could use that 11 inch opening for the real quilts as opposed to the 6" opening on the 2170. Same for my old mechanical Pfaffs although they are workhorses and have such a nice strong feel when I FMQ, especially the Pfaff 130. (Made in 1950 by serial number search) My 262 was made in 1965.

sew_sew

A few years ago I had a talk with a sewing machine repairman who had worked for years for our local Bernina dealer. He told me that while Bernina are very good machines, they are overprice due to the name. He had no reason to "dis" them, he was retired and supplimenting his income with a home repair business. He told me also that you really can't get away from the plastic parts anymore. My 7130 Pfaff was one of the last Pfaffs made with metal parts. While my Pfaff is a VERY good machine with a built in walking foot, I never felt a love for it.......I should sell it I think. My go to machine nowdays is my BabyLock Espire. I think if I wanted embroidery I would probably get the Ellure.

quilting in my60s

About machines made in China, I have "heard" the lower end of machines like Viking are now made in China but the upper end of the machines are still made in Sweden. I upgraded to a Viking Sapphire and it is still made in Sweden. I also bought a Brother sewing/embroidery machine to see if I really wanted to do embroidery and it has worked fine and it was made in China.

vschieve

Was in LQS last Saturday; they sell Viking and Brother. Anyway new top of the line Viking Diamond DELUXE will deput in the latter part of this month. I am hearing it will have the IDT like Pfaff. I know many that have the Pfaff CV 5.5 that absolutely love it but also that later on in the year Pfaff is also coming out with a big TOL embroidery machine. Right now I am hearing great things about the newer "Smart" Pfaff. Saw it on the website www.pfaffusa.com.

qwilltr

I bought the new Pfaff Creative 4.0 in Houston a couple of years ago. I was very dissatisfied at first. I could not get it to free motion. The bobbin thread just would not catch in the stitch after a couple of stitches. I returned the machine to Pfaff two times. After the second time, they sent me a brand new machine. I found out there was a flaw but they have fixed it. Now I really enjoy my machine and use it all the time. I also have a Pfaff 7550 that I love and do not intend to get rid of just in case. I take that to classes now.My next purchased will be a sitdown long arm. I'm trying to decide what to get now.

fmhall2

JacquelineVH, I agree with you 1000 %. I, too have a Pfaff 7570 and absolutely love it. I don't use the embroidery machine very much, but I love the sewing capabilities. It is my go to machine. I might also add I have a CS6000i by Brother, and a New Home (older), and a 1954 Featherweight, plus a Viking 1100 out on permanent loan. My students use my New Home and Brother and love them.

jeanharville

I bought a new Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0 In Jan. and really like it. But I would buy the brand that can be serviced locally and get free lessons. If you don't have anyone locally choose a dealer close to you. My closest dealers are 75 and 100 miles away. But that can't be helped. All thing being equal, take your own fabric and quilting sandwich and do a thorough test drive. Some of the features I wanted are the longer harp, auto scissors, needle down, foot up, good FMQ ability, etc. Happy for you to be able to get your new SM. Happy shopping.

romanojg

I love my Vikings and just upgraded after a yr with the Ruby to the Diamond Deluxe but just because it was a deal that I couldn't give up. I always would go for the larger hoop if possible. It's funny, I keep hearing that these machines are being made in China but on my new Viking and even the Ruby boxes it says Sweeden and on their website it says their machines are still manufactured in Sweeden. I don't know but would believe they wouldn't lie on the website since it could set them up for a law suit. The bottom line is that they are a great quality machine and so easy to learn. Even though I think the IDT is great, check out the new walking foot for Viking, it has many feet that allows you do so much more including using twin needles, etch so you can really jazz up your quilting. I'd love it if I could buy everything in the US but that's almost impossible these days so you have to concentrate on the quality of the product instead. Even if I were to get a used one (my Ruby was) I'd go with a dealer. They offer warranties, classes and lots of personal support. Right now it's easy to find Ruby (used) in the stores because of the Ruby Deluxe and the Diamond Deluxe that came out last yr. The prices are great and a big step up from theTopaz 30, even though it's a great machine. If you go to Viking/Phaff's website they can be compared and all features listed. Which by the way, Phaff is owned by Viking too. Good luck on your new machine, no matter what you get.

madamepurl

Pfaff, Viking and Singer are held by a company called SVP Worldwide, located in TN. the SVP is short for Singer,Viking,Pfaff. This is their home page. http://www.svpworldwide.com/index.html